Welcome November: Placemaking at Scale. This month at Urban Design Box, we’re exploring what it means to create places that matter—not just at the neighborhood level, but across entire cities and regions. How can the principles of human-centered placemaking translate when we’re designing for thousands, not dozens? How do we preserve authenticity, belonging, and local identity when development happens at scale? From new towns to transit corridors, campus districts to regional public space networks, placemaking at scale challenges us to think bigger without losing the human touch. Throughout November, we’ll be sharing insights, tools, and examples that show how thoughtful design, governance, and community engagement can shape thriving urban systems. #UrbanDesign #Placemaking #CityMaking #PublicSpace #UrbanDesignBox

Putting culture at the heart of regeneration. NRP’s Kate Tiernan FRSA recently attended ART IN THE CITY at Arnolfini for the launch of the Public Art and Cultural Activation Toolkit. The event, developed by Design West, Bristol City Council, We Made That, and Field Art Projects, featured a walk-and-talk format that brought the process to life, with insightful commentary from Theresa Bergne. Others who presented in the city tour included Jo Plimmer, Tabitha Clayson, the artist Oshii, Pete Insole, Mary-Helen Young Consulting and Michael Cowdy The toolkit is a significant step toward embedding creativity and community voice into the future of Bristol’s city centre and Frome Gateway. It provides a practical framework for developers, artists, and local groups to initiate and fund public art and cultural projects. Key highlights of the toolkit include: ✅ Project ideas at various investment levels, from quick wins to long-term ambitions. ✅Options for temporary and permanent artworks, artist-led design, and creative happenings. ✅Clear guidance to help developers, partners, artists, and communities collaborate effectively. ✅A focus on creating inclusive, vibrant, healthy, and sustainable places rooted in local voices and heritage. We believe in culture-led regeneration, and this toolkit is a powerful example of how cities can grow with creativity at their core. Credit to everyone involved in creating this valuable resource. Read more about Design West here: https://lnkd.in/g52Uhhh5 #DesignWest #Artworks #ArtistLedDesign #CulturalProjects

"Are we building homes or communities?" In today's multifamily developments, creating a sense of community is key. I've observed how shared spaces and wellness amenities foster connections among residents. This approach not only enhances satisfaction but also boosts marketability. Key takeaways: 1. Shared spaces encourage social interaction and community building. 2. Wellness amenities, like fitness centers, support holistic health. 3. Smart technology streamlines living, making it more intuitive. These elements transform buildings into vibrant communities. How are you fostering community in your projects? #CommunityBuilding #MultifamilyDesign #RealEstate

Location — The Heart of Every Residential Choice No two properties are ever truly the same, even when they share the same design or finish. The real difference lies in location — it shapes value, desirability, and ultimately, our choice of where to live. In my recent research, I explored the factors that influence people’s choice of residential accommodation, and it was interesting to see how accessibility, neighborhood quality, and proximity to key places all play vital roles — yet each person’s priorities differ. Read more about the study and its findings here 👇 🔗https://lnkd.in/d6n5yVpj #RealEstate #PropertyResearch #LocationMatters #ResidentialDevelopment #PropertyManagement

"Spaces become memory books for the next generation." Becky Zimmermann, CEO of Design Workshop, shared why designing for belonging requires a consistent commitment to preserving a sense of place and community through anti-displacement strategies. As urban "revitalization" occurs, the question isn’t whether cities will change—but who they change for. Becky outlined emerging approaches in design, development, and governance that move beyond placemaking toward placekeeping, aiming to reduce displacement and cultivate lasting belonging.

