Fundamentals of placemaking for the built environment: An introduction

Abstract

This chapter sets the scene for this book by introducing placemaking through its (hi)story, outlining the benefits and the issues faced by a practice of engaging people in creating places. Specifically, it looks at the issues of place masking and place wash, where ‘engagement’ and community consultation is used to just drive development without long-lasting benefits. It also presents and discusses the aspect of placemaking that can result in gentrification. Lastly, it concludes by listing the social, ecological and economic benefits of engaging in placemaking practices.