Placemaking Week Europe 2024 - Rotterdam

This session digs into the dynamics between the public and private sectors in sustainable placemaking. By examining cases from throughout Europe, we will critically assess the business case for placemaking, and what strategic partnerships can do to elevate local initiatives and foster sustainable change without losing touch with grassroots communities.

The panel will discuss:
-What role do businesses play in sustainable social infrastructure and tactical urbanism?
-Who is responsible for placemaking and how should its use and impact be measured?
-Can strategic public-private partnerships create places for people and drive positive change?
-How can we achieve sustainable long-term collaborations at the local level?

Through an interactive session with participants, we will explore the benefits and challenges of public-private partnerships, their impacts on communities, and strategies for achieving lasting positive outcomes. This will include a debate focussed on concrete examples of placemaking practice, exploring whether placemaking is repackaging existing offers or establishing a new discipline that challenges the status quo and promotes people-focused urban development.  Participants will gain insights into concrete examples of public-private partnerships, effective organizational models, and how to continue to manage partnerships over the long term.

Creating safe spaces is crucial for fostering genuine connection and a sense of community. This thought-provoking panel will explore the transformative power of inclusive safe spaces, focusing on both the design of these environments and the personal experiences they cultivate. The discussion will examine how intentional efforts in designing safe spaces allow individuals to speak openly and authentically, alongside the lived experiences of those who inhabit them. By exploring diverse perspectives, the session will highlight how different individuals and communities define and experience these sanctuaries. Join us for a dynamic discussion that will challenge your understanding of what it means to create environments where everyone feels valued, protected, and truly at home.