Imagine: Public Space

FDW’s third Designing Cities Symposium explores public space and its importance to the health and vibrancy of our cities. How is public space being imagined, here and around the globe? Locally, can resources be pooled to better address specific issues and amplify the benefits? A panel of expert speakers will offer different perspectives on the role and potential of public space, using real-world examples.

Program

12.30pm – Registration / viewing of exhibition Imagine: Material Stories

1pm – 1.45pm / Saying ‘yes’ – risk and reward
Sarah Booth (Spacemarket/Human-Urban/Fini Group) will reflect on her learnings from across Europe on her Churchill Fellowship. Why are public spaces critical to thriving cities, and how has Sarah’s research been received and implemented locally? Who are the stakeholders, what is their role, and what has to happen for ideas to translate into action?

1.50pm – 2.30pm / Colour, place and space
Sonia van de Haar (Lymesmith, Canberra) will share examples of how colour can be used strategically to enhance the experience of cities for people. Colour can signify change, stimulate investment, create new identities and make public places more welcoming and accessible for all. 

2.30 – 2.50pm / Break

2.50pm – 3.30pm / Wonder Land
Dr Daniel Jan Martin shares his deep research into geography, biodiversity and place. Drawing on several local case studies, he will provide insights into the importance of urban corridors, and the holistic approach needed to put these initiatives in place to create a healthy future. 

3.35pm – 4.10pm / Panel conversation
The event concludes with a robust panel conversation. How can business-as-usual mechanisms such as percentage for art be deployed to have more impact on our public spaces, and cities more broadly? Our three speakers will be joined by Matthew McNeilly (Sirona), who will reference his work in Cantonment Street in Fremantle as the springboard for a wider conversation about investing back into the city.

4.10pm – 4.30pm / Audience questions

4.30pm- 5.30pm / Close and drinks

Image: Darcy Street Activation, Parramatta / Lymesmith / Doug Riley

CPD points
This event is ideal for built environment professionals, developers and decision-makers, as well as anyone with an interest in making cities better for people and the planet. Architects can earn 2 formal CPD points (form will be uploaded closer to the event).

Concession tickets available:
Students and concession card holders can use the code FDWCONCESSION for 20% off tickets. For mob, use the code MOBTIX for a 50% discount.

Partner events
Lessons Learnt -The Freo Alternative Walking Tour is a morning walk prior to the Symposium. Together these two events make a valuable day of professional learning.

Presenting Partner

Sarah Booth is a director of urban-renewal organisation, Spacemarket, and Community Development Lead with property groups, Human Urban (H-U) and Fini Group.

With extensive experience working nationally in both the property and community-engagement sectors, Sarah has a special passion for, and skill in, turning vacant buildings and precincts into healthy, vibrant places of creativity and connection. 

Sarah is currently a board member of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, Secretary of the Fremantle Culture Council, and in 2024 was awarded Fremantle Community Citizen of the Year for her work in successfully reactivating underused spaces in Fremantle. 

Sonia van de Haar is an artist and colour designer with 25 years’ experience working in the built environment. With a background in painting and architecture, and a passion for connecting people and place, Sonia uses intelligent colour strategies to enhance the human experience of the built environment.

Her design studio Lymesmith employs colour to connect people to place; to amplify or camouflage built form; to signify cultural and historical connections; to reinforce way-finding strategies; to create new identities and regenerate places in transition.

Dr Daniel Jan Martin is an independent consultant and a Lecturer in Landscape Architecture at The University of Western Australia. He also co-leads the environmental practice Super Natural with Liam Mouritz. Dan prioritises nature through design and spatial methods, and has expertise that spans geospatial analysis, environmental planning, communication, and landscape strategy.

Matthew McNeilly brings over 30 years of experience to his role leading Sirona Urban. Matthew’s vision guides the company’s strategy and direction. As Managing Director, he brings the creative drive to capitalise on real estate opportunities and realise Sirona’s biggest success stories. Matthew also manages the performance of the firm’s real estate business and investments, along with Sirona’s capital partnerships.