Placemaking Week Europe 2024 - Rotterdam

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Can placemaking supports better aging, inspire new health professional vocation or even help us die with dignity?

Nursing the Care
Integrating health in Multi-Generational Community Living

Nursing the Care is a visionary initiative, set on weaving a seamless fabric of health services, care workers, and comprehensive care into existing residential spaces where they are most needed. By caring for the people that will take care of us we can create a positive loop effect that can include older adults and multiple generations. This is what we want to do in the social housing area of Axelborg in Denmark where approximately 603 residents live in 284 tenancies.

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The "Edicola" project by Line Culture and Associates Architecture reimagines traditional urban newsstands as vibrant community hubs, launched in the context of Bergamo Brescia being named the Italian Capital of Culture 2023. This project exemplifies innovative public space revitalization by turning small structures into dynamic focal points for social interaction and cultural engagement.

The session will explore the design philosophy and practical implementation of Edicola, highlighting how these structures integrate cultural, social, and economic elements to create multifunctional spaces. Through detailed case studies and discussions, participants will gain valuable insights into the significant impact of small-scale projects on urban environments.

Key aspects include:

1. Design Insights: The creative process of transforming newsstands into community spaces.
2. Community Engagement: How Edicola fosters social cohesion and supports local economies.
3. Collaborative Approaches: The importance of collaboration between architects, local artists, and city officials in realizing successful urban projects.
4. Practical Applications: Real-world examples and strategies for similar placemaking initiatives.

This session will showcase how the Edicola project sets new standards in urban design, contributing to more connected and livable cities through innovative, community-focused architecture, inspired by Bergamo Brescia's cultural leadership in 2023.

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This session provides a case study of Jane’s Walk - a rare example of placemaking that is truly community-driven. It sees everyday residents and city-dwellers – rather than just planners and architects – as the true experts on their cities and neighbourhoods. It acts on the idea that cities can and should be self-organised, by encouraging residents to lead their own walking tours on any topic they like, and encouraging cities around the globe to lead their own Jane’s Walk festivals in whatever way they see fit.

In this session, you will learn how Jane’s Walk has established itself as a global, grassroots, community-led initiative. We will share stories and anecdotes on the power it has to build connections across the 500+ cities in which it operates, celebrating the legacy of Jane Jacobs and her contributions to urban studies and city planning.

Come and get inspired by this movement – a simple yet incredibly effective means of fostering vibrant and inclusive cities. You might discover new perspectives and principles to apply in your own placemaking endeavours.

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In this session, we will explore how to integrate placemaking concepts into university courses. By incorporating these ideas into the curriculum, educators can foster experiential learning opportunities that prepare students to become active Placemakers. Through practical examples and case studies, we will demonstrate the benefits of hands-on involvement in community-building activities.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion where we will examine how university students can actively participate in the placemaking movement and contribute to various projects. This session will highlight how students can bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to these initiatives, ultimately enhancing community life and fostering a sense of belonging.

Designed for students, educators, and practitioners, this session offers practical strategies and valuable insights. We will hear stories from experienced practitioners and educators who have successfully integrated placemaking into their teaching and projects. Through this session, we aim to spread knowledge and provide tools to help universities and students engage more deeply with placemaking, contributing to the creation of vibrant, sustainable communities.

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Join us for a down-to-earthly presentation of "Bog Bothy," a transformative placemaking project collaborating with Irish peatland communities to co-create bothies—spaces for shelter, retreat, and profound engagement with the evolving landscape. As Ireland transitions from peat extraction, this session delves into how architecture can uphold historical connections with the bog while safeguarding it for future generations.

With one-sixth of Ireland covered in bogs, the end of peat extraction marks a major environmental and social shift. This session addresses the challenges of this transition and issues of spatial justice for rural communities. By documenting historical and contemporary peatland architecture, "Bog Bothy" counters exclusionary narratives of 'wilderness' and 'rewilding' through understanding bogs as deeply cultural landscapes. It highlights the adaptive reuse of materials and knowledge from the peat industry, presenting bothies as symbols of positive change and community aspiration.

Participants will discover innovative methods to reconnect with post-industrial peatlands, gaining insights into architectural solutions that support environmental stewardship and community resilience. Bog Bothy is a collaboration between the Irish Architecture Foundation’s ‘Reimagine’ Placemaking Programme and 12th Field.

This project is uniquely positioned to inspire and educate festival attendees about innovative architectural responses to local design challenges and environmental transformation.

Note: This session will use headphones for audio