Setting the structure for successful place activation Alisha Baker and Ai Ogawa Village Well
7000 (TAS) Mainstreets and public spaces undergo natural cycles as the surrounding environment, social trends and people around them change. Village Well’s recent work in Hobart focused on activation projects on two varied scales - a ‘micro’ public space and a new mixed-use precinct nestled in the historic waterfront.
Australia
TAS
Hobart
Macquarie Point
Collins Court
Structure for place activation 1. Research 2. Engagement 3. Recommendations 4. Implementation 5. Review
1. Research Search for the gems and meaning for people in their place people watch - observing the rituals & rhythms of place. What makes this place special? How has this place/its people/environment changed?
2. Engagement The wisdom is in the community Pull together a range of people with diverse needs & ideas Inspire and empower Establish a group of champions Keep it fun!
3. Recommendations Familiarise the community to the longer term vision Identify what the community can do themselves Test the possibilities before committing long term
4. Implementation Get some quick wins off the ground Empower project champions Build partnerships Use this stage to learn and be open to adapt Get people excited
5. Review Be open to change - whilst respectful of the vision What works, what doesn’t? Ask around Update longer term strategies to reflect findings from quick wins
Collins Court Collins Court is part of Hobart’s network of laneways and acades, connecting shopping streets and key destinations. We will explore how our team assisted the community to re-engage and re-imagine Collins Court, one of Hobart’s most underused public spaces.
Collins Court Collins Court is part of Hobart’s networks of laneways and arcade, connecting shopping streets and key destinations.
Map: Adapted from Public Spaces and Public Life – A City with a People in Mind (2010), Gehl Architects
To waterfront
Collins Court is connected to several community places, arcades and transportation hub and the waterfront beyond
Hobart Mu ms Net work
l St David's Cathedra
Therefore it was important that these local stakeholders were engaged, and further, take part in activation of Collins Court
Engaging the community > Inspire the participants with stories > Go to where people are > Brainstorm in place > Find project champions > Continue to engage
Quick Win Pop-up Community Garden
Quick Win Moo Brew Laneway Party
Quick Win Pop-up Tree Bombing Workshop
Macquarie Point Macquarie Point, a former industrial precinct, is slowly being transformed into a new mixed-use destination within Hobart’s historic waterfront. Through temporary activation ideas and longer-term strategies, its revitalisation will be rolled out slowly to introduce the public to the site for the first time in over 200 years.
Understanding the place Site’s history Unique characteristic of place - what makes it different? Local community - who are they, what are their needs? Working with your neighbours People watching - what are key rituals for locals & visitors Local politics - what does the site mean for the local people?
The rhythms of place In the sun & out of the rain; feeling connected to the river and mountain
Gaining a wide perspective through conversation One-to-one conversations Get everyone together to create a shared vision Listen to each other and develop partnerships Brainstorm ideas with key partners Partner with events for community engagement
Partner with events for community engagement Getting community feedback on the Masterplan coincided with Dark Mofo with the site temporarily transformed into ‘Dark Park’ - a cultural destination for large scale public art works
Gaining a wide perspective through conversation Challenges • Not everyone knew the site intimately • Working with smaller councils who do not have access to all data - would have been helpful to be guided by a community needs assessment • Try to get as many varied people and ideas to contribute to conversation - even more workshops!
Ideas Short term quick wins • Setting the tone early through type of events • Welcoming the community - events and opening small sites • Building partnerships & local ownership • Invite those who have been eager along the way
Implementation • Prioristise projects that piggyback on elements already working • Focus on benefiting the existing community first • Utilise exisiting buildings on street for temporary activation • Partnerships are key • Continue momentum and jump on opportunities that align with the vision as they come your way
Implementation Challenges • Things change! Be flexible (to a degree) on ideas to be implemented but hold position on the vision (as this is the shared vision) • If this vision needs to change, then you need to agree on this with the community
Collins Court & Macquarie Point - Lessons Leant • Talk to a range of people
• Develop a vision and principles which everyone owns • Use temporary opportunities to start delivering the vision • Curate opportunities to bring members of community in • Have a dedicated team and place champions
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