Placemaking is a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximize shared value. Placemaking in the context of interior design focuses on improving the functionality and character of indoor spaces to cultivate meaningful experiences for users. A key goal of placemaking is to design spaces that promote community and culture. For an interior design capstone project, implementing principles of placemaking can help students design functional yet engaging spaces that serve the needs of various stakeholder groups.

One of the essential tenets of placemaking is understanding the historic and cultural context of a space and incorporating that context meaningfully into the design. For a capstone project, students should conduct in-depth research on the building, organization or community that will occupy the designed space. This includes understanding the mission and values of the occupants, as well as researching any historical or cultural significance of the location. By comprehending the deeper context, students can design spaces that authentically serve the needs and reflect the identity of the intended users.

For example, if designing a community center located in a historic building, students may choose to incorporate design elements that pay homage to architectural details from the original structure or local cultural artifacts. Or when designing an office, students could reference symbols or imagery meaningful to the company’s brand or activities. Integrating context ensures the designed spaces have relevance, meaning and resonance for stakeholders.

Another critical piece of placemaking for capstone projects is engaging stakeholders in the design process. Interior designers should seek input from various groups who will use the space, such as employees, volunteers, visitors, community leaders and more. This can be done through interviews, focus groups, surveys and design charrettes where stakeholders provide feedback on preliminary concepts. Gathering diverse perspectives helps ensure the space is adequately serving everyone and cultivates ownership over the final design.

Students must also evaluate how people currently use and move through similar existing places. This could involve on-site observations and mapping social behaviors. Understanding natural patterns of circulation and gathering provides key insights for the most functional and people-centered layout. For example, if observing many informal meetings occur in a hallway, the new design may purposefully allocate an open lounge area in that location.

Building on insights from research and stakeholder engagement, capstone placemaking projects then define a bold vision for how the designed space can nurture human experiences and interactions. For instance, the vision may emphasize creating an inspirational and collaborative workplace, or a warm and welcoming community hub. From this vision, various aspects of the physical design such as materials, lighting, furniture, color palettes, graphics and art are intentionally selected and composed to evoke the intended experience.

Signage, wayfinding and branding should raise awareness of available programs and resources to achieve effective activation of the space. Digital displays or bulletin boards can also promote a sense of community by highlighting user-generated content. Other tactics like hosting regular gatherings and rotating art exhibits encourage ongoing connection and evolution of the space over time.

Thoughtful consideration of how people of all demographics may interact within the space is also important for inclusivity and universal access. This includes following ADA accessibility guidelines but also performing inclusive design best practices like utilizing intuitive pictograms and varying seating types. Diversity and cultural sensitivity training aids students in designing for people of all backgrounds.

Implementing placemaking principles challenges interior design capstone students to conceive holistic projects that cultivate human well-being through the strategic design of functional and experiential indoor environments. By adequately involving stakeholders and leveraging contextual research, placemaking-focused designs manifest buildings and spaces that authentically serve communities and foster a greater sense of shared value amongst all users.