Leadership in placemaking

Abstract

An examination of leadership in placemaking requires a different perspective; one that takes a broad look at all stakeholders involved, observing and interpreting behaviour and actions. This chapter explores a dynamic leadership approach in which the different leadership roles can be accommodated and all stakeholders are empowered to engage and contribute to placemaking projects regardless of organisational structure. Through experience and critical reflection, placemakers can learn to recognise the changes in situations, the dynamic roles within placemaking, and the different scales of interactions as they occur. As placemakers, we seek to support placemaking through the development of leadership and the ability to drive placemaking. You are invited to review your own capabilities and biases, understand your leadership role in placemaking, and support leadership in others using the Leadership in Placemaking Reflective Tool. We believe this tool has the potential to challenge current practices and support the development of critical reflection in placemaking.