Material culture m aybe defined, following Deetz, as “that segment of [the human] physical environment which is purposely shaped . . . according to culturally dictated plans
This definition of Material culture sounds very similar to the definition of a built environment being that both are consciously planned and designed to serve (and not serve) certain purposes.
In short, people need things— objects, artifacts, however they are referred to— to live in the world, and we make those things, not randomly or by chance, but systematically and intentionally through our culture.
This was an interesting fact about the strategy and thought process of our environments.This relates to the Place Making article being that they are discussing some of the reasons behind there built environments such as : historical accurateness, economical impact and how it will affect the community.