Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Placemaking Palmerston North

Palmerston North

New Zealand

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
August 13, 2015
May 1, 2024

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

In Palmerston North, New Zealand, a Lighter Quicker Cheaper initiative facilitated by Creative Communities has inspired public space improvements across the city. The project, spearheaded by David Engwicht, is a true reflection of community-driven Placemaking. In 2012, the first phase of the project brought together a group of 50 area residents, retailers, and businesses organized into action groups of around five people. Each participant received a DIY “Placemaking Kit” filled with resources on Placemaking, tips on improving public space, and a written challenge to complete their Placemaking vision in under 12 weeks. After this time, the groups reconvened for a show-and-tell and a celebration of their work. Participants shared stories of adding planters to sidewalks, placing benches at transit stops and on front yards, painting building facades, turning parking spaces into mini-parks, and putting bean bag chairs in underutilized public spaces. Since the pilot round, Placemaking Palmerston North has been repeated several times and expanded to other cities across New Zealand. The project relies completely on the efforts and ingenuity of local citizens, underscoring the potential of LQC as a strategy for creating a sense of place and community. 

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Photo credits, from left: Placemaking Palmerton North via Facebook, Placemaking Palmerston North via Facebook, Placemaking Palmerston North via Facebook 

Follow Placemaking Palmerston North

Website: pncc.govt.nz/placemaking-initiative

Facebook: facebook.com/PlacemakingPalmerstonNorth

Placemaking Palmerston North
Added outdoor seating
Placemaking Palmerston North
This intervention asks the public to share their ideas
Placemaking Palmerston North
Placemaking Palmerston North
Placemaking Palmerston North
Placemaking Palmerston North
Placemaking Palmerston North
Placemaking Palmerston North

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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