ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a case study of a recent place-making project in downtown Detroit, Michigan, to examine how Edward Relph's concept of place-making has been applied in a city grappling with major economic transition. The case highlights some of the tensions created by the evolution of place-making into an increasingly global and corporatized practice, replicated around the world and adopted by governments and developers alike. The chapter examines how place-making in Detroit has been shaped by influences at multiple scales, and considers the way these influences have translated into specific outcomes on the ground. It raises questions about the value of defined processes to 'make' place, and contemplates who such place-making processes are most likely to benefit in practice. The growing enthusiasm for place-making has been reflected in the emergence of a new industry of place-making practitioners and consultancies, including the well-known non-profit organization Project for Public Spaces (PPS).
