The sculpture garden is finally finished and becomes a neighbourhood landmark. The mini-library is in constant use.
The Vagabond Placemaker delivers a TED Talk in Indianapolis – How to add some magic to a public space near you.
This pioneering work in agile placemaking culminates in the creation of the 7 Day Makeover, which gives Council and residents an immersion experience in a new approach to creating great places.
Frustrated with the shortcomings of master-planning, pioneers a series of experiments in agile placemaking in Paihia, NZ. As a result of these experiments Paihia wins a stack of awards, including Community of the Year. Made an Honorary Local of Paihia.
Shares his learning from Wodonga in a keynote at the 2008 Mainstreets conference. The audience want more. For the next three years travels Australia and NZ delivering training courses on the art of placemaking.
Becomes the official Place Maker for the City of Wodonga in Victoria, Australia. Main job? Rebuilding the main street of a rural city known to locals as ‘Struggle Town’. Pioneers a new approach to place making. Discovers that placemaking is largely a psychological task.
Begins turning his front yard into a sculpture garden, as a demonstration project to show how private land can be used for public good. Sculpts all the pieces himself. Little does he know, but this project will take 10 years.
Publishes Mental Speed Bumps: the smarter way to tame traffic. On an international promotional tour, shares what he has learned from observing great public spaces around the world.
