Bringing communities along on the urban change journey is critical to the future sustainability of our cities.
Literacy, Citizenship, Trust & Leadership
We believe developing knowledge and leadership around urban change is the key to delivering enduring and lovable cities.
Our approach is different and underpinned by a simple hypothesis:
Communities who are aware and have knowledge about why and how change takes place (urban change literacy) are more supportive of change
Individuals who can navigate their preferences, the needs of others and their city’s sustainability (urban citizenship) are more supportive of change.
Communities who think that governments and developers are acting responsibly and are capable (trust) are more supportive of change.
Individuals who have a broad understanding of transition leadership, co-creation methods and are able to lead innovative responses to the challenges and opportunities of urban transition (urban change leadership) are critical for success
Why it matters
Community trust around urban transition is at an all time low. Government officers and developers are often in conflict with communities and anti-growth political platforms are gaining traction.
The rate of urban change is significant. Over the next 20 years, Australia’s east coast capital city regions are forecast to grow by 6.1 million people. That’s the equivalent of another Sydney.
The status quo will not get us to where we want to go. Step-change urban regeneration projects are increasingly being viewed as high risk - politically, financially and reputationally.
We must find ways to have generative conversations with the community so we can collaboratively navigate the challenges of urban change and realise its benefits.
Our work.
Melbourne Connect (image courtesy of Lendlease)
Howard Smith Wharves (image courtesy of Concrete Playground)
Cities are platforms for people; they create opportunities for human connection and enable the exchange of knowledge and ideas. By shaping the places in which we live, learn, work and play we change people’s lives. Being visionary, bold and brave today, sets the right foundations for urban life, tomorrow, and into the future.
Through our co-creative and collaborative approach we give a voice to the whole urban ecosystem and enable participation in key decisions, driving outcomes focused on community needs and aspirations. We believe this helps us to solve urban development challenges and to shape more equitable and sustainable urban futures.
We have contributed to major urban development projects across Australia and internationally, some of which include the Elephant and Castle Urban Regeneration in London; Quay Quarter, and Barangaroo in Sydney; Kelvin Grove Urban Village and university precinct, and Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane; Discovery Rise - a residential, knowledge community developed alongside James Cook University's Townsville campus; Curtin University Greater Curtin Master Plan in Perth; The Australian National University (ANU) Action Campus Master Plan in Canberra; Victoria Harbour, Melbourne Connect and Aurora, an master planned community, in Melbourne.
As the organisation has evolved, we have honed our expertise in future-focused human centric design and have established our position as independent thought leaders and industry influencers, committed to shaping extraordinary places amplifying the benefits of sustainable urban development.
