DAY ONE  

30th November, 9 am - 5pm, SSSHARC Research Centre, University of Sydney.

OPENING ADDRESS Dr. Sanné Mestrom

Dr. Sanné Mestrom is an artist and academic at University of Sydney. Her research advocates for the transformative power of urban play. She is currently an ARC Research Fellow. As an artist, she is represented by Sullivan + Strumpf gallery in Sydney.

SPEAKER 1 Natalia Krysiak

A practicing architect, Churchill Fellow, play consultant and founder of ‘Cities for Play’, Natalia Krysiak specialises in the design of play and learning environments. Her area of research focuses on playful cities and how the built environment can contribute to the health and well-being of children. She is a regular speaker at national and international conferences, engages in play advocacy, research and consults on neighbourhood play strategies, with the purpose of creating more playful and joyful communities.

Panel 1 The Potency of Play 

Quentin Stevens
Owen Café
Claire Edwards
Convened by Nadia Odlum

Play is a phenomenon that extends far beyond the realm of childhood. ‘The Potency of Play’ will explore the transformative potential of play within public space.  Play’s potential is both subversive and emancipatory, and it is as important for adults as it is for children. Within the context of play, we encounter the concept of ‘loose space’—a breathing space within the fabric of urban life. Loose space offers a myriad of opportunities for exploration, discovery, and embracing the unexpected. It represents the unregulated, the spontaneous, and the risky aspects of human behaviour. This panel discussion will generate fresh perspectives on the role of urban disciplines in "loosening up" public spaces and contribute to an enriched and diversified understanding of play: How do we create physical and cultural conditions in our cities that make space for play? Drawing upon interdisciplinary approaches and knowledge, this panel aims to transcend the categories of ‘play’ generally ascribed to the design of the built environment. It will re-consider conventional understandings of play, and challenge attendees to consider play’s potential to ‘loosen’ public space, to create vibrant and inclusive urban environments for all generations.     

SPEAKER 2 (Keynote) Mike Hewson

Mike Hewson is a visual artist with a background in structural engineering and heavy-civil construction. His award-winning projects pioneer new ways to merge conceptual art projects into the public realm. 

Hewson works to prove we can, in fact, do things that are considered untenable in a public setting. Each project aims to catalyse fresh conversation about how the bureaucratic and managerial aspects of power are shaping our public lives, asking if we like that shape or if we’d like to consider other options. 

He has completed five large-scale public art commissions in Australia, many of which are sculpture-park-cum-playgrounds. Hewson received a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Civil Engineering from the University of Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand, in 2007 and a Master of Fine Arts (Visual Arts) from Columbia University, New York in 2016.  

Panel 2 Risks and Rewards: Interdisciplinary Collaboration in the Search for the Playful City

Barbara Schaffer
Agatha Gothe-Snape
Anne Loxley
Convened by Sanné Mestrom

In an era where private interests are continuously encroaching upon our cherished public spaces, "Risks and Rewards: Interdisciplinary Collaboration in the Search for the Playful City" offers an interdisciplinary discussion on reshaping the future of civic life. Art, culture, and creative endeavors are emerging as potent catalysts for ‘loosening’ up public space and revitalising the public realm. We recognize that artists and organizations bear a profound responsibility to advocate for the people, driving the transformation towards people-centric cities. This panel explores how diverse disciplines can unite to expand opportunities for urban play. We'll delve into the challenge of reconciling risk perceptions with the creation of innovative, inclusive projects that draw participants from all walks of life and age groups. We'll explore community consultation and co-design methods as powerful tools for tailoring playable projects to user needs. Spotlighting the distinctive contributions of contemporary public art to this dynamic field, we'll tackle the myriad constraints, peculiarities, boundaries, and obstacles that confront artists working in the public realm. Join us in envisioning a future where the public realm becomes a playground for all, shaped by art, culture, and community engagement. 

SPEAKER 3 Louise Pearson, Aspect Studios

Louise Pearson is the studio director at Aspect Studios, Sydney. Trained as an artist and designer, Louise has more than 25 years of experience in shaping the public domain.  Combining skills in architecture, art, and landscape architecture, her broad perspective leads to inspiring places that often feature unique sculptural pieces that bridge the world of art and design. Louise was the creator of the feature elements in The Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden at Centennial Park. 

Closing drinks: Chau Chak Wing Museum
 

DAY TWO  

1st December, 9am - 5pm. The program commences at the SSSHARC Research Centre, University of Sydney, followed by a chartered bus transfer to site visits.

WORKSHOP 1. David Eager

Have you ever wondered how risk is assessed in playground design? Urban design is dominated by a culture of risk aversion, which limits the design of playable structures. How can understanding the tools of risk assessment help us to re-shape this paradigm?

Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop led by David Eager, Professor of Risk Management and Injury Prevention at UTS and an internationally recognised expert on the safety aspects of playgrounds. Together with Sanné Mestrom, David will demystify the process of risk assessment and explore how it can be applied to playable sculpture.

WORKSHOP 2. Gregor Mews  

How can we understand play as a form of spatial practice in urban public spaces? Join Gregor Mews, author of ‘Transforming Public Space through Play’ as he unpacks his City–Play–Framework, a practical urban analysis tool that allows artists, urban designers, landscape architects and researchers to develop a shared awareness of play. Workshop participants will learn how to apply the City–Play–Framework, with practical examples around the University of Sydney campus and beyond.

WORKSHOP 3. Sanné Mestrom with Ludic Folly

Sanné Mestrom will present her new playable sculpture ‘Ludic Folly’, an innovative melding of large-scale climbable sculpture and moveable loose parts. Mestrom will show documentation of how the sculpture was used in a recent co-design intervention in a primary school. Participants will be invited to play, and to give feedback on this evolving project.

SITE VISIT 1. Wild Play, Centennial Park, with Aspect Studios 

SITE VISIT 2. St Peters Fences, with Mike Hewson and David Eager.