The historic Evans School in Denver's Golden Triangle has been revitalized into the Schoolyard Beer Garden, a lively community space featuring a café, outdoor seating, and plans for retail and event spaces. This adaptive reuse project breathes new life into a 120-year-old building, fostering neighborhood engagement and preserving historic architecture

his project brought together local artists and residents to design and paint a mural that reflects the neighborhood’s resilience after the pandemic. The mural incorporates cultural motifs, symbols of unity, and narratives contributed by participants during community workshops. The mural serves as both a healing initiative and a permanent piece of public art that strengthens community identity.

"Khao San" translates as "milled rice", is a short street in central Bangkok, Thailand indicating its history as the street was a major rice market in Bangkok. In the last 40 years, the road has developed into a world-famous "backpacker ghetto", offering cheap accommodations. As said by Anders Sørensen (Annals of Tourism Research): "In this small area one can observe the interactions and groupings of disparate characters such as un-educated young Westerners on extended leave from affluent society, high school graduates on gap year travels, Israelis fresh out of military service, university students on holiday or sabbatical leave, young Japanese in rite-of-passage attire, ordinary holidaymakers, (ex-) volunteers from various organizations, and the like."

The Rio Grande ARTway is a community-driven placemaking project that transforms a section of the Rio Grande Trail in Carbondale into a vibrant, art-filled public space. Designed to celebrate local culture, foster creativity, and support community wellness, the ARTway blends public art, gardens, and gathering spaces along a beloved pedestrian and bike route. Key Placemaking Features - Public Art Installations Murals, sculptures, and interactive artworks created by local artists and youth line the trail, turning the corridor into an open-air gallery that reflects Carbondale’s creative spirit. - Diversity Garden & Community Spaces The project includes features like the Diversity Garden, which celebrates cultural inclusivity and biodiversity, and provides areas for community gathering, relaxation, and storytelling. - Pedestrian & Cyclist Engagement Located along a well-used section of the Rio Grande Trail, the ARTway encourages active transportation, offering a safe and beautiful route for walkers and bikers to enjoy. - Collaborative Community Effort Spearheaded by Carbondale Arts, the project involved local schools, nonprofits, artists, and residents, making it a model for inclusive, grassroots placemaking. - Environmental Integration The ARTway incorporates native landscaping, gardens, and eco-conscious design, aligning with Carbondale’s values of sustainability and natural beauty.

Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and supporting community gardens throughout the Denver metro area. Since its founding in 1985, DUG has helped establish and manage over 190 gardens, transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant centers of community engagement, food access, and environmental education. Key Features of DUG’s Work: - Community Gardens DUG empowers neighborhoods to develop shared garden spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can grow food, connect with nature, and build relationships with one another. - Food Justice & Access Many gardens are located in low-income neighborhoods or food deserts, providing residents with affordable, healthy produce and promoting self-reliance through urban agriculture. - Youth & Education Programs Through school gardens and curriculum support, DUG promotes garden-based learning, sustainability, and environmental stewardship for children and teens. - Garden Leadership & Equity Focus DUG trains local leaders to manage and maintain garden sites, fostering equity, representation, and resilience within communities. - Sustainable Practices The gardens promote organic growing techniques, composting, water conservation, and pollinator support, reinforcing DUG's commitment to ecological health. Why It Matters Denver Urban Gardens is more than a gardening initiative—it's a placemaking force that cultivates community, food security, environmental awareness, and urban wellness. Each garden serves as a hub for connection, empowerment, and growth—both personal and collective.