USING DATA TO CREATE STREET FURNITURE

The council’s design brief proposed a multi-function unit with separate and distinct surfaces that would be used not just for sitting, but also for standing, eating, playing and even performing.

Over the course of three days, thirty hours of observational data was collected by seven auditors at three Melbourne sites, with the goal of developing data-led urban furniture as part of the Social Spaces pilot.

After place-auditing of the selected sites was completed, the rich observational data was used to develop an understanding of patterns of movement, time spent in place, perceptions of safety, the use of existing public infrastructure, and more.

Ultimately, a grassy median strip on Drummond Street in the leafy suburb of Carlton was chosen as the location for the test-bed project.

SPARK’s talented team of designers then used that data to develop responsive designs that would aim to enable meaningful and sustainable urban involvement. The mixed-experience team of designers, data nerds and manufacturers collaborated to realise the new infrastructure, using this data-led process which aims to transform the existing approach to urban design in order to deliver more efficient, appropriate and impactful public furniture and therefore, experiences.

The furniture art-piece has been installed in Melbourne and has taken pride of place in the street. In the coming months, a further Place Audit and study of urban intervention will be carried out to determine the impact of the design on the space. This follow-up process will aim to prove that the new data-led approach to urban design can ultimately deliver better outcomes for all.

More information on the pilot, data collection process, design prototyping and development of the finished piece can be found on the Participate Melbourne page at participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/emerging-tech-testbed/social-spaces

Find more products and projects from SPARK at sparkfurniture.com.au/