Place Agency – Global Award-Winning Platform
Brand Strategy, Full Digital Platform and Website Development, Photography, Videography, Launch and Management to Global Marketplace.
Ex Animo, in collaboration with top Australian universities and placemaking experts, transformed Place Agency into a groundbreaking educational initiative. The brand and project development commenced from November 2017 to December 2019, which Ex Animo continues to support today. The project included a comprehensive brand strategy, a multi-functional digital platform, and a dynamic social media presence. This effort empowered over 350 students through 21 sandbox studios across five universities, facilitated 22 studio-related events, and led to a 247% increase in monthly site sessions and taking out the prestigious 2019 Place Leaders Asia Pacific Awards where Place Agency recognised for the significant contribution the program has had in building the capacity of new urbanists in the field of placemaking with a world-first tertiary national placemaking program.
Place Agency
The Brief
Place Agency required a comprehensive digital presence to support its goal of educating students and professionals in placemaking through collaborative, practice-led projects. The challenge was to create a cohesive brand, develop a multi-functional digital platform, and manage a successful launch across multiple universities.
Opportunity
The project provided an opportunity to differentiate Place Agency by combining educational rigor with practical, community-engaged placemaking projects.
Challenges
- No brand, no business plan
- No prior marketing experience within the client team.
- A tight timeline with courses still under development.
- Managing diverse agendas across multiple universities.
- Building an interface to appeal to a broad, varied audience.
Approach
Ex Animo began with in-depth discovery and customer mapping, crafting a strategic marketing plan and developing all digital and creative assets. The project involved building a user-friendly website with custom microsites for each university, integrating tools for event management, social media engagement, and content sharing. The strategy also included active social listening and continuous optimization based on user behaviour.
Key Solutions
- Developed a distinctive brand identity and digital strategy to position Place Agency as a leader in placemaking education.
- Created a robust online platform to manage course administration, community engagement, and event promotion.
- Launched a comprehensive social media strategy supported by real-time monitoring and analysis of online behaviour.
Results
- Successfully delivered a digital platform and presence that supported 21 sandbox studios across five universities, 22 studio-related events, and over 350 students.
- Achieved significant growth in user engagement, with a 247% increase in average monthly sessions and a substantial uplift in returning users.
- Facilitated the publication of 12 educational modules and two books, alongside national and international conference presentations and industry summits.
PLACE LEADERSHIP AWARD 2019
WINNER: Place Agency & The University of Melbourne for Place Agency
THURSDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2019 @ QT CANBERRA. Place Leaders Asia Pacific is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2019 Place Leaders Asia Pacific Awards. The Jury recognises the significant contribution of the Place Agency in building the capacity of new urbanists in the field of placemaking with a world-first tertiary national placemaking program.
Impact
Place Agency has become a pioneering initiative in placemaking education, with its unique approach combining academic rigour and practical experience. The project has empowered students, professionals, and communities to engage in meaningful placemaking activities, creating lasting impacts on urban spaces across Australia.
