By simply dismantling part of a fence, doing some simple landscaping, and putting in a bench, Dave Marcucci of Mississauga, Ontario, was able to ignite a feeling of community throughout his neighborhood. In the May issue of New Homes, Peter Skosey of the Metropolitan Planning Council writes about the power of this kind of “place-making.”
Place-making is the concept of designing public spaces around the way people want to use them. Place-making requires working with local residents to ensure shared spaces have the four key attributes of successful places: a variety of uses, a distinct image and sense of comfort, easy accessibility, and a means of encouraging social interaction. As simple as Marcucci’s bench or as complex as a town square, anywhere can become a great place if it builds on these four components.
Place-making can have positive ripple effects for home owners beyond the specific space. Public gathering spaces give people the chance to interact, which fosters a sense of community, deters crime, and encourages volunteerism and cultural activities. Involving residents in creating a public space sets off a virtuous cycle; people tend to feel a personal investment in the space and are more likely to help sustain or improve the area. For homeowners, this virtuous cycle translates into a more attractive neighborhood.
Read the rest of Skosey’s column here.