Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
PLACEMAKING
Placemaking is the process by whichpeople transform the locations theyinhabit …
… into the places they live.
: What Is It?
INTRO
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
BACKGROUND
Background
From 1986 - 1990, Catalyst Architecture’s Matthew B. Ackerman,
LEED AIA was a designer with the internationally acclaimed urban
design office of Benjamin Thompson & Associates (BTA) of
Cambridge, Massachusetts (1987 Firm of the Year).
Having studied urban design both in Europe and at the University of
Texas at Austin, Mr. Ackerman’s tenure at BTA allowed him to
further explore the notion of “Placemaking” as a central, organizing
approach to architectural master planning and design.
While at BTA, Mr. Ackerman was involved with, and led team
members on numerous sustainable, mixed-use waterfront and
marketplace design commissions. Several of the following case
studies are projects Mr. Ackerman participated on as either a
design team leader, or key contributor during his time at BTA.
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
WATERFRONT DESIGNS
MIXED-USE & MARKETPLACE
COMMUNITY
INDEX
PLACEMAKING EXPERIENCE(Project Types)
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
WATERFRONT DESIGNS
WATERFRONT DESIGNS
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
George’s Dock- Dublin, Ireland
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
George’s Dock- Dublin, Ireland
DESIGN VALUES:• Pedestrian Focused• Human Scaled• Mixed-Use• Connection to Water
• Diversity of Scale• Generous Public Space• Diverse Activities• Flexible Uses
Ben Thompson & Assoc.
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Harumi Waterfront - Tokyo, Japan
Ben Thompson & Assoc.
DESIGN PROCESS:• Asset Mapping• Cultural Study• Stakeholder Participation• Definition of Goals
• Identification of Values• Prelim. Design Studies• Public Input Process• 3D Visualization
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Harumi Waterfront - Tokyo, Japan
Ben Thompson & Assoc.
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Harumi Waterfront - Tokyo, Japan
Ben Thompson & Assoc.
DESIGN VALUES:
• Pedestrian Focused• Human Scaled• Mixed-Use• Development Extends to Water
• Diversity of Scale• Generous Public Space• Diverse Activities• Flexible Uses
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Springfield Riverfront- Springfield, MA
Ben Thompson & Assoc.
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Springfield Riverfront- Springfield, MA
Ben Thompson & Assoc.
DESIGN VALUES:
• Pedestrian Focused• Human Scaled• Mixed-Use• Connection to Water• Diversity of Scale• Lots of Public Space• Diverse Activities
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Savannah Harbor- Savannah, GA
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Savannah Harbor- Savannah, GA
DESIGN VALUES:
• Pedestrian Focused• Human Scaled• Mixed-Use• Uses Extend Into Water
• Diversity of Scale• Generous Public Space• Diverse Water Related Activities• Eco-Systems Preserved
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Bullhead City Waterfront - Bullhead City, AZDESIGN VALUES:• Pedestrian Focused• Human Scaled• Mixed-Use• Extends into Water
• Diversity of Scales• Public Spaces• Diverse Activities• Flexible Uses
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Bullhead City Waterfront - Bullhead City, AZ
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
MIXED-USE &MARKETPLACES
MIXED-USE & MARKETPLACE
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Westwood village- Westwood, CA
Ben Thompson & Assoc.
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Westwood village- Westwood, CA
Ben Thompson & Assoc.
DESIGN VALUES:
• Pedestrian Focused• Human Scaled• Mixed-Use• Streets for People
• Range of Scales• Developed Public Space• Diverse Activities• Parking Underground
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Yavapai-Apache Marketplace- Camp Verde, AZ
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Yavapai-Apache Marketplace- Camp Verde, AZ
DESIGN VALUES:
• Pedestrian Focused
• Cars & Parking at Periphery
• Human Scaled
• Mixed-Use
• Pathways for People
• Range of Scales
• Embellishment of People Places
• Range of Activities
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
La Loggia At Arcosanti- Cordes Junction, AZ
BACKGROUNDArcosanti is an experimental community located in
central Arizona. Created by Paolo Soleri, this working
“arcology” (architecture + ecology), functions as a
highly integrated set of living systems, based on an
optimally efficient distribution of people, energy, and
resources.
