Exploring the

Multifaceted Dimensions
of Placemaking: From
Theory to Practice

Group F：Mu Jie

13/02/2024
1 ‘Placemaking’ in theory
Space is geographically located, but place has more
flexible boundaries and is interpreted (and has meaning)
So, more than location and where things exist, but where
humans interact, live & do business

“the spaces where life occurs are places…A place is a

space which has a distinct character.”
Christian Norberg-Schulz
From space
(our physical environment)

to place
(an environment that has identity and meaning)

A process that is consciously undertaken with and

alongside communities
Theory| Place-making

“Placemaking is a holistic process that aims to bring together all the

component parts of a successful place” (CABE, 2010)

“Places are termed 'places' and not just 'spaces' when they are endowed
with identity” (Sepe, 2013)

“The most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the 'place' to

forefront the 'making'” (Silberberg et al. 2013)
Theory| Holistic Placemaking

Holistic Placemaking is a concept developed through four theories:

Cultural Landscape Theory, Place Attachment Theory, Heritage Theory and Environmental Psychology.

Cultural Landscape Theory examines the Heritage Theory underscores the importance of
bond between landscapes and their conserving historical, cultural, and environmental
cultural influences, focusing on the heritage, affecting community identity and shaping
underlying meanings, traditions, and stories preservation policies. UNESCO distinguishes
of a place. It stresses the importance of between Tangible Heritage—like cultural sites and
these silent city narratives—tales of natural landscapes—and Intangible Heritage,
resilience and innovation. Recognizing including traditions, arts, and knowledge.
these aspects is vital for sensitive and Acknowledging that history often reflects the
respectful placemaking. victors' viewpoint, it's crucial to examine heritage
from multiple angles. Placemaking thus becomes a
key in honoring heritage while maintaining its
significance for the future.
Place Attachment Theory delves into our
emotional bonds with specific places,
analyzing why some locations are more Environmental Psychology emphasizes the
meaningful to us than others. This theory, importance of creating spaces that are beneficial to
intersecting geography, sociology, and mental health and well-being, focusing on the
psychology, explains the depth of our interplay between individuals and their
connections with places through memories surroundings. It addresses how natural settings
and emotions. 'Home' is a key focus, reduce stress and the impact of urban density and
embodying belonging and cherished environmental decline on mental health. The field is
memories. Personal experiences and social integral to designing sustainable, livable spaces,
ties give unique value to places like a advocating a 'Biophilic' design that fosters a
childhood café or a local park, creating a connection with nature and prioritizes sustainability,
sense of belonging. leading to enhanced well-being, creativity, social
ties, and environmental care.
Theory | Place Attachment, as Static Outcome
Theory | Study Subject
Theory | What makes a great place?

The image depicts a model for

creating successful public
spaces, focusing on 'Place' as
the core, surrounded by four
attributes: 'Sociability' for
interaction and welcome, 'Uses
& Activities' for diverse
functions, 'Access & Linkages'
for connectivity, and 'Comfort &
Image' for safety and aesthetics.
These attributes are detailed
with specific features essential
for dynamic, inclusive public
spaces.
2 Case Study: Imageability of Urban Public Space in Singapore
– The Singapore River District
Case Study| History of the Singapore River
Singapore River is one of the 90 rivers in Singapore that meanders in the central business district region passing
through Boat Quay, Clark Quay and Robertson Quay. It is about 3.2 km long starting from Kim Seng Bridge to its mouth
at esplanade where it enters the Marina Channel and flows out to the Singapore Strait.
Case Study| transformation of three distinct quays

The Singapore River, once a 19th-century transshipment hub, has now

evolved into a popular lifestyle destination, brimming with hotels,
shops, restaurants, and riverside residences. Following the river
cleanup completed in 1987, numerous dilapidated shophouses and
warehouses were restored and repurposed for new uses, such as
restaurants, cafes, offices, and residences.
By 2000, the transformation was nearly complete, and today, three
distinct quays showcase a diverse and differentiated array of offerings.
Case Study| Renovation Goal: Create a meticulously designed destination.
The Singapore River Concept Plan (1985) and the Development Guide Plan (1994) laid the foundation for the transformation of
the river area, which continues today guided by the Singapore River Urban Design Guidelines and planning. The following
image shows examples of design considerations and elements that have contributed to the beautiful waterfront and
streetscape of the river.
 Case Study|Mobility

Analysis of Scale and Accessibility of Riverside Precincts.

