Not many people start planning a project with the goal of making a landmark. It may seem like aiming too high or feel unnecessary. But landmarks serve a vital function in a community, and the work that goes into designing and building one will pay off in the end.

Most spaces serve a specific purpose, but there's an argument to be made that some structures should go beyond a single function. Designing a public space is an opportunity to create something meaningful. Yes, all facilities should have a practical use, but they can also become something more abstract and perhaps more important.

Why Landmarks are Important

Not every city needs an Empire State Building, but having a few easily recognizable structures is beneficial in a few ways. Public spaces can serve a variety of roles, from housing community functions to honoring local history, but they can also exceed these singular, practical uses. 

With proper design, a structure can become an icon and a representation of the people it serves. Local landmarks offer advantages in community, tourism, quality of life and navigation.

1. Community

A landmark can foster a sense of community. More practically, it can help this community grow by offering a space for people to interact with one another. 

Creating a positive social environment doesn't just make people happier. It can improve physical health as well. Isolation can lead to poor health and a loss of morale. A recognizable, well-designed public space gives people a neutral territory where they can meet and socialize.

2. Tourism

If a structure grows iconic enough, it can attract outside attention. Architecture tourism is a popular and thriving industry, so cities have a lot to gain from noteworthy buildings. With more tourists comes more money, and this money can go towards improving infrastructure within the area.

Louisiana experienced this with the landmark construction of the Louisiana State Museum and Sports Hall of Fame. While Natchitoches, Louisiana, is a small city, the museum has helped its residents celebrate its rich history. The structure accommodates both regional history and achievement in sports, drawing visitors to its visually innovative structure from far and wide.

3. Quality of Life

Some landmarks can also enhance quality of life for the people around them. With the right design, a structure can be a work of art. It may seem unimportant, but having something pleasant to look at can be therapeutic. An enticing public space can also help people get outside and walk around.

Some landmark buildings take this mission to heart. The Festival hall of the Tiroler festspiele in Erl, Austria, for example, celebrates both visual and auditory art with its bold, angular design. Going to a concert in this hall means visitors can walk its cavernous interiors and take in the geometric sights of the stage before the music even starts. 

4. Navigation

If someone is unfamiliar with an area, landmarks can help them find their way around. They may not know street names, but they can recognize a structure that stands out. Ease of navigation improves visitors' experiences and helps decrease frustration within the city.

Designing a Landmark

It's evident, then, that landmarks are a crucial part of an area's ecosystem. Still, creating them can seem like a tall order. It may be near impossible to plan on something becoming a worldwide sensation, but there are keys to making a functional and recognizable local space.

The scheme of these spaces should accommodate the societal roles they play. If a structure is to help navigation and community, it should be easy to point out and comfortable to walk through. In all cases, a landmark's design should consider simplicity, accessibility, durability and character.

1. Simplicity

Simplicity doesn't necessarily mean that a space should be minimalist. But keeping a structure adaptable ensures that people can continue to use it over time. As culture and technology change, it may be helpful to add new amenities to a space, and an overcomplicated design won't be able to accommodate this.

Take the Community Church Knarvik, constructed in 2014 as a cultural and religious landmark for residents of Knarvik, Norway. Its impressive natural design creates a striking sight, but its clean lines and neutral interiors allow faith organizers to freely use the interior space to hold gatherings for a variety of services and community events. 

2. Accessibility

A public space isn't very useful if it's not accessible to all kinds of people. Part of accessibility is making an area easy to walk through. Entrances and exits should be clear and uncomplicated, and people should be able to find their way throughout the structure easily. Another part of accessibility is making accommodations for people with mobility problems, like including elevators and wheelchair ramps.

This design philosophy is frequently used in education design. 

3. Durability

If a structure is going to see a lot of visitors, it needs to be able to hold up to a lot of use. Local landmarks are meant to be striking and historic structures, and their loss can be devastating to a community’s sense of identity. What should architects and builders accommodate?

Landmarks should be able to withstand harsh environmental hazards, for one — storms, snow and floods can quickly degrade a community landmark that isn’t planned carefully. The environment is not the only thing a landmark will have to endure, however. The materials that make up the walkways and walls should be strong enough to hold up under years of human use.

4. Character

If a landmark is supposed to represent the city it's in, it should match the personality of the community. This principle may be more abstract than the others, but it's equally essential. 

When designing a building with some flair, it’s best to ask for community input on the final design and function of the space. It may be easier to capture the character of an area accurately with a resident of the town serving as a designer or at least a consultant.

Designing and Building New Landmarks

Landmarks are significant for several reasons. One that people may overlook is how they transcend time. A piece of architecture is a representation of a community that will outlast the community itself. They're an essential part of any area. If they're designed with care, they will remain important for years to come.

Author Bio: This post was written by Holly Welles. She is a real estate writer and the editor behind The Estate Update. She’s passionate about the ways in which the industry is changing and loves to stay on top of millennial market trends. You can find more of Holly's thoughts on Twitter  @HollyAWelles.

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