Adapt

In the wake of the talks in Paris, there is much focus on a commitment to actions to minimise the effects of climate change. While this is absolutely vital, there is no doubt that these changes are already in motion, and will have far-reaching impacts.

What might life be like in a large Australian country town in 30 years time? Through a process of  scenario planning and design I have prepared an exhibition that reflects on these issues. I propose some wholistic solutions that respond to a changing climate while addressing social equity and resourcing issues.

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A Sensory World

Sensory experience has long been a deliberate and vital element of the curriculum of early learning environments. Now, local goverments are experimenting with the deliberate addition of sensory elements into the public open space of communities.

But what is sensory play, and why is it important?

Sensory integration can be broken down into three main systems; tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive. The tactile system refers to the information processed in the brain from under our skin, such as temperature and pressure.  The vestibular system refers to the brain’s ability to understand the position and angle of the head even when the eyes are closed. Proprioception is the ability of the body to work with the physical environment around us, and relates to motor skill ability.

Children learn naturally when engrossed in play, and play environments are well-placed to provide stimulating sensory opportunities. This is particularly important to children where one of these systems does not work optimally, and the child perceives things differently to others.

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Public open space?

There was an article published in The Age this morning about a radical proposal from Gilbert Rochecouste, founder and managing director of Village Well, a place making consultancy business. The proposal is to tear up the asphalt of Elizabeth Street within the Melbourne CBD, and expose the hidden waterway that runs underneath, and flank the watercourse with a variety of amenity spaces.

While the proposal is purely conceptual and far from fleshed out, it certainly raises many issues regarding the appearance, function and symbology of public space within the city. The different perspectives and opinions raised in a public debate of the concept can inform the scope and direction the direction of public policy, if the government is listening.

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