This article was based on the interview with TJ Carvis of Gresham Smith by Adam Chen for The Innovation Economy podcast. Listen to the original episode here:
Placemaking is the art of creating spaces that provide a backdrop for life’s experiences, making people feel comfortable and at ease. In the podcast interview with Adam Chen, architect TJ Carvis discusses the importance of placemaking in his work at Gresham Smith, focusing on creating spaces that allow people to feel and perform their best in live, work, and play environments.
Carvis mentions that placemaking has always been a part of architecture, but it has evolved over the years to prioritize creating spaces that cater to the human condition. The goal of placemaking is to craft an experience that promotes comfort, leisure, and wellness in every aspect of people’s lives. This includes incorporating elements of hospitality into various project typologies, such as mixed-use, multifamily, hospitality, workplace, and higher education and research spaces.
One key aspect of placemaking, as highlighted by Carvis, is the convergence of different elements that were once siloed. For example, the blending of home-like comfort in office spaces and office-like functionality in homes. This shift reflects the changing needs and desires of individuals in today’s society, where comfort and leisure are increasingly valued in all aspects of life.
Furthermore, placemaking plays a crucial role in enticing people back to the office, especially in a post-pandemic world where remote work has become more prevalent. By creating comfortable, inviting spaces that prioritize wellness and functionality, architects like Carvis are able to design environments that cater to the needs of individuals and promote productivity and well-being.
Placemaking is an essential aspect of architecture that focuses on creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable, inviting, and conducive to the well-being of individuals. By incorporating elements of hospitality, wellness, and functionality into their designs, architects can create spaces that allow people to feel at ease, perform their best, and thrive in their environments. Placemaking is a key component of creating spaces that meet the evolving needs and desires of individuals in today’s society.
