Yesterday the Place team attended an insightful event at The Royal Air Force Club, organised by 3Search around the future of Placemaking.

Three of the industry’s top professionals gave us their insight into the challenges, opportunities and joys of placemaking. Karen Baines FCIM, Achelle Hill and Rose Wangen-Jones - expertly chaired by Charlotte Titmuss

The event covered what authentic placemaking means, the challenges and opportunities presented to those working in the industry, how London is setting itself apart, the importance of a test and learn approach, and why partnerships are absolutely crucial.

The common thread to successful placemaking is one we commonly experience working with our retail, leisure, commercial and mixed-use clients. It demands creating something distinct and authentic. To achieve this, we must connect to the communities who live, work, shop and play in these places, understand the emotional connection people have with these places, have a vision, utilise the power of partnerships around us, embrace technology, but not forget how important it is to get the basics right.

It was refreshing to remind ourselves that it is ok to take a test and learn approach too and to be honest with feedback we receive.

Achelle Hill left us all with an interesting piece of advice - 'Collaborate to compete'.

Thank you for a great, engaging, thoughtful session 3Search