Placemaking Tactics: Strategic Prototypes Placemaking Tactics: Strategic Prototypes In Downtown Largo, placemaking is not only about improving visual appearance and activating the public realm but also about encouraging the civic, government, commercial and institutional partners to embrace and invest in placemaking. These prototype project ideas describe some of the available opportunities.
ACTIVATE METRO PLAZA The plaza at the Largo Metro station is a major entry point into Downtown Largo. Strategic actions that could have an outsized impact on this space include consistent maintenance of the plaza, establishing a wayfinding hub, enhancing the garage facade with a mural or other artwork, and providing regular pop-up programming. This space will play a key role in other projects, such as the Game Day Pop-Up Promenade. Potential partners: WMATA, PGCAHC
Exercise as part of a community open streets event Milwaukee, WI
FREE WI-FI ACCESS Internet access is a ubiquitous need in public spaces. Free Wi-Fi access is an amenity that encourages people to come to a public space and stay there and can make people feel welcome regardless of their affiliation with organizations that provide private Wi-Fi services. Build a public Wi-Fi network, starting with places where you would like people to gather, and expand it outwards from there. Potential partners: Cellular and cable carriers, EDC
High school band plays for Bike to Work Day participants, West Street, Falls Church, VA
ARTFUL PLACES Temporary arts events and performances require mobile infrastructure such as stages, sound, seating, and storage. Some of this infrastructure can be creatively designed to add to the excitement and send signals that something interesting is happening. Consider creating an artist-designed mobile bandshell, stage and screen; decorate the vehicles that drive this equipment around with playful designs and markings. Potential partners: PGCAHC, M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Audience at evening concert in downtown Cape Charles, VA
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Downtown Largo Placemaking, Branding, and Wayfinding Strategy
Prince George’s County Planning Department