The Revival of Placemaking

Placemaking is both a philosophy and a process that brings the past alive in the present by using many disciplines to enhance the environment and meet the needs of the community, however defined by its citizens. A healthy environment is a necessary part of the process of placemaking, whether the place is a neighborhood, city, or nation. A mandate of urban designers should be to bring together many disciplines to engage in planning a healthy, inviting community. Community health nurses should be major players in this coalition. This article reviews the current thinking about placemaking and the role of the community health nurse.