"Placemaking"

Since this is a blog about place, and I've been blathering about New Urbanism, seems time to give a nod to the wonderful "Placemaking" that's been transforming communities so effectively. Project For Public Spaces  has a great summary of what the term has come to mean, as well as resources  to "create and sustain public spaces that build stronger communities."

PPS

Wiki also has a good definition, as well as a list of Placemaking architects. The best Placemaking is grassroots in nature, and good architecture and landscape architecture can play a huge roll in effectiveness. "Creative placemaking animates public and private spaces, rejuvenates structures and streetscapes, improves local business viability and public safety, and brings diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired."  Thankfully revived in the 1960's, Placemaking used to be the natural process of community development, much as "artisanal" and "locavore" are new words to describe ancient ways. Reviving a communities connection to the specifics of  place brings happiness and prosperity back. Location, location, location!

PPS

"New Urbanism" Awesomeness in the City

CurbedSF

So much of what makes San Francisco (and Marin) wonderful can be filed under "New Urbanism,"  which is quite often the resurrection of old urbanism, before cars took over the universe. Now of course, as a realtor, I have and use a car, but I'm also a pedestrian and cyclist and plant lover, and a big fan of making cities more livable. Cities around the world are revitalizing using these principles, and San Francisco is definitely on the vanguard.

Cycle Chic

Today's San Francisco examples: here and here. Copenhagen has been at this for decades.  Marin, while not quite urban, does have concentrated town centers, often surrounded by protected wildlands, more on Marin in another post.

StreetsBlog