Image Credit : CoDesign Studio
Project Overview
Earlier in 2015, the City of Boroondara undertook its inaugural Community Innovation Tournament to find new ways that council and community can work together. The top idea generated at this event was a Pop Up Council—having council “pop up” in public spaces to share information and services. CoDesign Studio designed and delivered Pop-up Boroondara to test the concept as a vehicle for making council services more accessible.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Helen Rowe
Lara Week
Alex Mengel
Madeline Menca
Nick Wirth
Andreis Mision
Michael Johnson
Project Brief
The design for the Pop Up Council aimed to provide a formal space for sharing information and collecting feedback, as well as an informal space to encourage conversation. The space had to be:
1. PRACTICAL
- Mobile
- Adaptable to different outdoor environments
- Easy to transport
- Quick to set up and pack down with 2-3 people
- Under $2000, including transport and labour
2. ATTRACTIVE
- Surprising and intriguing in a way that would draw people from the community to engage with council
- Playful without being kitsch
- In keeping with the local identity of Boroondara
- In keeping with City of Boroondara’s branding
3. ACCESSIBLE
- Comfortable and accessible for people of all abilities, including elderly and less mobile people
Project Innovation/Need
CoDesign Studio’s design for Pop-up Boroondara is a self-contained, modular consultation unit, outdoor living room, and stenciled ‘no-trip’ rug. The unit incorporates a bench top, information display, and shelter for sun and rain. Art deco graphics and mid-century furniture make reference to the heritage identity of Boroondara, while the choice of colour and materials give the space a fresh and playful look that disrupt the day-to-day look of the street and draws people in. It accommodates a variety of mobility requirements by offering both standing and seating space and multiple thoroughfares.
CoDesign installed a decal and stenciled rug as a placeholder for the week of the pop up. The stenciled rug transforms the look and feel of the street without introducing a trip hazard. Several people commented that they had come to the pop up made curious by the installation, including two residents who came prepared with photos and ideas to share with council.
Design Challenge
Understanding the community needs and providing a highly mobile and yet inviting space. The project was also challenged by the prototype materials budget.
Sustainability
Pop-up Boroondara proved to be an excellent space for delivering information and services to Boroondara residents who don’t normally access council. Over two 4 hours sessions, 137 people attended Pop-up Boroondara. In a survey of attendees, the majority of people agreed that the pop up made it easy to access council in their local area and improved their understanding of active ageing services. The majority of respondents also described that they rarely or never use services or information provided by council showing that providing this inviting space help people reach services. People expressed delight at the look, feel, and accessibility of the space and suggested future locations and topics for the approach to continue into the future.
Tags
Pop-Ups, Display, Exhibit & Set Design
This award celebrates innovative and creative design for a temporary building or interior, pop up site, installation, exhibition, fixture or interactive element. Consideration given to materials, finishes, signage and experience.
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