Designing Community: Placemaking and the Art of the Neighborhood
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Why do we feel safe and welcome in some public spaces, but rushed in others? In this course, we explore "Placemaking," the art of designing neighborhoods that foster connection rather than isolation. Blending urban psychology with design, we will examine how the built environment shapes our well-being-from the walkable plazas of Europe to accessible gathering spots right here in the Salt Lake Valley. You will learn to read your own streets with fresh eyes, discovering how human-scale design can build community at any age. Finally, we will conclude with a gentle, creative activity: re-imagining a small corner of your neighborhood to be a more inviting space for future generations.