THE ROLES OF SCENERY IN DYNAMIC PLACEMAKING

Abstract

Among factors affecting the success of placemaking process is the visual quality wich in certain context appear as scenery. This research investigates the role of scenery in the process of placemaking as occur along a road near a ricefield known as Sawah Cengklik. Situated close to Adi Soemarmo Airport, this place has particular visual attraction as people would like to spend the late afternoon time there from 3 to 6 pm. By observing the characteristics of the scenery and people’s activities we may understand the placemaking process occurring quite spontaneously in Sawah Cengklik. The simple and common panorama of comprising of ricefield and sky becomes special as it has dynamic factors. During the late afternoon time when the sun is about to rest, the horizon in this place has a special charm as the sky is getting red and then dark. Moreover, the movement of aircrafts across the sky enhance the dynamics of the scenery. During that time people visit this place to stay, rest, meet friends, do exercise and have light meals while they enjoy the scenery from that open space between the road and the ricefield. People having good time in this place attract some street vendors, and in turn the presence of the street vendors attract more people. The conjunction between the resting time, cooling temperature, dramatic sunset and busy aircraft movements lend the dynamics of the placemaking process. This dynamic transforms the placeless location into a liveable and loveable place for many