A few weeks ago, I was in a meeting with a potential client, and as many times before we were discussing the value of placemaking.

The conversation went smoothly until we hit a familiar question:

“How do you know these activities increase value for the place and the properties?”  

It’s a question that goes beyond surface-level curiosity. It seeks something tangible. Placemaking, after all, isn’t just about beautifying spaces or adding amenities.

It’s a long-term investment with returns that show up in many ways, including financial stability. When done thoughtfully, placemaking does more than improve the lives of people who use the space - it also have the possibility to create a more stable yield for property owners by enhancing the desirability and long-term value of the area.   

This is where Placemaking KPIs become critical. These metrics allow us to measure the broader impact of placemaking initiatives, helping to balance the human experience with the financial goals of developers and investors. Let’s dive into this for a bit today and explore how these metrics help us capture the full value of placemaking.

Why Placemaking KPIs Matter

Traditional urban development metrics focus on costs, timelines, and immediate returns. While these are important, they don’t tell the full story of what a space contributes to its community. Placemaking KPIs go deeper, capturing the value that’s harder to quantify but essential for long-term success.   

Placemaking is about creating environments where people feel connected and supported - a foundation for building trust, fostering vibrant communities, and increasing stability in property values. Spaces that are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of the community tend to attract more consistent usage and engagement, which translates into a more predictable and stable yield over time.   

For example, a thriving public plaza may boost foot traffic, attract local businesses, and enhance property values. But its true value lies in the connections it fosters - neighbours meeting, cultural events flourishing, and a sense of belonging growing within the community. These intangible benefits ultimately create a ripple effect, strengthening the economic and social resilience of the area.  

Key Placemaking KPIs to Measure

To evaluate the success of placemaking initiatives, we can measure outcomes using key metrics like:  

Foot Traffic

Tracking the number of visitors shows how effectively the space attracts activity and engagement.  

Diversity of Use

Observing the variety of activities - from casual gatherings to organised events - indicates how adaptable the space is to community needs.

Duration of Stay

Measuring how long people linger reflects the space’s comfort and ability to engage visitors.  

Perceived Safety

Surveys or feedback tools help gauge how safe people feel, as a secure environment is essential for consistent use.  

Economic Impact

Evaluating nearby businesses, rental values, or local employment shows how the space supports economic stability and growth.  

Community Participation

Tracking local involvement in planning and maintenance highlights the space’s connection to its users.  

Social Interactions

Measuring how often people engage with others in the space demonstrates its role in fostering connections.  

Cultural Representation

Assessing how the space reflects the community’s identity and values ensures it remains relevant and meaningful.  

The Role of Placemaking in Stable Yields  

One of the often-overlooked benefits of placemaking is its ability to create financial stability for property owners and developers. A well-designed space becomes a magnet for activity, drawing residents, businesses, and visitors who contribute to the economic ecosystem surrounding the area.

I’ve written about this before in my articles on placemaking, including The Art andScience of Placemaking, Architectural, and Activation Branding, where I explored how thoughtful design and activation strategies shape not just spaces, but the economies around them. The link between placemaking and long-term financial value is undeniable, yet it’s often underestimated.  

Find a link to the project Wynwood Walls here.

This steady flow of engagement creates a more predictable income stream, whether it’s through increased property values, higher occupancy rates, or the growth of local businesses. When placemaking is paired with community-focused KPIs, it enhances the quality of life for users, but it also mitigates the risks associated with short-term market fluctuations.  

Developers who invest in placemaking as part of their long-term strategy often find that the stability it brings to yields is as valuable as the immediate financial returns.  

Building Spaces That Unite People

Placemaking is ultimately about creating spaces that bring people together. It’s about designing environments where interactions happen naturally, trust is built, and people feel a sense of belonging. These outcomes, while not always immediate, have lasting benefits that extend across both social and economic dimensions.   

When we focus on Placemaking KPIs, we’re not just measuring the success of a single project - we’re shaping a blueprint for how urban spaces can be developed to grow in the long run. By creating spaces that unite people, we also create opportunities for stable, sustainable growth, making placemaking a win for both communities and investors.  

Let's Wrap This Up

The question posed to me in that meeting – “How do you know these activities increase value?” - is one I’ve thought about often.

The answer lies in understanding the broader impact of placemaking, which goes beyond aesthetics or short-term gains. By using Placemaking KPIs, we can measure connection, belonging, and stability, demonstrating that the true value of these spaces lies in the lives they touch and the communities they strengthen.   

Placemaking is more than just about designing spaces - it’s about investing in people and creating environments where communities thrive.

And when people thrive, so do the places they inhabit.  

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