Six reasons why we need a national, independent and "not for profit" organisation to fast-track the benefits of good places - streets, squares, parks, neighbourhoods and centres.
Village Markets - Kelvin Grove Urban Village, Brisbane, QLD, AUS
Image: KGUV - a good example of urban design + placemaking. But where is the case study? What have we learnt? What do the residents, workers, students and investors think? What are the benefits to government? Has it been profitable for developers?
Posted by: Andrew Hammonds
Why do we need a new organisation?
Participants in our urban design and placemaking courses ask us who in Australia is:
- providing information and tools for the community (consumers) - 'commoditise' placemaking and urban design;
- advocating - quantify benefits to government and developers to facilitate change;
- undertaking research - case studies, best practice;
- coordinating training and information - improve the skill base;
- coordinating nationally - across industry and associations to save money and time; or
- providing opportunities for people and organisations across disciplines and sectors.
Unfortunately, the answer is no one.
What should it be? We're not sure yet.
We want to work with you - users of places, consultants, developers, government, not for profits and stakeholders to decide what it will look like and what it will be called. Importantly, in the process, we will raise money to seed fund the new organisation.
Our goals
- raise $200,000 as seed money to fund a new national, "not for profit" and independent organisation;
- promote the benefits of urban design and placemaking;
- work with existing organisations and avoid duplication;
- build a broader 'alliance' for urban design and placemaking outcomes;
- coordinate state by state input into the formation of this organisation; and
- enable symposiums, training and study tours in each state.
Why?
There have been several attempts to establish a National Urban Design Organisation (see National Urban Design Workshop - a success?; and Place Tools (Additional Information Promoting Urban Design)). We want to understand what worked and what didn't. But, based on my experience as President of UDAL, the key is money, broad alliance and independence.
What do you think we should call our interim organisation?
Linda Cupitt (Current Executive Officer of UDAL QLD) and I have decided to act and establish "insert name here" an interim organisation to generate ideas and money. Please blog ideas for names below! It will be jointly owned by Linda and I. We will recover our administration costs before handing the profits over to the new organisation. It is likely that the interim organisation will be wound up in 2014 after the handover.
What is the role of Placefocus? We will help to coordinate initial interest with a view to establishing a separate website for the interim organisation.
How will we raise money and interest?
We are open to ideas! Based on our success in QLD last year with the UDAL 1 day symposium, we are proposing a State by State Summit and Symposia. They will share experiences and ideas on urban design and placemaking across sectors and disciplines. The symposiums will raise money and interest to establish the national and independent "not for profit" organisation. The associated summits will contribute to the formation of this organisation before a National meeting.
State by State Summit and Symposia - Possible Program
9:00am to 5:00pm Monday
Training - The What and Why of Urban Design and Placemaking (Placefocus Training Course Day One)
9:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday
Full Day Symposium - Featuring key notes, local and national speakers
6:00pm to 8:00pm Tuesday
Welcome Cocktail Event - networking and social event to conclude day proceedings
8:00am to 2:00pm Wednesday
Study tour of local best practice projects and places (8:00 to 3:00)
3:00 pm to 5:00pm Wednesday
State Summit - stakeholder input into new organisation
9:00am to 5:00pm Thursday
The Who, How and Tools of Urban Design and Placemaking (Placefocus Training Course Day Two)
Main Rd, Hahndorf, SA, AUS
Image: why do we like old main streets so much? This place should be on a study tour from Adelaide!
The Summits
Symposia Summits will be used to generate possible methodologies for formally establishing the organisation. For example:
An interim Board may be appointed to oversee formal establishment of Alliance and may consist of a representative from each State. Seed funding may be used to employ a CEO to manage the development of a membership framework, constitution, documentation etc. This might be 6-8 month phase, ready for founding membership 1st July 2014.
State by State Summit and Symposia - Draft Dates
Brisbane: Monday 19 to Thursday 22 August
Sydney - Monday 2 to Thursday 4 September
Melbourne - Monday 16 to Thursday 19 September
Adelaide - Monday 23 to Thursday 26 September
Perth - Monday 14 to Thursday 18 October
Auckland - ????
Sponsors?
- developers
- consultants
- shopping centres eg GPT
- University
- Software companies
- Government owned development companies
- Councils/State Government
- Federal government
- Banks/financiers
Potential Stakeholders
Partners:
PIA, AILA, AIA, PCA, AILA. UDIA, PCA, GBCA, Engineers, Heart Foundation, Bicyclists, Main Street Australia, etc
Benefits to Urban Design and Placemaking
- Promote the benefits of urban design to a broader community and increase 'patronage'.
- Coordinate and develop "tools", training and information.
- Undertake coordinated advocacy with government and developers.
- Influence and facilitate change within policy development.
- Fund urban design and placemaking research.
Where to from here?
Add your thoughts in the comments section below: what do you think; ideas; suggestions; sponsors etc.
If we get enough interest we will establish a separate website and start seeking sponsorship.
More information is available in this PDF (201.36 KB)
Wednesday 16 January, 2012
Placefocus links: Additional Information - Promoting urban design; Place Tools (Additional Information Promoting Urban Design);
Placefocus Blogs: UDAL QLD Initiatives for 2011-12, Place Associations; Vigour and rigor UDAL 2012-2014; National Urban Design Workshop - a success?; 29 ideas for Council to embed urban design and placemaking; Creating Places for People (Australian Urban Design Protocol) Ten ways to deliver urbanism in the suburbs;
We consistently receive positive feedback about discussion among participants in our training courses in urban design and placemaking. While there are common qualities to the places we like, our own views matter. As suggested by participants, We have started this blog to continue this discussion on-line. The comments section of each blog provides the opportunity, so don't be bashful. Speak up! Particularly if you disagree with us. If you are reading this in our email then click on the hyperlink in the blog heading. This will take you to our website.
