The 'creative city' : moving from ideas to planning practice

Abstract

Economic development and planning practitioners around the world are focusing on the producers and consumers of the creative economy as the basis for growing vibrant and successful cities. This creative movement calls for an interdisciplinary approach to planning where a break in the rules that govern 'normal' planning practice contribute to environments that breed creativity, innovation and ultimately, economic growth. While it is still too early to measure the economic impacts of the movement, many cities have begun to engage in a creative city planning approach to urban revitalization. This thesis investigates the translation of the creative city concept into urban revitalization policies and programs in Providence, Boston and Baltimore. These case studies illustrate the range of strategies for putting the ideas of the creative city in place, the new difficulties that arise when the planning community attempts to reframe planning practice, and provides recommendations for overcoming these implementation challenges.