The Power of Placemaking

Placemaking initiatives create a greater desire to visit and dwell in an area and greater demand to locate there permanently.

Placemaking happens when buildings are transformed into vibrant urban spaces that offer wellbeing, pleasure, and inspiration. Its success can be measured by improved lives, greater happiness, and when done successfully, an uplift in property values.

Placemaking has many aspects, of which changes to the public realm are one of the most fundamental. Most cities devote a considerable amount of valuable land to the public realm, and many of the world’s most iconic locations are public spaces.

In Dubai, there are many iconic buildings, but none more so than ICD Brookfield Place, where design has created an interaction, connection, and a sense of place. Ben McGregor Investment Director at ICD Brookfield Place highlights, “our aim was to create a world-class workplace within an urban setting that celebrates its location and makes a positive change to the area around it.”

With an emphasis on addressing changing lifestyles, wellbeing, environmental, and productivity needs of the workforce of tomorrow, ICD Brookfield Place sets the benchmark for the modern workplace:

• 31m high summer garden with year-round program of arts and cultural events bringing the community together.

• A community hub space hosts a vibrant and exciting calendar of workshops and classes designed for those who work/live in the DIFC to learn new skills, boost their self-care, and have fun.

• Extensive internal and external common areas to promote movement and physical activity.

• With 140,000 sq ft of green space, access to nature and several flora species will promote better mental health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Digital and interactive art installations leveraging tech to deliver vibrancy, connectivity, and delight to the DIFC.

• Musical performances, public film screenings, and compelling collaborations with artists, musicians, and performers.

Studies have shown that creativity and investment can improve the public realm in such a way that the human experience of a place is materially enhanced. By focusing on this aspect, placemaking initiatives create a greater desire to visit and dwell in an area and greater demand to locate there permanently. In this way, public realm improvements have a very positive impact on commercial real estate values.

For more information on ICD Brookfield Place please contact Anthony Spary.


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