How does the City of Paris do placemaking?
Temporary outdoor project workshop at the Pantheon in Paris
This year, the City of Paris selected seven sites for envisioning a new relationship to public spaces. Corporate sponsors share in the public recognition of the work. While visiting this summer, I happened to catch the construction of the Pantheon placemaking project underway.
The Pantheon
Quite on its own, the Pantheon commands the public plaza space around it, inspiring awe and respect for its grand scale, architecture and ornamentation. Developed under the orders of King Louis XV, the Pantheon was constructed between the years 1757 and 1791. It is 110 meters long and 85 meters wide and stands at the height of 83,0m/272ft. Standing in the plaza in front, the individual is subsumed by its grandeur.
Monumental stone heads at ground level
How can the public space be re-made to relate to a more human scale in the plaza? Rough-hewn unfinished beams and granite blocks offer seating and organization of space.
Plywood information boxes
Working onsite creates a process activity that engages passersby and invites questions for which written responses, descriptions, drawings, and takeaway information are provided in open-sided plywood boxes (for protection from rain).
Guest Author Bio
Soren Henrich 
Soren Henrich sees placemaking as an effective way to enliven cities. His strategic communication design work and project facilitation for local government, non-profits, and businesses is for those who want to practice sustainable development, environmental and social responsibility.
Visit Soren’s Blog / Website: watershedmoment.ca
