Placemaking for Value Creation
What if every development increased property value while simultaneously creating places people genuinely love? This is strategic placemaking: creating places that fascinate and surprise, but also that grow in value across generations. RIOS’ approach transforms vision into measurable outcomes like increased retail occupancy and economic impact.
"True placemaking creates a ripple effect. When we design for authentic human connection, the financial performance follows, delivering exceptional returns for investors and measurable benefits for cities."
— Sebastian Salvadó, Creative Director, RIOS
Measurable Impact
ROW DTLA demonstrates how creative placemaking unlocks value. RIOS transformed the century-old produce distribution center into a 16-hour hub for creative professionals.
- Strategic placemaking contributed to doubling the project valuation
- 91% retail occupancy—outpacing the Arts District by 25%
- Self-sustaining destination through curated tenant mix and event-driven activations that command premium returns
A Regenerative Neighborhood
The 1901 Project, designed by RIOS in collaboration with United Center Joint Venture, transforms Chicago’s West Side with a $7 billion mixed-use development unifying sports, music, and culture.
- Up to 40°F reduction in urban heat and up to 60% decrease in stormwater runoff through a connected green network with landscape design by Field Operations
- $2.5 billion in economic impact expected
- $104 million in annual tax revenue
Urban Activation Year-Round
RIOS collaborated with Gehl, Agora Partners, and Outside Voices to develop Downtown Houston’s Public Realm Action Plan, turning fragmented streets into inviting corridors that encourage activity.
- 6-month comprehensive study involving 40+ stakeholder workshops
- 700+ community feedback points informing data-driven design decisions
- 20+ public spaces coordinated through strategic place management framework
Visual by Gehl
Our Placemaking Framework
Every transformative place begins with a fundamental question: What could this space become, rather than what it has always been?
Explore our placemaking principles that shape adaptive design frameworks responsive to our ever-evolving world.
In the Spotlight
When Design Adapts to Civic Expression
RIOS reflects on an unexpected chapter in the story of the signature hot pink chairs and benches we designed for Grand Park—repurposed as shields during L.A. protests. Featured in Fast Company, the moment invites deeper thought on how we design truly inclusive public spaces that adapt to both community gathering and civic action.
Mass Timber Innovation
Our Campfire installation at the International Mass Timber Conference showcases how reclaimed materials can create immersive experiences. Featured in Dezeen, this interactive CLT pavilion reveals timber’s potential through spatial storytelling, proving sustainability and innovation can be both beautiful and experiential.
Cultural Placemaking at El Pueblo
RIOS led a district-making workshop reimagining El Pueblo through community narratives and financial resilience, building on our Historic Cultural District Master Plan. The placemaking dialogue, held as part of the Global Cultural Districts Network convening, continued at our LA office with an evening of lively exchange.
A New Vision for Senior Living
RIOS is redefining the future of senior living with a holistic, research-driven approach that creates places where people live better, longer. Our longevity ecosystem builds cross-generational communities to support wellness, encourage daily rituals, and connect people to nature.
Got a project you’re excited about? Let’s talk. If you’re working on something that could benefit from our placemaking approach, we’d enjoy the conversation.
