How the Greater Sydney Project aims to improve urban planning

A major initiative is underway to improve urban planning development in Greater Sydney. The project is called the “Greater Sydney Project” and has recently released its 40-year vision for how they imagine transforming the city for the better, which includes more art initiatives. Discover how improved architecture is one part of many in this plan and how Locker Group can be of help in urban planning and creating artistic public spaces.

The Greater Sydney vision

The Greater Sydney Commission has released its 40-year vision for Greater Sydney and a 20-year draft open for public commentary, according to Architecture AU. Some of the Commission’s stated goals are to support arts and cultural initiatives, green spaces as well as major infrastructure investment at large. In addition, they want to improve architecture by increasing housing and streamlining processes.

Sydney has a history of prioritising public art as part of its urban planning.

The unifying goals are to create a productive, liveable and sustainable city for all, the Greater Sydney Commission website stated.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the major driving force is the huge amount of immigration that the city has experienced in the last decade and the population growth to come.

The value and production of public art 

What distinguishes great urban planning from good urban planning is that it is creative rather than just efficient, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.  Though the Greater Sydney Project hasn’t explicitly stated any plans for public art, producing it could help them achieve their goal to establish more cultural and art initiatives.

The Australian Institute of Architects explains their public art policy and why they think it is important. They believe that it is important for cities and communities to have art in public spaces. This is because it not only transforms the urban landscape, but can also create a sense of cultural and historical awareness; it is a means of engaging with the community. For this reason, public art is increasing in popularity in Australia and the world over.

What is required to have a successful public art project? The Australian Institute of Architects states that collaboration is needed with everyone involved, including the designers, the architects, the project manager and the community.

Locker Group’s experience with public art projects 

One project that exemplifies Locker Group’s success with public arts projects is its part in creating the iconic Float sculpture of 12 upturned umbrellas in Sydney. We made it in conjunction with Stone & Milnehouse.

Locker Group designed the materials to make the large sculptured umbrellas look soft and billowing with two Transit stainless steel mesh pieces. Locker Group also shaped the pieces to fit the upside down umbrella skin. Our experts have the ability to mould metal into many different forms and create unique shapes so that we can realise an artistic vision to the best of our ability.

The artist of the Float piece had a specific environmental message that they wanted to communicate to the community, which was the need to have a greater awareness of climate change. Stone & Milnehouse explain that the upturned umbrellas represent the ability to collect water rather than just being a means to shield oneself from the sun and rain. It is a reminder of our need to conserve. Locker Group was in continual conversation with the artist in order to understand the message that they wanted to convey. Located in a busy intersection, Float now provides the Ponds community with a beautiful and moving piece of art.

Contact Locker Group today to find out more about how we can help you with our wide range of architectural products that can be used for public art pieces.