What Is Placemaking?

If you’ve ever visited a vibrant park, wandered through an exciting downtown, or admired an outdoor art installation, you’ve probably experienced placemaking without even knowing it. But what exactly does this term mean, and why is it becoming such a buzzword in city planning and business development?

In simple terms, placemaking refers to the process of creating spaces that people love to visit, interact with, and feel a sense of connection to. It’s about turning ordinary places into extraordinary destinations. And while it originally started in urban planning and architecture, placemaking now touches everything from digital signage to community engagement efforts. Let’s break it down so you can understand why it matters to businesses, communities, and the places where people live, work, and play.

Placemaking: More Than Just Design

Placemaking is more than just decorating or designing a space. It’s about creating experiences that resonate with the people who use that space. Good placemaking involves thoughtful planning, design, and community involvement. It blends physical elements, like benches or art installations, with emotional ones, like the feeling of belonging, safety, and creativity.

Think of it this way: You’ve likely seen a boring, lifeless plaza with just a few benches and little to no activity. Now imagine that same space with public art, cozy seating areas, green spaces, local shops, and digital signage that shares community news or event details. The difference? The second example has been thoughtfully designed for people to gather, interact, and feel connected. That’s the essence of placemaking.

Key Components of Placemaking

1. Community Engagement: Successful placemaking starts with the community. People who use the space daily often have the best insights into what would make the area better. By involving them in the process, cities and businesses ensure that the space meets the needs of those who will benefit most from it. This could mean asking locals for their input on new developments, hosting events that engage the community, or simply listening to the needs of the people who use the space regularly.
2. Creating a Sense of Place: Placemaking is all about creating a unique identity for a space. Whether it’s a park, a downtown area, or a shopping district, the goal is to make the place feel special and tied to its local culture. This is where elements like local art, design, architecture, and even digital signage come into play. For instance, a mural on a building can tell a local story, and interactive digital displays can provide real-time information, like bus schedules or upcoming events, creating a sense of belonging and community.
3. Design for People: Good placemaking designs spaces that prioritize people over cars, businesses, or infrastructure. This means including seating, green spaces, walkable areas, and safety measures. Placemaking isn’t just about making things look nice—it’s about designing functional spaces where people feel comfortable, engaged, and connected. Whether it’s benches to relax on, wide sidewalks for strolling, or spaces for community events, these design elements invite people to interact and spend time in the area.
4. Inclusivity and Accessibility: For placemaking to truly be successful, it must be inclusive. This means creating spaces that are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. A successful placemaking effort considers how people of all abilities can engage with the space—whether that means having wheelchair ramps, braille signage, or a mix of activities that appeal to different groups.

Why Does Placemaking Matter to Businesses?

For businesses, placemaking can play a huge role in boosting customer engagement and driving foot traffic. When a space is vibrant, welcoming, and interesting, it naturally attracts people—and that’s a win for businesses located in or around that space. For example, a local business located in an area with engaging public art, events, and digital signage has the opportunity to connect with more potential customers, build a community, and stand out.

Placemaking can also enhance brand image. If you create a space that people enjoy and feel connected to, your business can be seen as a part of the community’s identity. This can translate to increased loyalty and positive word-of-mouth marketing. Plus, when people are drawn to a space for its charm or activities, they’re more likely to visit, stay longer, and become repeat customers.

The Role of Digital Signage in Placemaking

Digital signage plays an increasingly important role in placemaking. It helps inform, entertain, and engage people in public spaces. Whether it’s showcasing local events, providing directions, or displaying dynamic ads, digital signage enhances the overall experience of a place. By adding digital signage to a space, businesses can keep visitors informed, entertained, and more likely to stick around, which is great for business!

Examples of Placemaking in Action

San Jose, California: The city has been working to make its downtown more vibrant by adding murals, creating community events, and investing in public spaces. The result? A more inviting and engaging downtown area where businesses can thrive, and residents feel a sense of ownership.

Times Square, New York City: Known for its massive digital billboards and bustling atmosphere, Times Square is a perfect example of placemaking on a grand scale. The space is designed to draw people in and offer a variety of things to do, from shopping to entertainment to dining.

Parks and Public Spaces: Many cities around the world are using placemaking in parks by adding things like outdoor theaters, fitness zones, and interactive art installations. These spaces aren’t just green areas—they’re thriving centers of activity where people can meet, engage, and relax.

 

Placemaking is all about creating spaces that are more than just places to pass through—they’re places to experience. Whether it’s through engaging design, community involvement, or the addition of digital signage, placemaking helps transform ordinary locations into extraordinary destinations.

For businesses, embracing placemaking principles can be a game changer, creating spaces that attract customers, boost engagement, and foster stronger community connections. So, next time you’re walking through a lively city square or enjoying a community event, remember: placemaking is what makes that space feel like home. And it could be just the key to making your business stand out too!

BLR has experience with making downtown spaces into remarkable places to visit. Contact BLR for a consultation.