Evergreen Canada’s Post

Iconic children's toys like city playmats have long shaped young minds to view car-centric urban environments as the norm. A new project aims to reimagine this formative play experience through a more human-oriented lens. The Little Big Playmat swaps out the typical overabundance of roads and parking for ample green spaces, accessible public transit, protected bike lanes and shared mobility hubs. Developed by a 'think tank' of kids aged 5–13 alongside urban planner Lior Steinberg, the playmat counters the unspoken yet pervasive message that private vehicles should be the top priority in city design — a message introduced early on through toys and children's books. Instead, The Little Big Playmat highlights elements that reduce emissions and pollution while promoting healthy lifestyles, like walking, cycling or taking public transit from residential neighborhoods to nearby shops and parks. The Little Big Playmat was commissioned by shared mobility app Bolt, which released it as an open-source design and is encouraging manufacturers to produce and sell the mats. Click through to read this innovation’s Trend Bite... 👇 https://lnkd.in/eEjZMSBq #urbanplanning #storytelling #innovation #trendwatching

Earlier this week, I wrote a post about why variety matters in playgrounds and why they should be more than just a swing, slide, and roundabout that’s no different from the one around the corner. Playgrounds should inspire kids and provide diverse experiences. Well-designed play spaces should go beyond the basics, consider the environment, community, and surrounding spaces, and offer unique activities. You can see some case studies in my last post of… 🛝 Diverse Experiences: Such as sensory gardens / climbing structures / incorporating tech into outdoor play. ✨ Inclusivity: Such as accessible layouts and units that allow wheelchair users to be 4 meters off the ground! Sensory play areas, and safe spaces. 🌈 Nature & Adventure: By integrating green spaces and natural elements, teaching kids to connect with and protect the environment. It’s nice to see each playground reflect its local character and offer a distinct experience.

🌳🚶♂️ Creating Inclusive Walking Spaces for All Abilities 🚶♀️🌳 Walking is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's important to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can benefit from these spaces. Welcome to our 45th contribution to our limited insights into the Benefits of Walking.  Here are some key elements to consider when designing inclusive walking paths: 1. Accessible Pathways:  Wide, smooth pathways without obstacles or abrupt changes in elevation make it easier for individuals with mobility impairments to navigate. Ensuring pathways are wheelchair and walker-friendly is crucial. ♿️🚶♂️ 2. Clear Signage:  Signage with large fonts and pictograms helps those with visual impairments understand and follow directions. Utilising universal design principles can significantly improve accessibility. 🛤️🆗 3. Seating and Rest Areas:  Incorporating benches with ample space around them along walking paths provides rest spots for those who may tire easily, ensuring comfort for everyone. 🪑🌼 4. Sensory Considerations:  Tactile pathways and auditory signals can greatly enhance the experience for individuals with sensory disabilities, making the environment more inclusive. 👣🔊 5. Community Engagement:  Engaging a diverse group of community members in the planning process ensures that the needs and preferences of all individuals are considered. This helps create culturally sensitive and welcoming spaces. 🗣️💬 By focusing on these elements, we can create walking spaces that promote community health, well-being, and social interaction. Let's make our outdoor environments accessible and enjoyable for everyone! 🌟👫 #InclusiveWalking #Accessibility #CommunityHealth #OutdoorActivities #UniversalDesign

The term "placemaking" has become ubiquitous in conversations around public spaces, echoing through community meetings, policy discussions, and architectural studios. It has morphed into a buzzword, laden with both promise and skepticism. The definition remains as fluid as the spaces it seeks to transform, begging the question, what does placemaking really mean? Placemaking embodies a multitude of interpretations, from grassroots community engagement to top-down urban renewal initiatives. Many define and embrace it as a means to foster vibrant, inclusive communities, others offer critiques, questioning its ability to truly empower marginalized voices or challenging its susceptibility to co-optation by commercial interests. During Placemaking Week and beyond, we'll embark on a journey to explore what placemaking and placekeeping truly mean for the Neighborhood Design Center. Yet while our internal definition is evolving, we embrace shared placemaking practices. Our community engagement around placemaking remains deeply rooted in place-based interventions that respond to the distinctive needs and aspirations of local neighborhoods. Check out our latest article where our team explores the current state of placemaking. Read the article and comment below how you define placemaking: https://bit.ly/4bFDghh

Have you ever felt disconnected from your local park? Like you don’t belong there or it is not a fun space for you? Placemaking is all about creating public spaces that people love and feel connected to. But simply having a fancy definition for it isn't what makes it work. Here's why. 1. It's About the People, Not the Jargon: The true strength of placemaking lies in how we create these spaces, not what we call them. It's about bringing people together in an inclusive and collaborative way. Imagine a local park. A top-down approach might involve installing a generic playground equipment set. Placemaking, however, would involve talking to the community – parents, children, seniors – to understand what they would truly value in the space. Maybe it's a nature trail, a community garden, or even a space for outdoor fitness classes. Or Tigers. 2. Understanding What Matters Most: A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. What makes a great public space in one neighbourhood might not resonate with another. Placemaking requires putting people first and understanding their unique needs and aspirations. For instance, a bustling downtown might thrive with a large public plaza for events and gatherings. But a quiet suburban neighbourhood might prefer a smaller pocket park with a focus on seating, trees and relaxation. 3. Reflecting the Community's Soul: Successful placemaking is rooted in local values and culture. A space should feel authentic and reflect the identity of the community it serves. Think about a downtown district. Placemaking there might involve incorporating traditional architecture, language signage, and community events celebrating local heritage. This creates a space that not only functions well but also fosters a sense of belonging and pride. Remember, a place can belong to multiple communities that overlap. A park might be used by families, dog walkers, and fitness enthusiasts – all finding something valuable in the shared space. Effective placemaking acknowledges these diverse needs and creates a space that works for everyone. What's missing from your ideal public space? #placemaking #communitydevelopment #Tasmania

While difficult to definitively define, placemaking is part of everything we do as elected officials.

We understand that a home isn't just a place; it's a story that spans generations! Our technology empowers you to curate multi-generational spaces, fostering connections that transcend time. From grandparents' cosy nooks to children's play zones, our innovative solutions create environments where every age finds comfort and joy. #luxurylivingtech #digitalliving #smarthometech #innovativedesigns #hometechtrends #architectureandtech #architectureanddesign #interiorstyling #interiordesign

When designing an inclusive playground, consider adding cozy, quiet spaces to give kids who are overwhelmed by playground noise and stimulation a comforting place to rest and recover! Learn more about building an inclusive playground with Miracle® equipment: https://bit.ly/3W3zs21 #MiracleInclusive #InclusivePlay #InclusivePlayground #InclusiveDesign

When designing an inclusive playground, consider adding cozy, quiet spaces to give kids who are overwhelmed by playground noise and stimulation a comforting place to rest and recover! Learn more about building an inclusive playground with Miracle® equipment: https://bit.ly/3W3zs21 #MiracleInclusive #InclusivePlay #InclusivePlayground #InclusiveDesign

When designing an inclusive playground, consider adding cozy, quiet spaces to give kids who are overwhelmed by playground noise and stimulation a comforting place to rest and recover! Learn more about building an inclusive playground with Miracle® equipment: https://bit.ly/3W3zs21 #MiracleInclusive #InclusivePlay #InclusivePlayground #InclusiveDesign