Exploring theoretical trends in placemaking: towards new perspectives in spatial planning

Abstract

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.

Placemaking in Action: Factors That Support or Obstruct the Development of Urban Community Gardens

“…Following this democratic ideal, placemaking has become a meaningful and widely absorbed concept. Placemaking and resulting interventions can be regarded as strategies for nurturing social and spatial diversity [12], promoting participatory design approaches, and improving "lived space" for a wide range of users [13]. Toolis [14] further explored the potentials of placemaking as a tool and strategy for civil empowerment and coined the term "critical placemaking", referring to the act of reclaiming public space affected by privatisation.…”

Cultural festivals and the city

“…This link between place and festivals has received increasing attention, particularly in relation to the idea of ‘placemaking’ (see two recent special issues on the subject: Platt & Ali‐Knight, ; De Brito & Richards, ). Placemaking is often understood to be a more democratic process whereby citizens are involved in the decision making (Strydom, Puren, & Drewes, ); however, placemaking too has become embedded in neoliberal place management strategies (Fincher, Pardy, & Shaw, ; Shaw & Montana, ). Richards () suggests that events are now being utilized in placemaking rather than in the wider marketing agenda of place branding.…”

Emerging Participative Approaches for Urban Regeneration in Chinese Megacities

“…The concept of place-making has developed in the past decades from a term concerned mainly about places as physical end-products towards a participatory process as an empowering tool (Strydom et al 2018). It is becoming a more suitable route to stimulate active participation and enhance social capital, although affordable applications in practice is still scarce (Alvarez et al 2017).…”

“…Public participation has become an increasingly used approach to spear urban change with social inclusion and facilitate place-making in countries where the planning system provides space for it (Strydom et al 2018;Karacor 2014;Main and Sandoval 2015). A more sustainable urbanization strategy relies on the joint effort of the public, private sectors and the civil society, with the exchanges of resources, shared goals and common interests (Healey 1997; Koppenjan and Klijn 2004;Head and Alford 2015).…”