The Approach of “Placemaking”: A Democratic Practice of Shaping and Activating Public Urban Spaces to Enhance Social Sustainability - KTIRIO’s 40th Anniversary Edition

We are delighted to take part in the celebration of KTIRIO magazine’s 40th anniversary — a publication that has not only followed developments but has played a defining role in shaping architectural and urban discourse in Greece.

In this special anniversary issue, LandmArch. was once again invited to contribute an article, this time on placemaking — not as a “trend,” but as a necessary shift in how we perceive and design public spaces.

Our core argument is clear: cities can no longer be designed in the absence of the people who inhabit them.

In the article, we highlight:

• participatory (bottom-up) design as a prerequisite, not an option

• inclusion as a practical design tool — not a theoretical reference

• flexible interventions (tactical urbanism) as an immediate and effective mechanism for urban activation

At the same time, through international practices, we demonstrate that the most successful interventions are not necessarily the largest ones, but those that manage to activate communities and create a genuine sense of ownership.

At a time when the climate crisis, social inequalities, and alienation from public space are intensifying, placemaking is not just another approach — it is a tool for change.

We would be especially interested to hear your thoughts.

#LandmArch #placemaking #urbanplanning #landscapearchitecture #publicspace #socialsustainability