MetaPLACE: Co-designing Sino-Australian Urban Media for Participatory Placemaking ; ACM International Conference Proceeding Series

Abstract

Despite the differences of our economic systems, models of governance, cultures, and population sizes, China and Australia share common destinies as societies with rapidly urbanising futures. This presents significant challenges for urban planning, placemaking, and the sustainability of livable, urban communities in our cities. The experimental project 'metaPLACE' aims to use Australian derived participatory urban media to test the effectiveness of co-designed urban media interfaces in helping government and urban planners better understand and design for rapidly urbanising cities. Using Chongqing as a case study, metaPLACE tests the theoretical assumption that participatory urban media (large and small interactive screens, installations, façades, and devices) can act as a co-designed interface between diverse community, industry, and government stakeholders. The research assesses how interactive media installations can build engagement and dialogue between citizens and other city stakeholders about the places in which they live, work, and play. Our initial findings suggest despite the current political tensions, Sino-Australian co-operation can transcend disciplinary silos, and culturally biased assumptions about design to collaboratively identify placemaking problems and co-design novel urban media concepts and solutions.