Placemaking and Public Space Design: Unlocking Place Potential
| Provider | Luleå University of Technology (FutureLearn) |
| Duration | 2 weeks (~3 hours/week) |
| Cost | Free (with limited access; upgrade available) |
| Level | Beginner |
| Enroll | futurelearn.com — Unlocking Place Potential |
What You'll Learn
How design policy and academic research influence best practice in urban and climate-responsive design. This course gives you the theoretical foundation for creating successful public spaces — from planning frameworks to design principles.
Key Topics
- Planning policy frameworks — from international agreements to local policies that shape public spaces
- Sustainable development and public spaces — how great spaces contribute to sustainability goals
- Urban planning and climate change — how planning decisions influence local climate
- Research-informed design — evidence-based approaches to creating better places
- Case studies — analysis of successful (and unsuccessful) public space designs across different climates
Learning Path
Take this course after Unlocking Design Potential to build the policy and planning knowledge on top of the technical skills.
Why This Matters for She Cycles
When you propose a new cycling rest stop or a redesigned public space to your councillor, you need policy language — not just a pretty design. This course teaches you to frame your proposals in terms that planners and politicians understand: sustainability, climate resilience, and evidence-based design.
See Also
- Unlocking Design Potential — the companion course on tools and modelling
- Placemaking Europe Toolbox — free practical tools for community-led placemaking
- Council Presentation Toolkit — present your case to elected officials