ANJALI MANIAR, ANKITA CHOUHAN, CHANDANA SAI

Case Study|Activities

• Spatial links :
(a) Pedestrian Pathways
(b) Boat services through water

• Riverfront developed in blocks with specific

activity. Areas for similar activities were located
together.

• Public and Private partnerships developed for

remodelling of riverfront.

• Concentrated efforts in branding and

marketing of the area.

• The movement along the river is developed

such that each pocket of area has a different
experience to offer with its environment, along
with buffer spaces in between, allowing users to
gain better clarity of the space.

ANJALI MANIAR, ANKITA CHOUHAN, CHANDANA SAI

BID Model|Building a Platform to Face Challenges.
To keep the Singapore River appealing, it's crucial to find new management strategies for its offerings and identity. The main challenge is the
absence of a unified platform for promoting development throughout the area, home to diverse stakeholders with varying needs. The lack of
sustainable funding hampers long-term management. In response, in 2010, the Urban Redevelopment Authority initiated a study to explore
sustainable management models, including the BID model, involving stakeholders to address key issues. This led to the formation of an
informal working group and the "Improve Singapore River" campaign in 2011, targeting soliciting and overcharging, with efforts to foster good
business practices and enhance the river's image.

BID Model and Placemaking Principles
•Community-Led Initiatives: BIDs are often formed through the collaboration of
property and business owners within a defined area, working together to improve
and promote their district. Similarly, the placemaking efforts along the Singapore
River have involved various stakeholders, including government agencies, local
businesses, and the community, to reimagine and revitalize the area.
•Funding and Investment: BIDs are funded by levies on local businesses, which are
then reinvested into the area for improvements, events, and promotions. In
Singapore, substantial public investment, along with contributions from private
stakeholders, has been directed towards cleaning the river, enhancing public
spaces, and preserving heritage sites, which are key aspects of placemaking.
•Enhanced Public Spaces: Both BIDs and the Singapore River initiative focus on
creating vibrant, accessible public spaces that encourage social interactions,
cultural activities, and economic growth. This includes the development of
waterfront promenades, outdoor dining areas, and event spaces along the
Singapore River.
•Economic Development: A core goal of BIDs is to boost local economies by
attracting visitors, increasing foot traffic, and supporting local businesses. The
transformation of the Singapore River into a major leisure and lifestyle destination
has similarly spurred economic development.
Singapore River's Unique Approach to Placemaking
•Integrated Urban Planning: The Singapore River's placemaking
efforts have been part of a broader urban planning strategy,
integrating environmental sustainability, heritage conservation, and
urban liveability. This holistic approach goes beyond the typical focus
of BIDs on commercial vitality and safety.
•Government Leadership: Unlike the business-led BID model, the
Singapore government has played a leading role in the river's
placemaking, guiding the vision, providing substantial funding, and
coordinating between various stakeholders. This top-down approach
has facilitated large-scale, integrated developments that might be
more challenging to achieve through a BID structure alone.
•Cultural and Historical Preservation: While BIDs often emphasize
economic development and urban beautification, the Singapore
River project has also placed a strong emphasis on preserving and
celebrating the cultural and historical heritage of the area, aligning
with broader national goals of cultural identity and heritage tourism.
Case Study|SRO
In April 2012, Singapore River One (SRO)
was established as a non-profit
dedicated to managing the Singapore
River area. Initially consisting of 11
members from major riverside property
owners and specialized teams, SRO
played a key role in reviving the river's
charm through various activities, leading
its membership to grow from 12 in 2012
to 121 by early 2020.
From 2012 to 2017, as envisioned in its five-year business plan, SRO
worked closely with its diverse stakeholders and government
agencies to:
• Reduce touting and overcharging and other anti-social
behaviours with campaigns such as “A Better Singapore River”, an
early effort carried out in 2011;
• Strengthen the river’s identity, by developing a unifying logo,
promoting activities and offerings around the river and organising
sustained events and programmes to continuously attract people
to the precinct;
• Maintain a safe and clean environment, by working closely
with relevant government agencies to proactively identify and
manage areas that are more litter and graffiti-prone, and carry out
regular safety patrols;
• Improve the river’s physical realm by contributing to
enhancing the outdoor dining experience, lighting up the
shophouse facades along Boat Quay and beautifying public
spaces along the river with murals and benches;
• Contribute to establishing regular water taxi shuttle services
along the river; operations started from 2013 and has become a
key part and experience of the river precinct.
Case Study|Strategies
1.Improving the dining experience along Boat Quay Outdoor
Since the early 1990s, dining along the riverfront promenade has been popular, but its appeal waned due to
clutter and safety hazards. In 2014, SRO proposed enhancements, engaging stakeholders through meetings to
gain support. With input from the community and coordination with URA, improvements were made by 2017,
including underground power cables, promenade repaving, new dining structures, and better river views.
Despite challenges with individual shophouse landlords, SRO, as the master licensee of Outdoor Refreshment
Areas (ORAs), plays a key role in unifying stakeholders towards a cohesive vision for the precinct.
Case Study|Strategies

