SENSE OF PLACE

Dr Mariano Ramirez, a senior lecturer in industrial design at UNSW, says: “The Sense of Place brief challenged the industrial design students to consider the theory of 'placemaking' in urban design, which is essentially about giving people a reason to stop and become involved in a public space.” 

Flowers is the recipient of $500 prize money for his winning concept, the ‘Flower Chair’. As part of an internship with the Street Furniture Australia team, Flowers will have the opportunity to develop the Flower Chair to pre-production level. The internship program will be designed to take him through the design process, from sketching to product commercialisation. 

Flowers says, “The design work of Street Furniture Australia has helped shape the environment I grew up in. To be acknowledged by them for my work is an absolute honour and I'm thrilled at the potential to work with them further.” 

Street Furniture Australia was founded in 1986 by leading architects and urban designers Darrel Conybeare and William Morrison who have led countless landmark projects ranging from the Circular Quay masterplan to the enormous Westlink M7 Motorway. The company is the first designer, manufacturer and supplier of urban environment furniture to be established in Australia. 

Conybeare says, “We take the responsibility of designing in the public domain very seriously. As this year’s winning concept for the Sense of Place Award, the Flower Chair stands out as a product worthy of further development.” 

Morrison says, “The winning design introduces some fresh thinking in line with current social trends. We look forward to working with Josh to develop the technical side and engage him in the rigours of the manufacturing process.” 

In 2014, Street Furniture Australia and UNSW will open the competition to students nationally to encourage wider involvement among Australia’s upcoming young industrial designers.