Billboards - "placemaking" and demographic profiling

A fascinating article in 'The Guardian' on the images that are used by companies building or regenerating areas of cities on their billboards, which are displayed on hoardings around the development site. It describes the people that are featured on these billboards, and the messages that might be given out by them.
The term "place making" is used, and this connects with the ideas of Changing Places which are in the new 'A' level specifications.
One possible element of urban fieldwork in this area could be for students to look out for these images and consider the demographic and ethnic mix of the portrayed 'residents' of the new areas that are being created.

Image of Ipswich docks redevelopment: Alan Parkinson

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