2.Activating public spaces

SRO has revitalized riverfront public spaces by collaborating with artists and design students, introducing
imaginative play areas at Robertson Quay and communal spaces for socializing. Specially designed benches at
Clarke and Robertson Quay enhance relaxation, while murals in underpasses and on shophouse facades, supported
by landlords and businesses, enrich walks. These art installations, featured in events like the Singapore River Festival
and Singapore Art Week, contribute to the area's cultural vibrancy.
Case Study| Strategies

3.Creating memorable events

To rejuvenate the river precinct, SRO curated
events like Christmas by the River and the
Singapore River Festival, and supported the Saint
Patrick’s Day Festival. These annual events featured
diverse themes and activities across the three
quays, including food markets, performances, art
trails, and dragon boat races, drawing significant
visitor numbers and increasing stakeholder
participation over the years.

4.Turning Circular Road into a weekend car-free zone

Case Study|Placemaking today and Beyond

1.Environmental Restoration: Initiate major cleanup efforts to improve

water quality and create a healthier ecosystem.

2.Heritage Conservation: Preserve historical sites and buildings to

maintain cultural continuity while allowing for adaptive reuse for
contemporary purposes.

3.Public Space Development: Design waterfront promenades, parks,

and public gathering places to encourage community interaction and
recreational activities.

4.Economic Revitalization: Encourage business development through

mixed-use developments that blend commercial, residential, and
entertainment spaces to boost the local economy.

5.Integrated Urban Planning: Coordinate infrastructure improvements,

including transportation links and pedestrian-friendly pathways, to
enhance accessibility and connectivity.
3 Practical project under heritage theory :
Placemaking-inspired Community Revitalization Project
from 2017 Quanzhou.
Practical project | The neighborhood unit division system "Pu-Jing".

“半城烟火半城仙”
"Half of the city is worldly, half is divine. In this
modest city, over 6000 temples hide,
worshipping more than 500 deities, truly
making it a 'world religious museum'."。

“The term ‘铺’ (Pu)refers to the official

urban governance system and is also used
to denote residential units within a city. It
links the city together, forming
interconnected public spaces with
dynamic interactions.

The concept of ‘境’(Jing) points to a local

belief system, denoting the jurisdiction of
Restoration of the spatial layout of the neighborhood units Distribution and Coverage Area of Local Temples
a temple as well as the area covered in the ancient city of Quanzhou
during 'encircling processions' in folk deity
welcoming ceremonies."
Theory Reference| Parasitic Temples

They are numerous in number, hidden in the city, and are the byproducts of rapid urbanization growth. Some temples arrived before
urban development, then gradually expanded in the surrounding urban environment. Their territory was divided, retreating from the
center to the periphery, shrinking step by step until only occupying the most extreme urban space.

Lai Bowei,
Graduated from the Harvard University,
GSD, registered architect in Taiwan
Theory Reference| Parasitic Temples

Underbridge Temple Run & Gun Temple Water House In Middle Temple

Roundabout Temple Overstreet Temple Under-Bridge Temple In Middle Road Extrusion Temple
Practical project | Pujing management and placemaking
The "pujing temple" has always been a ceremonial space in actuality,
serving as a place for public life rituals, preserving historical relics, and
providing a venue for both formal and informal law enforcement within
the community.

