The Problem with Public Space and Placemaking
Why most public spaces bring people near each other — but not together
Cities, campuses, and parks are investing in placemaking more than ever. That’s great!
But most public spaces still aren’t reaching their full potential.
🚶♂️ They bring people near each other… but not together.
A plaza looks full, but everyone’s on their phones.
A park is visually inviting, but doesn’t offer activities for strangers to naturally interact.
👶🏀♟ They separate people by age & ability.
Playgrounds → for kids
Basketball courts → for athletes
Chess tables → for seniors
Most public activities are age-segregated, making intergenerational and inclusive play rare.
🧑💻 They don’t compete with digital entertainment.
People are more digitally connected than ever—but more socially disconnected
A park bench is nice, but Instagram is more interesting
Public spaces need compelling, unique reasons to engage people in ways screens cannot
So What’s the Solution?
Public spaces should be:
✅ Socially engaging (not just nice to look at)
✅ Multigenerational (not just for kids or athletes)
✅ Interactive & playful (so they compete with screens)
That’s why we design bespoke community games—play installations that help people naturally interact, meet, and build relationships.
📩 Next issue: "How Bespoke Games Solve Public Space Challenges."