A Placemaking Framework for the Social Sustainability of Master-Planned Communities: A Case Study from Australia

This chapter develops a 4‑P placemaking framework—Place, Programme, People and Perception—to address the limited theoretical guidance on placemaking within master‑planned communities. Drawing on literature and a detailed case study of Varsity Lakes, it evaluates how physical design, governance structures, community activities and perceptions collectively shape social sustainability outcomes. The analysis demonstrates that successful placemaking in MPCs requires not only high‑quality built form and amenities but also ongoing community governance, active programming and strong place identity, offering insights relevant to MPCs across the Asia‑Pacific region.