Page 36 - #182 June 2023

SPECIAL FEATURE - PLACEMAKING

The Well, Toronto Canada
Developers: RioCan and Allied Properties

Building Communities Around Places

Defined as a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces, Placemaking
capitalises on a local community’s assets, inspiration and potential, with the intention of creating public
spaces that improve urban vitality and promote people’s health, happiness and well-being. Over the coming
pages, RLI highlights a number of examples of these from around the world.

ccording to the article ‘Placemaking in Urban Design’ • Strategic placemaking - this is targeted to a particular goal in
by Urban Design Lab, Placemaking is an approach to addition to the creation of space. For example, developing spaces that
Aurban design that prioritises people over infrastructure. It will attract businesses, leading to jobs and growth.
aims to create public spaces that are more than just utilitarian, but • Tactical placemaking – this emphasises testing projects
rather places that inspire and promote social interaction and cultural through phases and iterations rather than constructing projects straight
exchange. Placemaking recognises that public spaces play an essential from the drawing board.
role in the social and cultural life of communities and that they are • Creative placemaking - this integrates arts, culture and design
critical to creating a sense of place and identity. activities into efforts that strengthen communities.
The article goes onto say that another principle of Placemaking The article continues by saying that Placemaking can run the gamut -
is mixed-use development. Placemaking encourages mixed-use from placing rubbish bins on sidewalks to building an innovation district
development, which combines residential, commercial and civic uses in where the community can convene. However, a common thread runs
a single space. This creates a sense of place and provides opportunities through all placemaking projects: building stronger communities.
for social interaction and economic activity. Mixed-use development Over the next few pages, join RLI as we take a look at a range of
can also help to reduce dependence on cars by creating walkable, examples of Placemaking from all corners of the world, to highlight the
bikeable neighbourhoods with easy access to shops, services and different types and how they each possess their own unique elements
public transportation. to draw people out and bring communities together.
Another article on the topic by Innovation Quarter which is entitled A joint venture between RioCan REIT and Allied Properties REIT,
‘Five Placemaking Projects that Inspire Us’ explains that there are the The Well is a bold reflection of Toronto’s energy and diversity and
following four types of Placemaking: an extension of the urban vibrancy of King West. Bordering Front,
• Standard placemaking - this is the process of creating quality Spadina and Wellington, it is a mixture of retail, commercial and
places where people want to live, work, play and learn. residential space in downtown Toronto that will draw approximately