Purpose While placemaking is a multi-disciplinary concern, it is a key focus within the discipline of spatial planning. This paper aims to explore the development of theoretical trends with regard to placemaking in spatial planning since 1975 to identify current emerging theoretical perspectives. Special attention is given to differences in perspectives between the Global North and the Global South. Design/methodology/approach The study used an integrative literature review (ILR) to analyse placemaking literature over a period of 41 years and five months. The ILR followed the basic review stages: scoping; planning and review protocol; identification/availability; searching; and screening. ILR differs from other reviews as quality appraisal, data gathering, analysis and synthesis rely on coding, thematic content analysis and synthesis. Findings Initially, the planning/review protocol resulted in 59 contributions on placemaking in various disciplines (excluding publications in other languages that English). Contributions included spatial and design disciplines (29 contributions), social sciences (14 contributions) and other disciplines (16 contributions). The literature review proceeded with a selection of 23 spatial planning contributions (20 from the Global North and three from the Global South). Theoretical trends include placemaking theorised as a physical construct, a social construct, an economic construct (absent in literature from the Global South), a tool for empowerment, a psychological dimension and an environmental management tool. Practical implications The most recent theoretical perspectives in literature suggest placemaking as an enabling tool in which people share knowledge and learn new skills to transform their own environment. This empowering process creates a linkage between planning theory and practice. Originality/value This paper contributes to the current theories of placemaking in spatial planning. It provides a simplified view of an exhaustive list of existing literature. This paper reports on the current trends and the development of placemaking theory.

Transforming space to place implies an open accountable process during which people can influence decision-making about how and what their physical spaces should become. Spatial planning plays a prominent role in this process as planning is an important change agent to enhance democracy. While communicative planning theory serves as a theoretical framework to follow a participatory approach in urban planning, the practical application of this theory is questioned. Participatory Action Research (PAR) aims to develop equal distribution of power in terms of decision-making by embracing values such as empowerment, social justice and equity, collaborative relationships, learning and respect towards diversity. This research describes the use of PAR in urban planning by proactively including community members in transforming an open space to place in their neighbourhood. The study area, located in Ikageng, Potchefstroom, South Africa, is facing stark socio and economic realities after Apartheid. A qualitative research approach was followed where no extraneous influences occurred. Data was generated by focus group discussions about participants' experiences and expectations of the process followed. The findings suggested that the process followed created a platform for change in terms of (i) the physical site (upgrade, beautification and functional use), (ii) social change (the formation of positive relationships) and (iii) psychological change (pride, sense of ownership, the development of responsibility and respect for diversity). PAR is suggested as a valuable method for planners to create meaningful places while space is used as a platform for personal and collective change.

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