Reimagining small scale green spaces in Adelaide’s West End

ABSTRACT This article examines small scale green spaces developed on underutilised land in the inner city, looking at the ways in which familiar domestic outdoor design characteristics have been used for placemaking in what is essentially a commercial setting. Using case studies situated in Adelaide, South Australia, this research explores both the development and characteristics of small commercial or community inner city green spaces, how they have aided revitalisation through imaginative treatments of leftover spaces, and the integration of stories and nostalgia in place creation. One of the potential benefits of nurturing such small scale green interventions in our cities are the impacts on wellbeing, not only for those who are resident in the city, but also for those who work there, study in or visit the city. The focus of the article is an investigation of how three case studies – a café, a bar and a community garden – have brought a sense of home into the commercial centre of the city, specifically in terms of the placemaking and urban design moves that have been employed.