Placemaking in Weimar: Safety and Identity of Public Spaces in Germany

Cities in Europe, including Weimar, Germany, are regions that emerged and developed during the Middle Ages or even earlier. And these cities then developed in Renaissance and industrial era with communities that still have social and cultural traditions. Even today, some still display traces of these traditions and socio-cultural traditions through important patterns and attributes of urban space and various architectural expressions. This urban space includes how the morphology of buildings and open spaces are configured to accommodate various social activities.

The current state of advanced technology and communication systems presents significant challenges for the planning and management of urban public spaces. On the one hand, technology and information systems facilitate the planning and management of infrastructure systems. The use of smart signage in public spaces, for example, is very efficient and effective in developing information for the public. However, on the other hand, social interaction and inclusivity of public spaces with its various forms of shared (physical) activities, still needs to be psychologically accommodated and continuously developed. Undeniably, one of the greatest challenges in urban planning is providing the greatest possible space for participation for the various citizens and community groups within the city.