From 1973 through 1981, Catalyst Architecture’sJeffrey L. Zucker, LEED AIA worked directly under
Paolo Soleri in various capacities, including
Construction Supervisor (1977-1979). and Project
Architect (1979-1981). Mr. Zucker is currently the
Architect of Record for Arcosanti’s La Loggia Project.
This 4-level multi-family housing structure (in
progress), is based on the principles of “bio-mimicry”
and is a model of sustainable living for the southwest.
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
La Loggia At Arcosanti- Cordes Junction, AZ
DESIGN VALUES:
• Pedestrian Focused• Human Scaled• Connected to Surroundings• Public/Common Space• Supports Age Diversity• Design Nurtures Community
ECO-FEATURES:
• Passive/Active Solar• Natural Daylight & Ventilation• Water Harvesting• Grey Water Reuse• Terraced Green Houses• Organic Gardens
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Manzanita Village- Prescott, AZ
BACKGROUNDManzanita Village is an intentional community
conceived by Catalyst Principal Jeffrey L. Zucker, LEED
AIA. Located in Prescott, Arizona, the 36-lot community
was able to devote more than 50% of it’s land resources
to perpetual open space; which includes trails,
playgrounds, fruit trees, and organic gardens.
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Manzanita Village- Prescott, AZ
DESIGN ELEMENTS:
• Pedestrian Focused• Site-Sensitive Design• Organic Gardens• Water Harvesting
• Photovoltaics• Community/Public Space• Parking At Periphery• Connection w/ Neighbors
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
DESIGNCOMMONALITIES
DESIGN COMMONALITIES
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Design Commonalities- Bullets
Design Commonalities:
Human (rather than Auto) Focused Development
Safe, Pedestrian-Friendly, Walkable Spaces & Places
Mixed-Use Development Essential to Vitality and Life
Higher-Densities Critical to Support Pedestrian Use & Transit Options
Attention to Human-Scaled Design Elements
Places to Sit and Eat (& Drink) Are Important
Buildings Function as Support & “Backdrop” to Human Activity
Connections to Surrounding Neighborhoods Vital
Incorporation of Diverse Activities & Experiences
Integration of Alternate Transit Options
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
ECO-LOGICALBY DESIGN
ECO-LOGICAL BY DESIGN
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Eco-Logical Design Bullets
Eco-Logical Benefits:
Pedestrian Oriented Development = Reduced Auto Use
Less Highway & Roadway Infrastructure Required
Less Roadway Infrastructure Maintenance Required
Higher Densities Save Land, Reduce Sprawl
Requires Less Utilities Infrastructure (Water, Sewer, Electrical)
Reduced Utility Infrastructure Maintenance Cost
Less Overall Fossil Fuel Use = Less Environmental Pollution
Healthier Environment for People, Plants, & Animals
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
HOW DO WESTART ?
HOW DO WE START?
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
Process Bullets
How Do We Start ?
Identify Stakeholders (ADOT, Corps of Eng., Developers, Citizen Groups, City,County, Large & Small Local Businesses, Interested Corporations… )
Establish Public Participation Process (Identify “Champions”)
Define Your Goals (What Do You Want?)
Create Shared Values (How Do You Want It?)
Develop Your “Placemaking” Program (PPS’s The “Power of 10”)
Select Design Team (Preferably With “Placemaking” Experience & Philosophy)
Envision The Future (Design Visioning Process)
Identify Action Sub-Committees
Begin By BEGINNING!! Take Some– (ANY!!) Action
Catalyst ArchitectureE C O - L O G I C A L P L A C E M A K I N G
End