Experience on Main Street Guide 2024 | Page 16

DS . Emotion

Creating successful and sustainable places for all .

DS . Emotion is an award winning , independent agency who specialise in branding , marketing & placemaking . Over the past 30 years they have successfully branded and marketed some of the UK ’ s best residential , retail , leisure and commercial developments with the aim of increasing value , enhancing perception and delivering sales and lettings . Their early work on Carnaby Street helped to transform the then tired hub for London , encouraging a new generation of fashion brands and their followers back to the hallowed streets through a combination of award winning creative and placemaking activity .
Placemaking is a comprehensive approach to the planning , design and management of public spaces . It ’ s about creating places that promote health and happiness , with a focus on the well-being of those who occupy these spaces , not just those who own them . This approach is holistic and often driven by the community . It can make public spaces more accessible , engaging and vibrant by considering the broader social , cultural and environmental contexts , working into the ever present and essential ESG framework .
Placemaking can encompass a range of activities , from urban design and architecture to community engagement and programming . It typically involves long-term strategies for the development and revitalisation of neighbourhoods and cities . The primary aim is to create spaces that foster stronger community ties , improve the quality of life and enhance the identity of a place or space .
Once the benchmark for quality British High Streets , King Street Manchester suffered against emerging competition from the likes of Harvey Nichols and Selfridges , not to mention online retail . Following the work DS . Emotion and DTZ Investors have done over the past 5 years it ’ s now once again a thriving retail & leisure destination , supported by a vibrant cyclical programme of well marketed events , including activations and community focused activities .
Whether it ’ s a retail or leisure destination , a residential development or a business destination the single most important starting point must be creating a clear understanding of the ultimate aims and objectives of the place . This
The Feel Good Festival London , which brought talks and activities to vacant units which encouraged participation , connecting the community and improving a sense of well-being
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