When innovative ideas meet up with experience and expertise – great things can happen.
That was one of the many observations to come from an urban design skills and training workshop held at USQ on Friday.
The workshop was part of the Toowoomba Region Urban Design Initiative (TRUDI) led by Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC).
TRC Planning and Development portfolio leader Cr Bill Cahill said TRUDI commenced in 2012 to raise awareness and understanding of urban design – ultimately helping to make better “places” in our city, suburbs and towns.
“What we’re trying to achieve in any of our planning concepts is to provide a better lifestyle for our community while at the same time embracing change and respecting heritage values,” Cr Cahill said. “It’s quite a balancing act.
“Good urban design brings huge benefits to the residents of a region in regard to their health, productivity, access to facilities and infrastructure or general safety and wellbeing.
“We invite public comment and debate of plans and designs in our townships and are constantly reviewing our policies to encourage good urban design. The workshop at USQ was an invaluable event, opening the door to new ideas and giving Council a fresh perspective.
“The day has been a great success and we look forward to working closely with USQ in future endeavors,” Cr Cahill said.
The workshop allowed students to work alongside leading urban designers and planners from Council to exchange viewpoints and develop their design skills.
The group was presented with recent research as well as an address by urban designer Malcolm Holz.
Mr Holz shared his latest thinking on the ‘Creative Suburb’ and new building designs for creative economy and suburbs.
“While we are all creative, some of us need specially designed spaces and places in which to be at our creative best,” Mr Holz said.
“Whether you enjoy a hobby like painting or quilting, sculpture or creative writing, music or motorcycle maintenance, or you’re an entrepreneur starting a web-based micro-small business - imagine having your own flexible, creative space designed into your home to do this from the get go.
“Today’s workshop was a great opportunity to test the creative suburb ideas on a real site, close to the USQ, where different types of housing and urban design may be needed to support knowledge exchange, encourage study; and inspire research in USQ’s programs.
“My research is revealing the importance of a walkable neighbourhood where your home is close to parks, shops, community facilities and a university as key contributors to a creative community and economy,” Mr Holz said.
USQ’s Senior Lecturer Paula Grant said the workshop was a wonderful opportunity for academics and students in the new Urban and Regional Planning programme at USQ to share ideas and work alongside industry professionals.
“Making places better for people and doing this in a collaborative way is valuable learning for the next generation of planners and designers. Our relationship with the local Council strengthens USQ’s ability to offer meaningful learning and research opportunities that relate to practical planning issues.” Mrs Grant said.
“The creative, supportive and fun atmosphere in the workshop today was a perfect learning environment for our planners of the future.”
Students Catherine Corcoran and Jung Ah Jeon were eager participants in the workshop and enjoyed the opportunity to discuss topical urban design concepts with the TRC professionals.
“It was a big eye-opener and an insight into what urban design is all about. It was so interesting seeing how other planners see the town progressing and where we might be headed in the future,” Catherine said.
Her thoughts were echoed by Jung Ah Jeon, who said she took a lot away from the event.
“The day was very important for us because we realised what is required of urban planners. It was a great learning curve to be involved with the planners from different backgrounds and hear their terminology; as well as their opinions and ideas,” she said.
Media contact;
Jim Campbell, USQ Media, +617 4631 2977, jim.campbell@usq.edu.au
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