Embracing Change

This chapter explores how place-based changes can bring about unintended consequences, which are a key element in any scientific endeavor. Unplanned consequences should be thought through and embraced by implementers of place-based changes. Successful changes to places will inevitably lead to increasing desirability for their use. However, any sustained change to the built environment of a place creates the potential for multiple outcomes. There will always be potential negative tradeoffs to changing places. Unintended negative consequences should be planned for and discussed ahead of time, so that efforts can be made to mitigate against their occurrence. Fear of change or negative impacts can create an inescapable status quo for many poor and neglected communities who could benefit from place-based change. This status quo can lead to dangerous and unhealthy conditions persisting for too long, producing negative legacy effects for these communities. As a solution, negative externalities of placemaking interventions are more readily anticipated through research. In this way, early scientific involvement can greatly inform proactive planning and thoughtful placemaking, easing any apprehension among local policy makers and residents.