Concrete Culture embeds art, culture, and technology permanently within urban developments. Using Koelhuis District Eindhoven as a leading example, this session highlights effective strategies for fostering permanent cultural and technological hubs within their urban contexts. Placemaking doesn’t have an end date; it is rather a continuous process that needs to be organised permanently on various levels.
Hometown Architect is a unique initiative by the Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF) that brings together local architects and community stakeholders to explore possibilities to regenerate their town centres. This is a community-led placemaking approach that recognises the unique value of each town and village and understands that local knowledge is key in the effort to revitalise town centres. By encouraging connections and combining the power of shared imaginations, Hometown Architect acts as a catalyst for change.
Hometown Architect aligns with the objectives of the recent Town Centre First Policy in Ireland and aims to support its delivery by facilitating local communities to participate in a co-design process to envision the sustainable regeneration of their town centres.
Participants in this session will have the opportunity to hear about the development of community-led placemaking projects in the Irish context, looking at the challenges and opportunities. Hearing from Vanessa Menegaldo, manager of IAF’s ‘Reimagine’ placemaking programme and Helena McElmeel, the architect that worked on one of the projects, participants will have the chance to learn about the work developed and the methods used to engage with community stakeholders in the process of transforming towns to make them better places to live, work and enjoy.
Helena McElmeel is a registered architect with over 23 years’ experience in architecture, planning and urban design. She is serving as a Chairperson of the RIAI Sustainability Taskforce and a board member of the Passive House Association of Ireland. Helena was recipient of the Best... Read More →
Farmers' markets and gardens provide fresh produce, physical and mental health to citizens. But the accessibility, attractiveness, social infrastructure and programming of these sites varies widely in their effectiveness to equitably attract and serve citizens. Learn best practices from around the world and from Ryan's own food system work.
During the session, we will cover:
Accessibility: Examining how different markets and gardens ensure access for all community members, including marginalized groups like seniors, children, refugees, low-income populations, micro-businesses, etc.
Attractiveness: Discussing strategies to make these sites more appealing and engaging for the public from wayfinding to social furniture, programming and layout.
Social Infrastructure: Exploring the social components that support community engagement and interaction at these sites including creating a "town square" feel.
Programming: Sharing successful programming ideas that enhance the value and utility of markets and gardens.