🎧 Community, Affordability & Long-Term Value with Stephanie Smith (Muse) In this week’s Pillow Talk Sessions, Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski sit down with Stephanie Smith, Head of Residential at Muse, to unpack how thoughtful design, data, and collaboration are shaping the next era of residential living in the UK. 💡 Highlights include:  🏡 Why responsive service and maintenance matter more than flashy amenities  🌍 How early engagement with residents and local schools drives better design and safety  📊 Why “tech for tech’s sake” is out — and data-driven benchmarking is in  🌿 The financial and environmental benefits of Passive House design  🏘️ How Muse balances regeneration and affordability without triggering gentrification Stephanie’s insights offer a refreshing, pragmatic view on how to create homes that genuinely support communities — not just markets. Listen here: 🌐 pillowtalksessions.com 🔵 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dWFFzgrn 🍏 Apple: https://lnkd.in/dBCxQsf8 #PillowTalkSessions #ResidentialLiving #CommunityBuilding #Sustainability #AffordableHousing #FutureOfLiving #Regeneration

One size doesn’t fit all. Our research surfaced six community models designed to win loyalty by aligning with what residents actually want: • The Intersection • Sage Commons • The Grove at Echo Ridge • AltaNex Studios • KinCircle Villas • Bridge & Beacon Think of them as a modular blueprint: mix, match, and adapt based on your market. The future isn’t about standardization – it’s about alignment. Dive deeper in the Senior Living in 2030 Report. https://bit.ly/3VIKbQL

Across global #housingdevelopments, one trend is becoming clear to me: projects thrive when people feel a sense of belonging and accountability for the spaces they live in. Governance that invites communities to engage builds trust, pride, and long-term #sustainability. Recent studies highlight how #inclusiveparticipation in #housingplanning and #design strengthen governance and community resilience. When residents have a channel to share insights on design, maintenance, and neighborhood priorities, projects deliver outcomes that reflect real #humanneeds rather than abstract plans. For Vision 2030, this places emphasis on improving the quality of life and promoting #socialresponsibility. Community partnership in housing governance can enhance transparency, nurture collaboration between municipalities and citizens, and make sure that urban growth reflects cultural identity and collective aspiration. https://lnkd.in/dQtGYWKy   #saudiarabia #realestatemarket #vision2030 #strategicplanning #changemanagement #thirdsector #charitygoals #housing #funding #boardmanagement #corporategovernance #leadingcommittees #fintech #strategicgoals

World Cities Day – a smart future? As the UN’s annual initiative Urban October concludes with World Cities Day, Broadway Malyan reflects on the theme of People-Centred Smart Cities and drills down into the implications for the future of global habitat. “As the real and digital worlds become ever more intertwined, our human senses, interactions, and experiences connect us to the physical world—while data, information, and purpose drive the digital one. Smart cities sit at this intersection, continually evolving through new and existing use cases that apply technology to the challenges and opportunities of urban life around the globe.” Andrew Victory, Broadway Malyan’s Global Director of Digital Design Click here to read the full article: https://bit.ly/47swFGc #WorldCitiesDay #UrbanOctober #SmartCities

🌟 Pillow Talk Sessions Preview: Building Communities That Last with Stephanie Smith (Muse) 🌟 This week, hosts Kristian Lupinski and Jessica Gillingham are joined by Stephanie Smith, Head of Residential at Muse, to explore how the company is redefining regeneration through long-term community building, sustainable design, and affordability. Muse’s residential approach goes beyond architecture — it’s about creating homes and neighbourhoods where people belong. From neurodivergent-adapted homes to community-led initiatives like knitting clubs and potlucks, Stephanie shares how regeneration can enhance both social and physical infrastructure. 🎧 Full episode drops Thursday. Here’s what to expect:  🏘️ Why service, not amenities, is the real luxury in modern housing  🌿 How Passive House design and sustainability benchmarking are reshaping development  💬 Why early and ongoing community engagement defines Muse’s success  🏗️ How Muse balances regeneration, affordability, and long-term neighbourhood value 📌 Subscribe at pillowtalksessions.com to catch the full conversation.  #PillowTalkSessions #ResidentialLiving #CommunityBuilding #Sustainability #PropTech #Regeneration #FutureOfHousing