"By continuing the 'pujing' management, we can harness the

community's and residents' positive contributions to protect
Quanzhou's ancient city. Traditionally, 'pujing' residents worship shared
deities, follow similar daily rituals, and uphold traditional etiquette and
community norms. This helps manage public resources through
residents' agreements.“

In modern city management, we can continue practices like organizing

community events, raising funds for public spaces, and ensuring fair
negotiation processes for residents. These efforts have long sustained
the social fabric of our neighborhoods, becoming part of our traditional
urban governance legacy."

"Make the placemaking process in the neighborhood an effective

mechanism to inspire resident participation in heritage preservation,
thereby promoting the reconstruction of local traditions and the
pujing temple "Tongjin Palace" and its surrounding environment. continuation of the 'spirit of place'."
Practical project | Research & Report
Team leader Huang
Qiang led the judges and
teachers, starting from
Deji Gate Square, passing
through Heng Street, and
walking to Qinglong
Lane. They highlighted
the Qinglong Palace, Lin
Bairei's former residence,
Lin Lianping's former
residence, Li Miaosen's
former residence, and
other famous temples
and former residences in
Qinglong Lane. We also
reported on the activities
conducted before
community building,
such as hanging red
lanterns, making hand-
painted signs, and
organizing small squares,
to the report on site.

We start small and aim big, embarking on grassroots community-building activities.

In the span of three months, we have accomplished many meaningful endeavors:
hanging lanterns for Chinese New Year, lantern festival celebrations, riddle guessing,
organizing an old photo exhibition, mural painting activities, reading and sharing
event ，minor renovations of small squares, temple maintenance, and more. Our
activities have injected vitality and influence into the community, garnering
attention and media coverage from various sources while also boosting popularity.
Practical project |More Activities
reports on local community-building activities

150 students
+
6 teachers
+
10 weeks
=
30 ancient
city guides

reading and sharing event Mural Attractions

Ancient City Live Music Concert

Other Practical project |Dragon Zodiac Art Installation

The Dragon Zodiac art installations have

successively made appearances at various
locations in the ancient city, attracting numerous
citizens, touriststo come and take photos.
Together with the "Quanzhou Dragons," they
welcome the Chinese New Year of the Dragon.
Practical project | When does community building end?

When we act, habits govern us, so we often resort to old

patterns of behavior instead of embracing innovation, leading
us into pitfalls.

Extend the chain as much as possible, adding various interfaces and

adopting a gaming approach:
刘昭吟,Liu Zhaoyin

Competitions Games The Doctoral Program in Architecture and Urban

Planning at National Taiwan University,
Tasks Invitations
has played a leading role in promoting
Rush to finish Prolonging the game "community building" in Quanzhou City.

Survival of the fittest Creating opportunities for the weak

Rigidity Various variations

Socializing Gatherings

Community building is not simply a competition; it should be treated

as a game, enjoying the fun, continually extending the process, and
achieving sustainable development. This is the true meaning of
community building.
Practical project | When facing conflicts, how should we proceed?

Typically, a vote is taken and the minority yields to the

majority. However, voting can actually exacerbate divisions;
even though the minority may outwardly comply, their
attitude may become negative or they may even withdraw.
If seeking consensus, it is advisable to avoid resorting to
voting as much as possible.

In resolving conflict, direct compromise is not always the

best approach. What is most needed is the introduction
Methods of Creatively Distributing Oranges as Recorded in Japanese Books
of new values and the application of wisdom to achieve
creative solutions. For creative solutions, consensus on
"new values" and the "changes with time" often prove to be
crucial.
Practical project | sustainable community building

How to sustain vitality and engage surrounding residents? This stems from
effectively playing three roles: a think tank, practitioners, and connectors.

A sustainable community or society should focus on three key aspects: learning,

collaboration, and self-governance. Learning provides knowledge to guide practice,
helping participants develop self-assessment and common understanding.
Collaboration strengthens connections between people, generating synergistic
effects through mutual support. Participants accumulate practical skills through
self-determination, self-responsibility, and self-management.

Community building is an ongoing practice with no endpoint. Cultivating the next

generation of community builders is the mission of current participants in community
building……