PLACEMAKING: What Is It? Placemaking is the process by which people transform the locations they inhabit into the places they live.
BACKGROUND From 1986-1990, s Matthew B. Ackerman, LEED AIA was a designer with the internationally acclaimed urban design office of Benjamin Thompson & Associates (BTA) of Cambridge, Massachusetts (1987 Firm of the Year). Having studied urban design both in Europe and at the University of Texas at Austin, Mr. Ackerman s tenure at BTA allowed him to further explore the notion of Placemaking as a central, organizing approach to architectural master planning and design. While at BTA, Mr. Ackerman was involved with, and led team members on numerous sustainable, mixed-use waterfront and marketplace design commissions. Several of the following case studies are projects Mr. Ackerman participated on as either a design team leader, or key contributor during his time at BTA.
PLACEMAKING EXPERIENCE (Project Types) WATERFRONT DESIGNS MIXED-USE & MARKETPLACE COMMUNITY
WATERFRONT DESIGNS
George s Dock- Dublin, Ireland
George s Dock- Dublin, Ireland Ben Thompson & Assoc. DESIGN VALUES: Pedestrian Focused Human Scaled Mixed-Use Connection to Water Diversity of Scale Generous Public Space Diverse Activities Flexible Uses
Harumi Waterfront - Tokyo, Japan DESIGN PROCESS: Asset Mapping Cultural Study Stakeholder Participation Definition of Goals Identification of Values Prelim. Design Studies Public Input Process 3D Visualization Ben Thompson & Assoc.
Harumi Waterfront - Tokyo, Japan Ben Thompson & Assoc.
Harumi Waterfront - Tokyo, Japan DESIGN VALUES: Pedestrian Focused Human Scaled Mixed-Use Development Extends to Water Ben Thompson & Assoc. Diversity of Scale Generous Public Space Diverse Activities Flexible Uses
Springfield Riverfront- Springfield, MA Ben Thompson & Assoc.
Springfield Riverfront- Springfield, MA DESIGN VALUES: Pedestrian Focused Human Scaled Mixed-Use Connection to Water Diversity of Scale Lots of Public Space Diverse Activities Ben Thompson & Assoc.
Savannah Harbor- Savannah, GA
Savannah Harbor- Savannah, GA DESIGN VALUES: Pedestrian Focused Human Scaled Mixed-Use Uses Extend Into Water Diversity of Scale Generous Public Space Diverse Water Related Activities Eco-Systems Preserved
Bullhead City Waterfront - Bullhead City, AZ DESIGN VALUES: Pedestrian Focused Human Scaled Mixed-Use Extends into Water Diversity of Scales Public Spaces Diverse Activities Flexible Uses
Bullhead City Waterfront - Bullhead City, AZ
MIXED-USE & MARKETPLACES
Westwood village- Westwood, CA Ben Thompson & Assoc.
Westwood village- Westwood, CA Ben Thompson & Assoc. DESIGN VALUES: Pedestrian Focused Human Scaled Mixed-Use Streets for People Range of Scales Developed Public Space Diverse Activities Parking Underground
Yavapai-Apache Marketplace- Camp Verde, AZ
Yavapai-Apache Marketplace- Camp Verde, AZ DESIGN VALUES: Pedestrian Focused Cars & Parking at Periphery Human Scaled Mixed-Use Pathways for People Range of Scales Embellishment of People Places Range of Activities
COMMUNITY
La Loggia At Arcosanti- Cordes Junction, AZ BACKGROUND Arcosanti is an experimental community located in central Arizona. Created by Paolo Soleri, this working arcology (architecture + ecology), functions as a highly integrated set of living systems, based on an optimally efficient distribution of people, energy, and resources. From 1973 through 1981, s Jeffrey L. Zucker, LEED AIA worked directly under Paolo Soleri in various capacities, including Construction Supervisor (1977-1979). and Project Architect (1979-1981). Mr. Zucker is currently the Architect of Record for Arcosanti s La Loggia Project. This 4-level multi-family housing structure (in progress), is based on the principles of bio-mimicry and is a model of sustainable living for the southwest.
La Loggia At Arcosanti- Cordes Junction, AZ DESIGN VALUES: Pedestrian Focused Human Scaled Connected to Surroundings Public/Common Space Supports Age Diversity Design Nurtures Community ECO-FEATURES: Passive/Active Solar Natural Daylight & Ventilation Water Harvesting Grey Water Reuse Terraced Green Houses Organic Gardens
Manzanita Village- Prescott, AZ BACKGROUND Manzanita Village is an intentional community conceived by Catalyst Principal Jeffrey L. Zucker, LEED AIA. Located in Prescott, Arizona, the 36-lot community was able to devote more than 50% of it s land resources to perpetual open space; which includes trails, playgrounds, fruit trees, and organic gardens.
Manzanita Village- Prescott, AZ DESIGN ELEMENTS: Pedestrian Focused Site-Sensitive Design Organic Gardens Water Harvesting Photovoltaics Community/Public Space Parking At Periphery Connection w/ Neighbors
DESIGN COMMONALITIES
Design Commonalities: Human (rather than Auto) Focused Development Safe, Pedestrian-Friendly, Walkable Spaces & Places Mixed-Use Development Essential to Vitality and Life Higher-Densities Critical to Support Pedestrian Use & Transit Options Attention to Human-Scaled Design Elements Places to Sit and Eat (& Drink) Are Important Buildings Function as Support & Backdrop to Human Activity Connections to Surrounding Neighborhoods Vital Incorporation of Diverse Activities & Experiences Integration of Alternate Transit Options
ECO-LOGICAL BY DESIGN
Eco-Logical Benefits: Pedestrian Oriented Development = Reduced Auto Use Less Highway & Roadway Infrastructure Required Less Roadway Infrastructure Maintenance Required Higher Densities Save Land, Reduce Sprawl Requires Less Utilities Infrastructure (Water, Sewer, Electrical) Reduced Utility Infrastructure Maintenance Cost Less Overall Fossil Fuel Use = Less Environmental Pollution Healthier Environment for People, Plants, & Animals
HOW DO WE START?
How Do We Start? Identify Stakeholders (ADOT, Corps of Eng., Developers, Citizen Groups, City, County, Large & Small Local Businesses, Interested Corporations ) Establish Public Participation Process (Identify Champions ) Define Your Goals (What Do You Want?) Create Shared Values (How Do You Want It?) Develop Your Placemaking Program (PPS s The Power of 10 ) Select Design Team (Preferably With Placemaking Experience & Philosophy) Envision The Future (Design Visioning Process) Identify Action Sub-Committees Begin By BEGINNING!! Take Some (ANY!!) Action
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