Place-making, to effectively contribute to urban development, depends on paying attention to small details, such as the location of lamp posts or the species of trees, says Guy Bradley, CEO of Swire Properties in Hong Kong and China. In a blog post for the World Economic Forum, he explains that working with the right partners in doing this can make a crucial difference when designing for sustainability.
“Engaging environmentalists and biologists from Hong Kong University has helped with landscape planning in and around Taikoo Place, where we are developing urban gardens that will boost biodiversity and complement existing parks and recreational facilities in the area,” he writes.
Local authorities are also important, as well as “partnerships that enhance the ability to conduct data analytics and benchmarking to determine how to best improve energy efficiency”.
Bradley continues that improving walkability in dense urban settings is another aspect of place-making. Citing the example of the hillside hiking trails in Hong Kong, he says that “in urban landscapes the right environment must be designed”. He highlights Athens and Auckland, for example, which have been making changes to reduce vehicle traffic and create more pedestrian-friendly streets.
Bradley concludes by mentioning the up-and-coming talent from Swire Properties’ Placemaking Academy, who “work on the latest projects within our portfolios” and remind him that “the future of the art of place-making is alive and well”.
