{
  "id": 607495,
  "title": "‘Placemaking evolves as people’s relationship with spaces changes’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/placemaking-evolves-as-peoples-relationship-with-spaces-changes",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-11T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf Times",
    "slug": "gulf-times",
    "url": "https://www.gulf-times.com/article/730904/qatar/placemaking-evolves-as-peoples-relationship-with-spaces-changes"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nAl-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.",
  "summary": "The concept of placemaking has evolved as human interaction with the environment has changed over time, highlighted a panel discussion organised by Doha Design District Tuesday. The panel featured She...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}