A customer focus when planning events, functions and activities is one of my learning's as President of UDAL. Clearly, this also has relevance for urban design and placemaking.

Image: the Y Planning & Design function, a networking and social event for under 30s interested in urban design.

Posted by: Andrew Hammonds

Thanks to: UDAL

With more than 70 young professionals accepting the invitation from UDAL and PIA - the Y Planning & Design function was a big hit!

I am not sure that the 'wise old heads' of UDAL would have ever thought up this idea - a little too frivolous? Nothing wrong with an event which gets people talking about urban design (amongst other topics)? This is one of the reasons we have been reducing the average age of the Board.

The same applies to urban design and placemaking - focus on the end user.

In order for a place to be successful, we must strive to meet and exceed the needs and preferences of existing and predicted users (Place User). This means designing the places for the people who will use them - not the designer. 

One way to do this is through a 'loose fit'. Good public places tolerate and promote variety, responding to a range of viewpoints and contexts. The relationship between people and their environments is never exact and predictable. Therefore, most urban spaces need to accommodate varied events - planned and un-planned.

As a participant in our on-line course said today:

"Community is involved in the process. Not only as part of the “user team”, they are promoters of 'happenings'".

Monday 5 November, 2012

Placefocus links: Additional Information - Promoting urban design; Place User, Online Couse; Fit & function

Placefocus Blogs: UDAL QLD Initiatives for 2011-12, Place Associations; Vigour and rigor UDAL 2012-2014

We consistently receive positive feedback about discussion among participants in our training courses in urban design and placemaking. While there are common qualities to the places we like, our own views matter. As suggested by participants, We have started this blog to continue this discussion on-line. The comments section of each blog provides the opportunity, so don't be bashful. Speak up! Particularly if you disagree with us. If you are reading this in our email then click on the hyperlink in the blog heading. This will take you to our website. 

David Engwicht from Creative Communities not only challenges your thinking about placemaking - he provides you with the tools to do it!

Image: David Engwicht encourages course participants to find their tiger!

Posted by: Andrew Hammonds

Thanks to: Creative Communities

The balloon ride through David's head was stimulating, challenging and useful. I came away a better placemaker after this two day course. His secrets and learnings have been incorporated into our course on urban design and placemaking.

This is an accessible course for all people involved in creating, designing, delivering and managing places.

With his clear focus on placemaking, David tends to downplay the role of urban design. However, most of the places we like have benefited from sound urban principles develped over the last 6,000 years. Yes - placemaking can offer soultions to existing places and urban design may not always be involved. However, new buildings, infrastructure and precincts will always benefit from urban design - along with placemaking. More information is available on Urban Design and Placemaking. I think there is another blog in this...

The fifteen secrets to creating vibrant neighbourhoods, prosperous shopping streets, and magical public spaces:

1. Make People feel at home;
2. Furnish with soul;
3. Break the design rules;
4. Focus on exchanges, not mobility;
5. Slow people flow;
6. Cultivate the anchoring presence;
7. Expand the experience envelope;
8. Reverse the psychological retreat; Add a comment
   More... Add new comment