The Placemaking Round-Up
A biweekly newsletter with public space news, resources, and opportunities.
The Biweekly Bazaar
A curated dispatch on all things public markets plus the latest announcements from the Market Cities Program.
A biweekly newsletter with public space news, resources, and opportunities.
A curated dispatch on all things public markets plus the latest announcements from the Market Cities Program.
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.
Leading up to Edinburgh Castle, this mile-long cobblestone road is surrounded by mazes of alleys.
Although open to vehicular traffic, the Mile is predominantly used by pedestrians. The limited availability of on-street parking in and around the Mile also encourages locals and visitors to experience the city by foot. This heavy foot traffic encourages artists from all over the world to congregate on the street, using the space as their stage. The bustling activity of the street peaks in August when thousands of artists take to the street to perform and entertain all day and night as part of the Fringe festival. Because of its central location, popularity, and visibility, the street has also been a platform for social and political demonstrations on issues such as national independence. Fortunately, for locals looking to escape the flocks of people on the main thoroughfare, the Mile provides the perfect hiding spots in its quiet courtyards and squares. The Royal Mile has truly evolved over the centuries from being a link between places to a destination in its own right.
Famously known as the site of the largest outdoor arts festival in the world, Edinburgh Fringe, the Royal Mile was once the only public space in the city aside from the farmers market at the Castle. Before the construction of the Georgian-style New Town area in the 18th century, the street traversed almost the whole of Edinburgh. During that time, everyone lived compactly on the Mile and its adjoining alleys. The five sections that make up the street are, from west to east: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate and Abbey Strand. Together, these areas create a seamless path between two of the city’s greatest attractions - Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle. No longer primarily residential, the street features a multitude of historic and commercial attractions like the Royal Museum of Scotland and St. Giles Cathedral. Each year, these landmarks bring millions of tourists to the cultural and physical center of Edinburgh.
*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.
