PLACEMAKING PRINCIPLES

COMMUNITY INPUT

Involving the community and receiving their input is essential to ensuring that a public space will be designed to function in the best way for the community. Ideas to promote community input include: 

- Observation + ethnographic research

- Inclusive meetings and workshops

- Conversations within the community

- Surveys + public forums for discussion

- Areas for the public to submit ideas (ex: community board posting)

- Engaging locals in a way that is comfortable for them (ex: public outreach events in a common area, flyers in the mailbox with information, etc.)

DESIGN

The main goal of any public space is to include all individuals who will occupy that space regardless of ability, gender, age, or race. Necessary inclusive design elements are: 

​

- Ability (cognitive, sensory, physical, developmental)

- Gender expression

- Sexual identity

- Culture

​

It is necessary to use community input to ensure that the design is inclusive for those who will occupy it - consider the past and future with equal importance. 

PROGRAMMING

Provided that a public space is able to support community programs and events the following ideas can foster/incorporate inclusivity and equality:

​

- Culturally relevant programming 

- Public market space

- Equipment that encourages eating together (i.e. grills, picnic tables, ample seating)

- Flexible space for informal events

- Free community events 

​

Programming will look different for every space because every population varies and community needs/interests are different. This cannot be a "cookie-cutter" implementation and is a vital component in ensuring active community engagement.