Nature in place: Placemaking in the biosphere

Abstract

In creating and sustaining place, nature may be both a passive element but also an active participant of place. Nature forms the biological building blocks for the landscape elements of place. But nature is much more than the supporting cast for the buildings, more than simply the landscaping elements introduced to green the edges of built form. Nature is fundamental to life, to health and well-being of humans and non-human biodiversity. Nature contributes to social cohesion and to thriving people, neighbourhoods and communities. Nature, therefore, is essential for placemaking. Embedding nature in placemaking can contribute to the stewardship of our biosphere, through connecting people with nature. This chapter explores concepts of social-ecological systems, sense of place and stewardship to inform approaches to embedding nature in placemaking. Indigenous perspectives to place are also discussed to deepen the understandings of connections with place and custodianship of Country. Following this, we demonstrate how placemaking processes and elements can be redirected to integrate nature. Nature placemaking approaches create a more holistic identity and character of a place and underpin the emotional and cultural connections and human relationships with place.