Festival of Urbanism | Public (Sub)Urbanism: People, Place and Power

Great cities are defined by the quality of their public spaces, exploring the power of community, place, and design in shaping our urban future.

From parks to civic architecture, well-designed public spaces, places, and infrastructure support the social, cultural, and economic dimensions of urban and suburban life. Public (sub)urbanisms aim to foster a sense of community, identity, and social interaction, while also challenging perceptions of the spaces where we live, work, and play. Public spaces have a profound impact on our senses and experiences but, are these public spaces and the processes behind their governance and planning under threat?

This year’s Festival of Urbanism panel discussion focuses on the dynamic relationship between people, place, and power. Be a part of this lively panel discussion with urbanism experts as they examine the successes and challenges of public (sub)urbanisms through case studies from Western Australia, Australia and beyond.

Panellists

Dr. Anthony Duckworth is an urban design professional who strives for new and impactful ways to tackle the challenges of growing cities in the contemporary context of ecological crisis. His two main areas of focus are enabling and advocating for good design through education, professional design review, research, communication and practice; and strengthening local and community influence in urban planning and design decision making. 

Dimity Dennis is an advocate for reconciliation across Australia’s built environment. As founder of Design for Reconciliation, Senior Heritage Officer within the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, and sessional academic, she is uniquely positioned to interpret design processes and outcomes.

Emma Snow is a dynamic placemaker and Executive Director of Town Team Movement. Her unique combination of strategic vision and hands-on experience has proven instrumental in pioneering thriving, community-centered town centres. Her commitment to placemaking and community engagement has inspired meaningful transformations in urban environments across Australia.

Peter Clemitis is Hatch’s Urban Design Lead in WA, and brings over 40 years experience to the practice. He was awarded PIA(WA) Planner of the Year in 2016 and is a member of the State Design Review panel, amongst many other Panels, Committees and Boards.

Ray Haeren is an Urban and Regional Planner with more than 30 years’ experience in the government and private sectors in both Perth and regional WA.  Ray is a Director and until recently was the National Planning Director with over 300 planners in WA, NSW, Victoria and Queensland. 

Moderators

Assoc. Prof. Paul Maginn, UWA Public Policy Institute and Sandy Anghie, Sandy Anghie Design. 

Presenting Partners:

UWA Public Policy Institute 

Perth Design Week