Uncategorized, Planning

Placemaking in Planning

A recent ULI webinar focused on the value of placemaking for communities and the city and key factors that help these spaces succeed. This article will provide a summary of the webinar and creative placemaking examples developed around the world.

Placemaking is a multi-faceted approach to planning, design and management of public spaces. The practice inspires people to reimagine and reinvent spaces while capitalizing on the assets, inspiration and potential of the local community. In addition to fostering better design ideas, placemaking encourages imagination and creative usage of the physical, cultural and social aspects of a space or community. The intention of placemaking is the creation of public spaces that promote the health, happiness and well-being of those who visit.

Placemaking is unique because it focuses on the storytelling and experience of the space, rather than the structure and function. Spaces are created with the goal of illuminating and lightening the mind, allowing those who visit to connect emotionally. From artistic pop-ups to designer bars and restaurants, placemaking takes many shapes and forms. Placemakers want to link industry, culture, food, art, music and entertainment to produce a space where people become fully immersed in experience. Bringing together all types of disciplines, these spaces are truly one-of-a-kind.


ABQ – Lollipop
With two locations in London and Paris, ABQ is the world’s first immersive molecular cocktail bar modeled after the hit AMC series Breaking Bad. A completely immersive experience, guests are able to dress head-to-toe in hazmat suits and masks, while creating their own cocktails using molecular techniques. In addition to the main bar, the space includes an RV and RV extension that allow guests access to additional experiences.
More Information about ABQ London