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Issue 62 - Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62

Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62 is the first issue of the year and always a great time to put our best foot forward. With Adam Goodrum, the loveliest man in design, as Guest Editor, we draw on his insights as a furniture designer, artist and educator to look at the makers shaping our design world. Sustainability has never been more important, and increasingly this is a consideration from the start with projects designed to address their immediate environment as well as the longevity of the planet. From the coldest winters to the most tropical of summers, addressing how we live in the environment is crucial to creating the perfect home.

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What is the future of a data-led city?
HappeningsAleesha Callahan

What is the future of a data-led city?

At a panel talk held as part of Melbourne Design Week, industry leaders in architecture, data and property shared the stage to debate how artificial intelligence and data can be used to reshape Melbourne’s CBD.


There’s no denying we’re on the precipice of some huge societal shifts as generative artificial intelligence (A.I.) platforms like ChatGPT and Mid Journey are being adopted at breakneck speed. What kind of impact will this have on the way cities are designed and developed? It’s too early to say exactly but the integration of data and technology has already been well underway, and it has the power to create safer, more inclusive and commercially successful cities.

Artificial Intelligence - Future of a data-led city
(L-R) Moderator Aleesha Callahan, Tan Thach, Nicole Ward, Nick Travers and Callan Cameron

Among the brimming program of events for Melbourne Design Week, it was a pleasure to host a panel talk that tackled the way data can be used to revitalise Melbourne’s CBD, organised by Collectivity Talks and hosted at The Commons, Cremorne. The evening brought together a powerhouse panel of speakers whose knowledge set the tone for a fascinating discussion to unfold.

Joining me on the stage was Nicole Ward, general manager ISPT, office; Callan Cameron, director at Propella.ai; Nick Travers, co-director at Techne Architecture + Interiors and Tan Thach, associate director at Ainsworth Property.

Each brought their expertise from a cross-section of architecture, retail and workplace to discuss how data is already being adopted and used for placemaking, as well as prophesizing where things might be headed.

Cameron shared findings from data collected and analysed on commercial CBD buildings through his proprietary platform Propella.ai, which highlighted key trends and behaviour patterns pre- and post-Covid in Melbourne’s CBD.

For Travers, the potential to use this kind of data in the design phase presents cases for validating ideas and embedding design concepts into a project from the outset, making for richer and more meaningful design outcomes. On the question of whether using data as a design tool could result in generic solutions, or eliminate thoughtful risk-taking, Travers expressed that it was quite the opposite – it would help set the boundaries and needs for a project, allowing more time for creative exploration.

The evening flowed with dynamic conversation, and lots of mingling. Stay tuned for a deep dive into the data presented and what that means for placemaking in our cities.

Photography by Marie Luisa Photography


About the Author

Aleesha Callahan

Aleesha seeks out the unique people, projects and products that define the Indo Pacific region. Previously the editor of Habitus and Indesignlive, she has written and contributed to various publications and brands in the architecture and design industry, bringing intimate insight to her stories having first trained and practised as an interior designer. Her passion for mid-century design and architecture began while living and working in Berlin.

Tags

Ainsworth PropertyArtificial IntelligenceCollectivity TalksdatadevelopmentFuture cityISPTMelbourne Design WeekMelbourne's CBDNick Travers


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Issue 62 - Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62

Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62 is the first issue of the year and always a great time to put our best foot forward. With Adam Goodrum, the loveliest man in design, as Guest Editor, we draw on his insights as a furniture designer, artist and educator to look at the makers shaping our design world. Sustainability has never been more important, and increasingly this is a consideration from the start with projects designed to address their immediate environment as well as the longevity of the planet. From the coldest winters to the most tropical of summers, addressing how we live in the environment is crucial to creating the perfect home.

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