Cracks in pavement: Placemaking and remaking the modern city with Mark Lakeman

Placemaking pioneer Mark Lakeman returns to Vancouver to anchor and guide a 9-month placemaking course designed to empower and facilitate community leaders in creatively reimagining the way space can be used in urban environments, building community and actively engaging citizens in the evolution of their neighbourhoods.

To kick things off, a public talk on Placemaking and Redesigning The Commons!

Placemaking, the creative reclamation of public space was the brainchild of Mark, an urban designer, and his neighbours in 1996 when they transformed their own intersection into a place for community gatherings and interaction – starting a mini revolution in Portland, OR that has spread throughout the city and inspired the creation of City Repair, an organization that engages citzens in transforming places.

“Repaired” (place-made) streets and intersections often serve as community gathering places for events such as block parties or even more spontaneous, year-round gathering such as at the Gather Round roundabout at St George Street and 10th Ave in Vancouver, which has been transformed into a “micropark” complete with lawn chairs. Community bookshelves and info kiosks serve as neighbourhood “water coolers” where conversations are struck among strangers and residents stay in touch with what is happening in their neighbourhood. Community gardens cultivate deeper connections with one’s neighbours and with the Earth itself.

Placemaking is one of the most effective tools available for community building that brings neighbours together as part of the project planning, consultation and construction processes.

Doors open at 6:30, event starts at 7. Get tickets here:
http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cracks-in-the-pavement-placemaking-and-the-remaking-of-the-modern-city-with-mark-lakeman-tickets-10162870419

Earlybird tickets for $15 until January 26th!

The 2014 Vancouver Placemaking Course is a collaborative initiative hosted by Village Vancouver Transition Society in partnership with City Commons and Living the New Economy Vancouver.

Permaculture ethics are a solid part of the foundation for this confluence.

We look forward to seeing all of you there!