Creative Placemaking: Lead, Follow, AND Get Out of the Way

For governments and institutions, creative placemaking means knowing when to let go. Scott Doyon explains.

1 minute read

May 18, 2016, 6:00 AM PDT

By Hazel Borys


"It seems everywhere I turn lately I stumble my way into a conversation on creative placemaking — people looking at the activation of public space as a way to further their own individual passions and pursuits."

"It’s heartening. I’m a firm believer that our taking of emotional ownership over the spaces in between the stuff we build and buy pays critical residuals towards a lot of the things we purport to care about: community, our children, the environment, even various spiritual and religious callings many hold dear."

"In short, public space is the world we share. And it’s better when it reflects the whole of who and what we are."

Doyon goes on to address the role of government, the overly-controlling mindset, and how to nurture strong towns.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016 in PlaceShakers

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

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