Have you heard of the term ‘placemaking? Ever wondered how you can transform a space into a place and how we can define it in the Malaysian context? Continue reading to learn more about the concept of placemaking in Malaysia.
What Is Placemaking?
Placemaking is a people-centric approach to the planning, design, development and administration of shared-use spaces.
Basically, it is a process through which we collaborate to reimagine our public spaces. With a heavy emphasis on community-based involvement, placemaking is more than just building spaces—it brings together a variety of people (including professionals, elected officials, citizens, and companies).
The placemaking process involves observing, engaging with, and questioning those who inhabit a space to learn about their needs, expectations and objectives. The information gained then form the basis of a shared vision for that particular location.
Ultimately, an effective placemaking process creates high-quality public spaces that enhance a community’s cultural, economic, social, and ecological conditions.
Read More: Urban Planning and Smart City: The Future of Development
The Significance of Placemaking
Full Use of Under-Utilised Spaces
- Space is a luxury, especially in a densely-populated area. Placemaking involves the rejuvenation of unused spaces into meaningful places.
- The harsh urban environments result in a thirst for space, a space where one can mingle with another and a place where one can belong. Placemaking, through reimagining, provides these forgotten spaces with the potential to become community-centred places.
Creating Bonds That Last
- Apart from revitalising existing shared-use areas to benefit communities, placemaking demonstrates how the development of places transcends the physical realm.
- Placemaking incorporates various factors like sociability, uses, activities, access, connections, comfort, and image to forge relationships among people and a sense of place. It allows communities to bond, celebrate diversity, and enjoy urban living.
Observing The Concept of Placemaking in Malaysia
While the notion of placemaking is not new, it is still a relatively new concept in Malaysia. Placemaking Malaysia deputy chairperson, Imran Clyde, stated that placemaking is not an outcome but rather a process to build quality places that people can live in.*
An instance of successful placemaking in Kuala Lumpur is Petaling Street, better known as Chinatown. Kuala Lumpur reclaimed the neglected urban area that was previously a key venue for Chinese opera and cinema to remodel and infuse art and cultural initiatives into abandoned structures throughout the city.
Another example of placemaking is an old stainless-steel factory in Jalan Klang Lama that has been repurposed into KongsiKL, a hip space dedicated to arts and cultural events.
This act of breathing new life into old structures is the epitome of good placemaking. Moreover, the government is also joining the placemaking bandwagon—reviving old towns by applying modern transformation and remodelling dull spaces into thriving cultural hubs.
Read More: Town Planning and Urban Development in Malaysia
Re-envision History, Heritage and Culture with Placemaking
To conclude, placemaking repurposes public areas to create new places, strengthening the relationships between people and community-centric spaces.
While PEQ Consult does not directly practice placemaking, we are committed to facilitating the creation of vibrant, community-centric spaces by connecting our clients with established firms that specialise in placemaking.
Our expertise in urban planning, project development, and town planning services ensures that our clients can access top-tier placemaking services that strengthen relationships between people and their communities.
For any inquiries about how we can assist in linking you with the right placemaking professionals or about other services we offer, please contact our responsive team, and we will get back to you promptly.
