Placemaking Week Europe

A significant risk or a least an often seen misunderstanding of Placemaking is that it becomes a 'neutral' tool for area development, livelihood enhancement and economic valorisation and at the same time a device that greatly complies with approaches of deregulation, privatisation and 'enablement' in an era of public debt and austerity. But Placemaking comes with a responsibility. In this light, the workshop aims to trigger debate on these negative threats to place-making and to substantiate Placemaking as a social and political practice.

We will start with a short introduction and present & discuss some cases where Placemaking is at risk of contributing to social exclusion becoming a mere economic and marketing tool.

Emily Silverman will describe experiences in Jerusalem, from Palestinian East Jerusalem, Ultra-Orthodox Jewish and central city neighborhoods. In smaller groups the participants then tap into their own experiences and map out the risks related to an unreflected and naïve Placemaking practice. What could be relevant elements if we were to draw up a social and ethical charter for Placemaking? Join us for a very relevant, fun and sharp workshop!