Media

TALKING CITIES PODCAST

Want to hear what our competition jurors think about the role public space plays in our cities?

Look no further. As part of the AECOM Talking Cities podcast series, we interview some of the leading influencers in place-making. Together we discuss the importance of public space, the role it plays in our communities, and some of the challenges faced with its delivery. We’ll also find out what drives them personally and what type of legacy they hope to leave on the cities they call home. Links to download new episodes will be posted here when they become available. Make sure you subscribe on iTunes or your favourite podcast app for your library to be updated automatically.

Talking Cities: Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz – CEO and Managing Director, Mirvac

Join us for the first episode of Season 5 of the Talking Cities podcast where AECOM’s James Rosenwax and Mirvac CEO and Managing Director Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz discuss the important role that public space plays in our cities and communities. Susan, one of our jurors for the Public Space Ideas Competition, talks about some of the challenges faced with the delivery of high-quality public space and the changes to the way we use it since the coronavirus pandemic.

Talking Cities: Robyn Dowling – Head of School & Dean of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Sydney

Robyn Dowling, Head of School & Dean of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Sydney, discusses the benefits of multidisciplinary collaboration in the design of public spaces, the use of technology to foster social interaction and the potential for semi-formal reclamation of streets for pedestrians.

Talking Cities: Alex O’Mara – Group Deputy Secretary, Place, Design and Public Spaces Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

In this episode of Talking Cities podcast, Alex O’Mara, Group Deputy Secretary of Place, Design and Public Spaces at the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment talks about the key ingredients for a great public space, the latest initiatives being undertaken by the NSW Government, and the results of a recent survey on how communities are using public spaces differently as a consequence of the coronavirus.

Talking Cities: Eamon Waterford – Deputy CEO and Policy Director, Committee for Sydney

Join us for the latest episode of the Talking Cities podcast where AECOM’s James Rosenwax and Committee for Sydney Deputy CEO and Policy Director Eamon Waterford discuss the brilliant outcomes of the Public Space Ideas Competition. Eamon talks about some of the trends identified within the 531 received entries and the possible next steps after the competition.

VIEWS FROM OUR LEAD CONSULTANT

Public space is everybody’s business. Whether it be public facilities such as libraries and museums, open space such as parks and playgrounds, or streets including squares, plazas and boulevards; public space provides positive socio-economic, health, cultural and environmental benefits to the community. Public spaces are critical infrastructure assets alongside schools, hospitals, public transport and roads.

Here we share the thoughts of leading practitioners at our consultant partner AECOM, who offer their insights on the planning, design, funding and delivery of public space to support the mental, physical and social wellbeing of communities.