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June Lee Boxsell spoke to landscape architects and engineers about Australian innovation and climate action at the recent LPA Design Studio summit in Irvine, California. Another wonderful collaboration with our US distributor partner Spruce and Gander. Using analogous insight, June drew parallels between the collaborative relationship of industrial designers and engineers at Street Furniture Australia to the very similar relationship between landscape architects and civil engineers at LPA Design Studio. During an hour long interactive presentation, June demonstrated the critical interactions and back and forth between design and engineering teams, from early inspiration and market research, through design, material testing, prototyping and the many rounds of product testing prior to going to market. To illustrate our process for designing and manufacturing furniture, June shared The Story of a Chair. The Story …

Designers Elisapeta Heta, Jade Kake and Raukura Turei on Kaupapa Māori design for climate Ataria Sharman, editor of Assemble Papers, connects with three designers to explore Kaupapa (way) Māori as a solution to our climate crises. Principal at Jasmax, Elisapeta Heta speaks of ‘climate resilience’ and ‘sustainability’ as Pākehā or white terms, preferring ‘kaitiakitanga’ (meaning guardianship), as a better way of looking at our relationship to our natural environment. An Indigenous approach to design is about the kaitiakitanga, understanding that all of life is connected and that humans are not superior to the natural world, we are part of it. Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) brings land and life together rather than separating them.  Sharman writes, “Kaitiakitanga projects offer a more holistic approach, such as understanding people as part of the land …

Our Presentation Specialists bring a fun, interactive and informative workshop about our carbon neutral journey and latest products to your office. In 30 minutes (plus Q&A) you will explore materials and finishes, touch and feel samples, and bond with your colleagues over delicious treats in the comfort of your office. There will also be a mystery prize for a lucky winner (optional). ‘Possibly our favourite product presentation to date! Engaging, great content and appreciated the physical samples and prototypes,’ Alexa Ongoco, Senior Landscape Architect, TCL, Brisbane. ‘Thorough presentation with actual product to see and test. Melissa and June were very warm and personable making the presentation fun and friendly. The interactive quiz was a nice touch’, Dan Greenwood, Senior Landscape Architect, Vee Design, Brisbane. ‘The humour and engagement were great! It was …

Piatto Chair has been recognised in Australia’s International Good Design Awards for Excellence in Design and Innovation. Sydney, Friday 20 September 2024 – The 2024 Australian Good Design Awards were unveiled, showcasing the pinnacle of design excellence in a grand ceremony at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney. This year’s theme, “The Design Effect” underscored the crucial role design plays in shaping better products, services, spaces, and experiences while driving the transition to a more sustainable, less carbon-intensive future. Piatto Chair received a prestigious Good Design Award in the Product Design category for exceptional design and innovation. The Jury praised Piatto Chair commenting: The Piatto Chair offers a robust and aesthetically pleasing solution for public domain seating. Its ability to withstand outdoor conditions while remaining movable and adaptable showcases a thoughtful approach …

How the humble bollard can add to the social life of communities Writer Fred Kent and Kathy Madden from Social Life Project share how bollards, an often overlooked amenity, can be multifunctional when done right, creating community connection through seating, gathering, artistic statement or as a gentle “nudge” for drivers to behave better. It is the small elements that change the whole character of a street and bollards are the simplest element that encourage social life to an often boring crosswalk. “At their best, they are places to lean on, perch, or strike up a conversation.”  There are many different types of bollards, different shapes and different sizes. Bollards are used in different ways, even for greenery. The most successful ones support social activity.  Kent and Madden write, “This is …

Linea Planters and Frame Planters are keeping plants healthy while reducing maintenance costs, thanks to wicking beds. Wicking beds by WaterUps save up to 80% of water when compared with traditional drip irrigation. According to WaterUps, watering is only necessary every two weeks in summer, decreasing to four weeks in autumn and six weeks in winter.  Wollongong City Council first installed wicking beds in their planters in 2019. Before installation the Council’s gardeners were watering their plants two to three times a week.  “Now, when it gets warm, we’re probably just doing it once a week, depending on what’s in there and how big the pot is,” says Wollongong Council horticulturist Peter Parsons. There are currently 240 planters across Wollongong CBD maintained by the council, with about 90% watered with …