Overview
Public spaces serve as the bedrock of public life, acting as the beating heart of exceptional places. They weave connections between our residences, bustling high streets, transportation hubs, and places of work and education.
Exceptional public spaces not only invite us to linger but also foster connections, play, and active participation. They cultivate vibrant, inclusive communities where individuals can venture outdoors and engage in various activities.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the resilience of public spaces in linking people, country, and community, serving as guardians of our health and wellbeing.
Whether in the form of intimate laneways or expansive green areas, libraries, and cultural spaces, these public realms should carry significance for our communities.
This masterclass delves into the pivotal role of technology and data in:
- crafting public spaces that forge connections, captivate, excite, and actively involve the community
- assessing place outcomes to showcase the value of place activation, aiding decision making and attracting investments.
This event was originally broadcast in November 2023.
Watch the sessions
Learn from industry experts as they engage in smart speed sessions and panel discussions.
Welcome and keynote: The power of smart public spaces
Speaker:
- Rory Brown, Executive Director, Smart Places, Cities and Active Transport, Transport for NSW.
Panel discussion: Creating smart public spaces – the imperative for change
Speakers:
- Drew Pinazza, Director, Streets and Centres, Cities and Active Transport, Transport for NSW
- Adam Beck, Co-Chair...
Speed session: Putting it all into action
Speakers:
- Gemma Baxter, Pilot and Trial Lead, Smart City Incubator City of Melbourne
- Giles Pickard, Principal Landscape...
Panel discussion: Putting it all into action
Speakers:
- Emily Rucker, Director Smart Places Policy and Engagement, Transport for NSW
- Gemma Baxter, Pilot and Trial Lead...
Resources
Access the masterclass summary, presenter slides and additional resources.
- SmartNSW Masterclass: The power of smart public spaces – Key takeaways (PDF 1.62MB)
- Smart Social Spaces (Melbourne VIC) – Gemma Baxter, Pilot and Trial Lead, Smart City Incubator, City of Melbourne (PDF 1.91MB)
- Wharf Street Basin (Canning WA) – Giles Pickard, Principal Landscape Architect, City of Canning (PDF 2.15MB)
- Smart street (Parramatta NSW) – Beth Andean, A/Group Manager, Place Services, City of Parramatta (PDF 2.17MB)
Related case studies
Social Spaces – Melbourne
Developing data insights to design smart public places and connect communities.
City of Melbourne
Wharf St Basin – Canning
Transforming an inaccessible stormwater basin into Western Australia’s first ‘Smart Park’.
Danica Zuks/City of Canning
Parramatta’s Smart Street
The City of Parramatta has transformed a CBD street using smart technologies.
Pete Dovgan/City of Parramatta