How does one create soulful places?
On Tuesday May 9th, SOM Design Partner, Scott Duncan, shared his views at a discussion panel run by the Property Council of Australia at their Future Cities Summit at the ICC Sydney.
The session was moderated by Lucinda Hartley, Founding Director of Neighbourlytics, and also featured commentary from Anita Mitchell, Chief Executive of Placemaking NSW; Emilya Colliver, CEO and Founder of Sugar Glider and Art Pharmacy; and Jefa Greenaway, Director of Greenaway Architects.
The discussion explored various topics including: creating cities with “soul,” the impacts of technology, the rehabilitation of cities globally post-Covid, and the design and implementation of complex projects including large-scale mixed-use, transportation, commercial, retail and residential developments.As the international design lead on Central Place Sydney (CPS), the $3 billion joint venture development between Frasers Property Australia and Dexus to be located at Tech Central, Duncan made comparisons on Sydney’s approach to urban design with major projects from around the world and the importance of design strategies around creating authenticity in urban development.
Using examples such as Moynihan Station in New York City and Kings Cross in London, he outlined the programming of public spaces, creating experiences for the people who occupy the workplaces and what else is on offer in the locality for employees of the future—highlighting the significance of non-physical aspects to create a sense of “soul.”
