Trend Watch, July 2017

Public art and its economic value:

Public art not only enlivens urban spaces, supports local artists and sparks conversation, it’s a relatively cheap way for cities to attract both visitors and money.

Events such as Vivid Sydney and MONA in Hobart have proven to have a significant impact on the local economy, in terms of the increased revenue generated from more visitors, better productivity and free publicity that unique cultural events create.

As Meg Bartholomew reports in the Guardian, city planners and property developers are taking notice of the potential that lies in an ‘experience-based economy’. Art that makes people feel good makes them linger and spend.

Aside from the economic benefits, public art helps to define a city’s identity (hello, Melbourne), enhances a city’s reputation, and can even improve health.

Designing vibrant streets with Angus Bruce:

As the internet has transformed the way we shop, socialise and spend our leisure time, the common streetscape has had to step up its game, writes Angus Bruce.

Vibrant or ‘curated’ streets are being considered around the world by city planners and developers, in order to pull crowds. Widened footpaths, garden beds, water fountains, shading, seating and lighting are some ways to encourage more foot traffic.

Bruce highlights Adelaide’s Rundle Mall as an example of a cleverly re-designed urban precinct. The re-vamped mall allows for a range of outdoor events, pop-ups, art displays and a beautifully lit canopy that welcomes visitors day and night.

With many more examples of such projects worldwide, it shows that clever design initiatives can catapult a dwindling urban precinct into a thriving, exciting space.

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