Placemaking with Purpose: Strengthening Communities Through Authentic Design
Thoughtful open space design, guided by landscape architects and urban designers, is an important tool that helps communities preserve their vibrancy, attract visitors, and build lasting economic strength.
What Is Placemaking?
Good public space design goes beyond adding a few planters or benches — it’s about shaping streets, parks, and plazas that draw people in and make them want to stay.
According to the Urban Land Institute (ULI), research shows that communities that invest in placemaking can see property values rise by up to 20% and local business activity grow by around 30%, a big boost for any small town trying to revive its downtown.
Every town has a story, whether it’s a historic downtown square, a unique landmark, or a cultural tradition that brings people together. Successful landscape architects and urban designers seek out those unique assets to weave them into their design.
Celebrating History and Growth with Urban Placemaking in Newark
In Newark, Ohio, Environmental Design Group is partnering with city leaders to transform a former industrial site into a community park that honors its history with the Erie Canal, one of many transformative placemaking projects.
Interpretive signage will be thoughtfully incorporated throughout the park to share the story of the canal’s role in shaping Newark’s growth, connecting visitors to the city’s industrial and transportation heritage.
When this project is completed, it will complement the nearby Newark Station mixed-use development — a vibrant community hub in a reimagined warehouse featuring apartments, artist studios, a café, and event spaces. Together, the park and the Newark Station development celebrate Newark’s heritage while acting as catalysts for future growth and increased community engagement.
Placemaking Connects People to Place
Architectural placemaking is also storytelling in physical form. Small touches like interpretive signs, murals by local artists, or public art inspired by local history help residents and visitors connect with a community’s identity. When people see their town’s history and culture reflected in the built environment, they’re more likely to care for it, support local businesses, and invite others to experience it too.
Designing Spaces That Encourage Connection and Commerce
Good design brings people together and encourages them to linger, directly benefiting local shops, restaurants, and events. When streets and parks feel safe and welcoming, foot traffic can increase by up to 40%, (EPA Smart Growth) allowing more people to discover what local businesses have to offer. Simple ideas like shaded seating, bike racks, outdoor dining, and small plazas make a big difference. Along with promoting existing businesses, investing in improvements encourages new businesses to open in once-empty storefronts, creating a ripple effect for economic development.
Building Community Identity Through Placemaking Design
A strong community identity is another key piece of successful placemaking. Placemaking architecture elements like well-designed gateways, unique wayfinding signs, and welcoming entrances signal to visitors and residents alike that they are entering somewhere special. A clear sense of arrival whether through an iconic sign, a restored historic feature, or an architectural detail helps define the community and reinforce local pride. When people feel they have truly “arrived,” they’re more likely to stop, explore, and invest their time and money, locally.
Investing in Placemaking to Attract People and Opportunity
Investing in public open spaces and placemaking can help communities compete for residents, visitors, and jobs. More than 60% of young adults aged 21-31 say they choose where to live based on the quality and character of a place (DePaul University, 2015). By weaving authentic community stories into thoughtfully designed public spaces communities can create welcoming, memorable places that strengthen local ties, celebrate the past, and set the stage for a vibrant future uniquely their own.
Landscape Architecture Focused on Community Placemaking
Our landscape architects specialize in placemaking to design spaces that reflect community identity, support local goals, and foster meaningful social connections. Contact us today to learn more about how EDG can help with your community placemaking needs.