‘Placemaking evolves as people’s relationship with spaces changes’

The idea of placemaking has transformed alongside the way humans engage with their environment, according to a recent panel discussion organised by Doha Design District. The session featured Sheikha Reem al-Thani, deputy CEO of Qatar Museums; Dr Hameda Yousef Janahi, assistant professor at Qatar University's Department of Architecture and Urban Planning; and Dr Samie Kayani, a sustainable urbanism specialist at Earthna, Qatar Foundation.

Moderated by Abdulrahman al-Mana, a city and regional planner at the Ministry of Municipality, the panelists shared their insights on the evolving concept of placemaking.

Al-Mana highlighted the significance of space as both physical and experiential. He pointed out that designers, planners, and architects play a role in shaping public spaces, while cultural institutions and policymakers contribute to transforming physical space into a place. Sheikha Reem, representing Qatar Museums, noted that placemaking has become a buzzword, with neighbourhoods evolving from original housing to incorporate green spaces and new market areas.

Dr Janahi, an assistant professor, emphasised the deep-rooted nature of placemaking in Arab and Islamic traditions, where the relationship between the built environment and society, cultural identity, resilience, and heritage play pivotal roles. Dr Kayani, a sustainable urbanism specialist, stressed the importance of understanding what constitutes a place in today's evolving relationship between people and their surroundings.

He pointed to the FIFA World Cup 2022 as an example of a successful public space, despite the extensive development that took place across Qatar during the event. However, Dr al-Mana highlighted Souq Waqif as a standout example, pointing out that the traditional market has continued to thrive as a marketplace for centuries, making it a true champion of placemaking.