Page 44 - #189 March 2024

SPECIAL FEATURE - PLACEMAKING

The Essence of Placemaking

Alchemy: Transforming Real Estate

into Experience Zones

In an era where real estate is no longer just about location or size, but about the narrative and experience
it conveys, the art of placemaking has emerged as a critical instrument for developers, designers and
communities alike. Here, Anna Domingo, Founder of PADZZLE discusses how the term placemaking is
evolving and what it means in today’s world.

one are the days when a building was merely erected to fulfill of the beholder, but function, sustainability and purpose are universals
Ga functional need. Today, spaces speak stories, they curate that any great design must encompass.
experiences and they foster identity. But how do we distill the essence The myth of branding gurus to provide a logo or identity is hopefully
of this metamorphosis and apply it to our real estate ventures? long gone. Stay away from any agency who just will give you a flat identity.
As the revered conjurors of placemaking, how do we ensure that the The brand is a secondary outcome, the easiest part.
alchemy of transforming space occurs, creating an elixir where people Have you heard of a place book? This is more important and a key
and place are harmoniously bound? component to support all your placemaking. The foundation of anything
combined with the approach of the Community as the Catalyst.
Placemaking: More Than Design, it’s an Ecosystem Successful placemaking hinges on community involvement. Anecdotal
Imagine placemaking not as an isolated project but as an organic stories, historical relevance and local flavour are the transformative
ecosystem where every component is interdependent. It begins with an elements that empower a space to resonate with its users. When the
understanding that design, no matter how elegant or innovative, is only community sees itself in the mirror of its public spaces, a powerful bond
one part of the recipe. Retail and entertainment are merely spices in the is formed.
mix. The true alchemy lies in weaving these together with the fabric of the
surrounding community. Placemaking is a multifaceted exchange where The Art of Unique Offering: A Beacon of Authenticity
the space offers value, but the community infuses it with life and purpose. Cookie-cutter developments might fulfill the checklists, but they
lack the magnetism that makes a destination truly unique. To craft an
The Myth of Design and Brand Dominance authentic place, developers must be willing to take risks, to be the first
Design is vital, but its role is often overstated. We’ve seen grand to offer something truly novel. This requires a keen understanding of
architecture fall flat due to a lack of substance. Beauty may be in the eye the market, a dash of bravery and a commitment to fostering the new.

44 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL MARCH 2024