Welcome to the Handbook
Placemaking with Children and Youth: Participatory Practices for Planning Sustainable Communities
Description:From a history of children’s rights to case studies discussing international initiatives that aim to create child-friendly cities, Placemaking with Children and Youth offers comprehensive guidance in how to engage children and youth in the planning and design of local environments. It explains the importance of children’s active participation in their societies and presents ways to bring all generations together to plan cities with a high quality of life for people of all ages. Not only does it delineate best practices in establishing programs and partnerships, it also provides principles for working ethically with children, youth, and families, paying particular attention to the inclusion of marginalized populations.
Author:Victoria Derr, Louise Chawla, Mara Mintzer
Publication Year:2018
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
Description:This book is considered a classic within the City Planning industry. In it, Jacobs talks about neighborhood parks, sidewalks, city blocks, buildings, concentration, and diversity. I highly recommend it.
Author:None
The Public Humanities Turn: The University as an Instrument of Cultural Transformation
Description:Humanities have the potential to transform human culture―and an obligation to preserve it.
Author:Philip Lewis
Publication Year:2024
Description:German sculptor, artist, landscape architect, and interdisciplinary urban planner. He founded the firm Atelier Dresiseitl in 1980 with a vision to develop liveable cities inspired by a deep understanding of water.
Description:Jon Adams Jerde, was an American architect based in Venice, Los Angeles, California, founder and chairman of The Jerde Partnership, a design architecture and urban planning firm specializing in the design of shopping malls that has created a number of commercial developments around the globe. Jerde became well known as an innovator in the design of malls and related spaces. His firm has grown into a multi-disciplinary firm with offices in Los Angeles, Orange County, California, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
Description:Jan Gehl (born 1936) is a Danish architect and urban planner known for his human-centered approach to city design. He has dedicated his career to transforming urban environments to prioritize people over cars, making cities more walkable, bike-friendly, and socially engaging. Gehl’s philosophy is based on studying how people interact with their surroundings and ensuring public spaces support daily life, social interaction, and well-being. His influential book, Cities for People (2010), outlines strategies to create lively, safe, and sustainable cities by improving public spaces, reducing car dependency, and fostering community interaction.
Description:Tactical Placemaking is the process of creating Quality Places that uses a deliberate, often phased approach to change that begins with a short term commitment and realistic expectations that can start quickly (and often at low cost).
Description:Accessibility and Inclusivity in placemaking ensure that public spaces are designed for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. This means incorporating universal design principles, promoting cultural and social equity, and creating environments that are safe, welcoming, and usable by all members of the community. Inclusive placemaking fosters a sense of belonging and shared ownership in public life.
Description:Seasonal Activation transforms public spaces by adapting them to changing weather, cultural events, and community needs throughout the year. It ensures that urban areas remain vibrant and functional in all seasons by incorporating temporary installations, festivals, and adaptive design elements.