The latest issue on "place" out of Australia advises that placemaking is a way to integrate all nations, especially through the cultural dynamism that comes with new citizens and as cities grow (in fact, Australia takes more migrants than the USA or New Zealand). Other trends are covered on Places, Leaders, Practice, Renewal and Events of note, Play within cities will be explored on, 22-23 Nvember 2019; hosted by the Centre for Creative and Cultural Research, University of Canberra.
Denise Reghenzani-Kearns PhD, PASCAL Associate
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PEACE AND PUBLIC SPACE
In June 2016, 21% of Aussies (and visitors) lived in Sydney - the largest city on the entire continent. Whether or not rural exodus will ever slow, the growth of cities here and abroad is perhaps unstoppable. On top of this Australia is home to more migrants than even United States or New Zealand.
What can we learn then from places like Beirut, or the suburbs of Sydney - all with their own very unique set of cultural dynamics? The metropolitan population in Beirut is nearly 68% of the entire country.On top of that, the impact of the war on the city hit first and hardest the public spaces. They became places to be feared and avoided. Here in Sydney we have our own history of torn public life. Regardless of location or the GDP we become more aware of the power and vulnerability of public space.
We must learn how to fix what we have and in placemaking the way to that is through networking. Lebanese placemaking activitist Rony Jalkh shows us how networking the local community and giving them tools for envisioning a brave and bright future can help deliver transformative places for all. Learn more about the importance of trust and participation here.
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TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Is Place Measurement the new black?
We love being in front of a trend. Place Partners has been promoting place measurement tools for our own projects and for our clients for over three years. We have even seeded a new sister company www.placescore,org But did you know that we also run place measurement training? It’s getting more and more popular. Next month we are working with Northern Beaches Council developing their own set of metrics and tools and already this year we have worked in Auckland and Hamilton NZ, Wollondilly, Georges River and Campbelltown.
And now everyone is getting on the bandwagon. Check out Gehl’s Public Life Toolkit for one of the more recently launched products.
Place measurement is essential for evidence based planning, it defines the problem, helps test and refine strategy and importantly measures impact. If you are interested in place measurement training for you or your organisation let us know at [email protected].au
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HERE AFTER Through placemaking and the power of paint, a once-derelict gas station in the White City area of London has been recently engaged and transformed into a rainbow-hued mural. The art installation was designed and produced by the transatlantic art duo Craig & Karl, known for collaborating on brightly hued graphic installations and illustrations in New York and London.
Craig Redman and Karl Maier have named the installation, Here After, in reference to the gas station’s second life. Now that the petrol station has fulfilled its duty, it’s free to enjoy itself. The art installation’s vivid colours and bold stripes were taken from early broadcast television’s test patterns as the site was located near the buildings once housed by BBC.
The art installation is temporary as the White City area is slated to begin a decade-long, $10 billion regeneration scheme, including yet another transformation of the gas station – into a performing arts venue. |
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CHRISTCHURCH REBUILD TODAYWhen the earthquake hit Christchurch in February 2011, the community was left with a loss of not only the physical infrastructure and ruined public spaces, but also memories of their city. Over 70% of the buildings in the central business district had to be demolished. Today six years after, Christchurch is finally breaking from a city that was recovering to one that is rebuilding.
Due to the complete rebuilding of most of the city, the Council and community saw the earthquake as an opportunity to rethink and renew central Christchurch. The Christchurch Recovery Plan (CCRP) in 2012 was a direct response to more than 100,000 suggestions from the community, about what the future of Christchurch should be. Green city was the highest rated aspiration.
This year Christchurch's commercial rebuild is forecast to have a high peak after a long recovery. A report by the government's Greater Christchurch Group (GCG) said the boom is to be “mid 2017 – mid 2018”. The transition from recovery to regeneration is positively underway. However, the importance of the public space, including a ‘green city’, must not be forgotten amongst this rise of development. |
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PLACE LEADERS ON THE RISE
Fortunately for all there is a growing number of people across Australia and the world who are committed to building and supporting people-centric cities. From Valli Morphett's Kitchen Table Conference in Adelaide just last week to large scale events like Amsterdam's Place Making Week - we are seeing the rise of place leadership at many levels. In local neighbourhoods communities are joining forces to create the environments that they want to live in, to build a culture of collaboration and trust. Facebook sites like Broome North Community, Tempe 2020, Potts Pointers or Moreland Community Gardening illustrate how technology and citizenship can align.
This month's Place Leaders is a shout out to all those who who make a big or a small difference in your community - and for those who might be just about to - good luck! And don't forget to check out you local Council's grants - there are often great opportunities for funding and support. |
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PLAY SYMPOSIUM
The last fifty years has seen rapid growth in urban populations worldwide. As our cities expand, they transform into increasingly complex and at times hectic centres of private, public and social activity. These changes to the city present opportunities and challenges for placemakers, urban planners, designers, and city communities.
To respond to these opportunities and challenges, The Centre for Creative and Cultural Research at The University of Canberra, will be hosting the 2nd Play, Creativity and Culture Symposium: Play for a Vital and Sustainable, over two days, starting on 22 November 2017. The Symposium will also explore the concepts, practices and potential of play within cities and the ways in which playful urban activation and design can enrich and enliven urban environments and enhance wellbeing.
Register for the event here to secure a spot to listen to a fantastic line-up of practitioners and academics. |
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