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Making Impact IPUT Dublin

Measuring the impact of placemaking at Wilton Park, Dublin

Sector

Real Estate

Region

Europe

Timespan

2020-2027

Wilton Park, developed by IPUT Real Estate, is a landmark mixed-use development in the heart of Dublin Southside. As part of the development, new office workplaces are complemented by a transformed public realm, enhancing connectivity, accessibility, and vibrancy. Credits: IPUT Real Estate, Dublin

Gehl, in partnership with IPUT Real Estate, Hassell, and PRD, launched a five-year study on Wilton Park’s placemaking impact. This research sets a benchmark for impact investments in Ireland — highlighting the social, cultural, environmental, and economic value of people-focused design and public realm activation.

Wilton Park has transformed from a closed, overgrown, and underutilized area into a vibrant neighborhood park, where people come to relax, socialize, and enjoy their surroundings. Our work tracks how usage patterns evolve over time and how placemaking activities shape the way people interact with the space. Credit: IPUT Real Estate, Dublin
As part of the strategy to activate Wilton Park, artworks and play structures have been introduced to enhance engagement, creativity, and community interaction. Credit: IPUT Real Estate, Dublin

Tracking the evolution of Wilton Park’s public realm and how people use it

Wilton Park is IPUT’s landmark office development in Dublin’s traditional CBD, that seamlessly integrates workplace, cultural, and public spaces.. To assess the impact of placemaking efforts, a five-year longitudinal study will evaluate how strategic public realm investments can drive social, cultural, environmental, and economic benefits. 

By measuring key indicators over time, the study provides valuable insights into how people engage with the space, how businesses and cultural activities thrive, and how environmental sustainability is enhanced. A key element of Gehl’s contribution is the Public Life App, which provides insights into how people interact with Wilton Park’s public spaces. By combining quantitative data with qualitative user experience analysis, this approach ensures that the study not only measures impact but also captures the lived experience of those engaging with the space. Over five years, Making Impact will produce a unique dataset, offering invaluable lessons for asset owners, planners, investors, and city-makers committed to creating more people-centered urban environments.

This study aims to set a benchmark for impact-driven urban development, demonstrating how strategic public realm investments contribute to more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities.

Making Impact Iput Dublin is a landmark piece of research for the real estate industry. The results highlight the crucial role that the public realm and green spaces play in city neighborhoods and demonstrate that these elements add value. The evidence-based approach reinforces our commitment to investing in placemaking and nurturing positive social experiences.

Marie Hunt, Head of Research, IPUT Real Estate Dublin

Credit: IPUT Real Estate, Dublin
Jonna Ekholm, Senior Urban Strategist Leon Legeland, Project Manager Martin Nelson, Technical Designer Andrew Sime, Intern
Due to investments in large-scale infrastructure, the density of Melbourne’s peripheral areas is increasing. This is causing significant changes in the urban fabric of suburban centers. To measure changes over time, Gehl established a benchmark study in each of the station precincts focused at impacts on the public realm and changes in public life patterns. Credit: Suburban Rail Loop Authority

Enabling future impact assessment of Melbourne’s expanding rail infrastructure

  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Mobility
  • Urban Strategy
Credit: LHM/MOR, DobnerAngermann

Modernizing Munich’s old town as a place for all

  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Mobility
  • Urban Strategy
Credit Gehl

Expanding people-first transportation options in a booming city

  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Mobility
  • Urban Strategy
The public realm poses a challenge to healthy food access in peripheral neighborhoods of Bogotá. Steep terrain, lack of transportation, and limited healthy food offerings make it difficult for Bogotanos to access the fresh produce needed to cook at home. The nature of the public realm forces people to rely on processed and fast food that is more accessible and heavily advertised. Credit: Gehl

Working across silos to address Bogotá’s food deserts through public space improvements

  • Community Engagement
  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Strategy
Ajuda residents have a median income in the bottom 30% of Lisbon’s earnings and well below the city’s average (2009). The neighborhood’s population nearly doubles daily due to the influx of university staff and students. Credit: Gehl

Improving food access in a disinvested community in Lisbon

  • Community Engagement
  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Strategy
Credit: Gehl

Reimagining Duisburg, Germany’s industrial site as a vibrant public destination

  • Place Activation
  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Strategy

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