The Blue City Project in Switzerland is a multi-faceted initiative focused on improving urban planning and management through a "blue" lens, emphasizing water resources, interconnected flows, and digital twins for smart city solutions. This project aims to create a resilient, sustainable, and ecologically sound urban environment.

In a downtown area well populated with public art, the colorful work on the street side of Blue Dot Place stands out: The work was part of the building plan from the beginning for the 33-unit apartment building that opened on Jan.

The Rio Grande ARTway is a community-driven placemaking project that transforms a section of the Rio Grande Trail in Carbondale into a vibrant, art-filled public space. Designed to celebrate local culture, foster creativity, and support community wellness, the ARTway blends public art, gardens, and gathering spaces along a beloved pedestrian and bike route. Key Placemaking Features - Public Art Installations Murals, sculptures, and interactive artworks created by local artists and youth line the trail, turning the corridor into an open-air gallery that reflects Carbondale’s creative spirit. - Diversity Garden & Community Spaces The project includes features like the Diversity Garden, which celebrates cultural inclusivity and biodiversity, and provides areas for community gathering, relaxation, and storytelling. - Pedestrian & Cyclist Engagement Located along a well-used section of the Rio Grande Trail, the ARTway encourages active transportation, offering a safe and beautiful route for walkers and bikers to enjoy. - Collaborative Community Effort Spearheaded by Carbondale Arts, the project involved local schools, nonprofits, artists, and residents, making it a model for inclusive, grassroots placemaking. - Environmental Integration The ARTway incorporates native landscaping, gardens, and eco-conscious design, aligning with Carbondale’s values of sustainability and natural beauty.

The Island of Sculptures (Illa das Esculturas) is an open-air contemporary art park located in Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain. Established in 1999, the park spans 70,000 square meters and is situated on an island in the Lérez River, seamlessly integrating art, nature, and public space. The park features twelve large-scale granite sculptures created by internationally renowned artists, including Robert Morris, Francisco Leiro, and Fernando Casás. Each artwork is designed to interact with the landscape, reflecting themes of Galician culture, history, and natural elements. Beyond its artistic significance, the Island of Sculptures serves as a community space for walking, cycling, and relaxation, making it a key placemaking project in Galicia. The park promotes cultural engagement, sustainability, and accessibility, offering an immersive experience where visitors can explore art in harmony with the environment.

Hirosaki Park is a historic and cultural park located in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. Spanning approximately 49 hectares, it is best known for its stunning cherry blossoms, well-preserved samurai history, and the iconic Hirosaki Castle, which dates back to the early 17th century. Key Features of Hirosaki Park - Hirosaki Castle: A historic Edo-period castle with a surviving three-story keep, stone walls, and a scenic moat. - Cherry Blossoms: The park is one of Japan’s top cherry blossom viewing spots, with over 2,600 sakura trees that create breathtaking pink tunnels during the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in spring. - Seasonal Beauty: Beyond cherry blossoms, the park is also famous for autumn foliage, winter snow lanterns, and summer lotus flowers in the moats. - Bridges & Moats: Picturesque red bridges, particularly the Gejo Bridge, provide incredible views of the castle framed by sakura. - Cultural Events: The park hosts seasonal festivals, including winter illumination events, samurai reenactments, and local craft fairs. Why Hirosaki Park is Special - A blend of history and nature, offering a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past while serving as a peaceful retreat. - One of Japan’s most celebrated cherry blossom destinations, attracting thousands of visitors annually. - A prime example of historic preservation and urban placemaking, integrating natural beauty with cultural heritage.

Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and supporting community gardens throughout the Denver metro area. Since its founding in 1985, DUG has helped establish and manage over 190 gardens, transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant centers of community engagement, food access, and environmental education. Key Features of DUG’s Work: - Community Gardens DUG empowers neighborhoods to develop shared garden spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can grow food, connect with nature, and build relationships with one another. - Food Justice & Access Many gardens are located in low-income neighborhoods or food deserts, providing residents with affordable, healthy produce and promoting self-reliance through urban agriculture. - Youth & Education Programs Through school gardens and curriculum support, DUG promotes garden-based learning, sustainability, and environmental stewardship for children and teens. - Garden Leadership & Equity Focus DUG trains local leaders to manage and maintain garden sites, fostering equity, representation, and resilience within communities. - Sustainable Practices The gardens promote organic growing techniques, composting, water conservation, and pollinator support, reinforcing DUG's commitment to ecological health. Why It Matters Denver Urban Gardens is more than a gardening initiative—it's a placemaking force that cultivates community, food security, environmental awareness, and urban wellness. Each garden serves as a hub for connection, empowerment, and growth—both personal and collective.

La REcyclerie is a community-oriented space located in a repurposed train station on the disused “Petite Ceinture” railway in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. It functions as a café-restaurant, repair workshop, and urban farm, promoting sustainability and circular economy principles. Visitors can learn about composting, urban gardening, and upcycling through regular workshops, making La REcyclerie a hotspot for green placemaking in a dense urban area. Project link: https://www.larecyclerie.com/

Le Hasard Ludique is a cultural venue and community hub located in a renovated station along the disused Petite Ceinture railway in the 18th arrondissement. Opened in 2017, it includes a bar-restaurant, event space for concerts and workshops, and an outdoor platform that doubles as a terrace. The surrounding section of the Petite Ceinture has been landscaped and opened to pedestrians, creating a linear green walkway. By blending creative programming with the adaptive reuse of historical infrastructure, Le Hasard Ludique is a prime example of community-led placemaking in Paris.

The NoBo Art District is a vibrant and growing creative community located in North Boulder, dedicated to making art an essential part of everyday life. Established in 2009, NoBo brings together local artists, galleries, studios, and businesses to transform the urban landscape through public art, cultural events, and creative engagement. Key Features of the NoBo Art District: -Public Art and Murals NoBo is home to an extensive collection of outdoor murals, sculptures, and art installations that animate the streets and public spaces, creating a walkable, inspiring urban environment. - First Friday Art Walks Every first Friday of the month, NoBo hosts an open studio and gallery walk, where artists open their doors to the community, offering live music, exhibitions, workshops, and cultural performances. - Support for Local Artists The district provides affordable studio spaces and supports emerging and established artists through exhibitions, professional development, and public exposure. - Community-Driven Placemaking With initiatives like art-integrated wayfinding signs, temporary pop-up exhibits, and creative gathering spaces, NoBo fosters a sense of community identity and connection. - Partnerships and Inclusivity NoBo collaborates with the City of Boulder, nonprofits, and local businesses to ensure that diverse voices and artists from different backgrounds are included in shaping the district’s creative future.

Satellite + The City of Boulder has partnered to repurpose unused land in Boulder, CO to create spaces for the community. Satellite has been a Boulder business serving our kids, families, skateboarders, and snowboarders for 21 years. Consider donating today to support these local resources and to continue building for our community.