Author: Shih-Wen Huang (Jenny Huang), University of Melbourne, Bachelor of Science
Supervisor: Cris Hernandez-Santin & Dominique Hes

The conventional placemaking paradigm empathises the relationships between individuals, communities and urban space where the assemblage of meanings and expectations that define people’s experience within a space transform it into a ‘place’. A sense of place is associated with sense of community, belongingness, inclusivity and conviviality. In turn, these qualities are regarded as essential for the physical, mental and social wellbeing of people. However, while both nature and social connection are strongly related to wellbeing, the traditional understanding of placemaking excludes non-human organisms and ecological systems as user of space. This report investigates the complex relationships between place and the socio-ecological interactions within it. It argues that placemaking practice needs to embrace the interconnectedness between space, people and nature by conseptualising the long-term desired benefits of placemaking as the formal and informal activities that enhance the relationship between the proposed four dimensions of place: the physical space, the community, the individual (self) and nature.