Key Highlights :
Picture this: a lively street filled with colourful murals, cosy cafes with outdoor seating, and a vibrant community gathering spot. That is the magic of placemaking. It’s not just about buildings and roads; it’s about crafting spaces that have a soul of their own. Placemaking takes a drab corner and transforms it into a hub of energy, where people can’t help but come together, chat, and share experiences. It’s like adding a secret ingredient that makes everything better. Whether it’s that hidden park you stumble upon or a bustling town square, these places become the heart and soul of a neighbourhood. They create memories, fuel creativity, and give us a sense of belonging.
Project for Public Spaces (PPS), an internationally renowned, cross-disciplinary non-profit that shares a passion for public spaces defines placemaking as: ‘Placemaking inspires people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of every community. Strengthening the connection between people and the places they share, placemaking refers to a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm to maximize shared value. More than just promoting better urban design, placemaking facilitates creative patterns of use, paying particular attention to the physical, cultural, and social identities that define a place and support its ongoing evolution.’
In today’s fast-paced and digitally connected world, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact that genuine human connection can have on our mental well-being. As social beings, we thrive when we form meaningful connections with others. These connections not only satisfy our innate need for belonging but also contribute significantly to our overall mental health. Creative Communities International Director David Engwicht facilitated the Wellard Village ‘7 Day Makeover’, where RAC partnered with the City of Kwinana to makeover Wellard Village in just seven days. He is a world-renowned placemaker, community activator, and champion of public spaces. We spoke to Mr Engwicht to explore seven remarkable ways in which placemaking can facilitate genuine human connection and enhance our mental wellbeing.
1. Belonging Promotes Feelings of Security and Happiness
Belonging promotes feelings of security and happiness, contributing significantly to our mental well-being. “A sense of belonging and connection is fundamental to people’s psychology and well-being,” Mr Engwicht said. “The primary goal of the Wellard Village 7 Day Makeover is to create a shared community space that’s homely and inviting, where people feel welcome and comfortable enough to make themselves at home.” When people have a say in shaping their surroundings, when they see their ideas and contributions come to life, they develop a strong attachment to those places. “The people who participated in the makeover have a sense of pride every time they visit the town centre, that they put a little bit of their heart into the community,” Mr Engwicht said.
2. Placemaking Creates a Sense of Shared Ownership and Identity
By transforming ordinary spaces into vibrant and meaningful places, placemaking brings people together and creates a sense of shared ownership and identity, and a powerful sense of collective purpose.
3. Connection Provides Us with a Support System
Connecting with others provides us with a strong support system that helps us navigate life’s ups and downs. “By designing spaces that encourage interaction, placemaking creates opportunities for individuals to connect with others,” Mr Engwicht said. Building relationships, forming friendships, and engaging in meaningful social interactions are vital components of emotional resilience.
4. Placemaking Strengthens Inter-Generational Connections
Placemaking holds tremendous potential in fostering inter-generational connections by creating spaces that encourage interaction, understanding, and shared experiences among people of different age groups. “One of the most heart-warming observations during the project was the intergenerational interactions,” Mr Engwicht said. “A young boy holding screws for an elderly gentleman screwing hexagonal seats together. Or watching the two elderly gentleman work day after day, digging out the bollards, refusing to quit even though they could hardly walk at the end of each day, alongside a two-year-old girl helping her mum. “The youth on the project had their own budget and formed their own teams, though they were not left to work on the projects alone. Adults helped when asked, and vice versa. These cross-generational interactions were good for everyone,” Mr Engwicht said. By fostering inter-generational connections, placemaking strengthens social bonds, promotes empathy, and nurtures a sense of community.
5. Connection Enhances Our Happiness
Ultimately, meaningful connections significantly contribute to our overall happiness and life satisfaction. The shared laughter, joy, and love that we experience through connection create a profound sense of fulfilment. “When a place is thoughtfully designed with considerations for aesthetics, functionality, and user experience, it can evoke a sense of happiness and delight,” Mr Engwicht said. “And not only that, of course we know that when people feel connected to others in their community, it boosts their overall happiness.”
RAC has provided almost three million dollars to local governments across WA to deliver community-based projects to help revitalise streets and public spaces. Visit the website to find out more.
Placemaking has the power to enhance our mental well-being by connecting us with others,
