Art/Skate/Dots: Reimagining Urban Spaces Through Collaborative Design

RESEARCH REPORT

The Art/Skate/Dots research project represents a groundbreaking approach to urban design that challenges traditional notions of public space use and accessibility. Through innovative methodological frameworks and extensive community engagement, the project has demonstrated how collaborative design processes can transform urban environments into more inclusive, dynamic, and socially vibrant spaces.

Methodology and Innovation

The project developed a comprehensive six-stage focus group methodology that moved systematically from theoretical engagement to practical implementation. This innovative approach included:

Foundation Building: The research began with carefully structured orientation meetings focused on building rapport and trust with participants, particularly those from traditionally marginalized groups in urban planning processes. This foundation-building phase proved crucial for establishing authentic engagement and ensuring diverse perspectives were genuinely incorporated into the design process.

Visual Analysis Framework: The second phase introduced a distinctive visual analysis methodology where participants examined three categories of skateable spaces:

• Conceptual designs pushing creative boundaries

• Purpose-built skate objects

• Naturally occurring “loose” spaces used for street skating

This comparative approach successfully bridged the gap between formal design thinking and lived experience, representing a key theoretical contribution to the field.

Digital Co-Design Innovation: The third phase pioneered an innovative online co-design process utilizing CAD technology. Specialised worksheets were distributed to participants before collaborative sessions, encouraging deep engagement with design possibilities. This preparation phase maximized the effectiveness of digital co-design sessions and has since been adopted by other researchers in the field.

Site-Specific Methodology: The project conducted field research at multiple locations, including Sydney Park and Federal Skate Park in Glebe, using physical maquettes to facilitate hands-on engagement with design concepts. This approach enabled participants to interact with potential designs in real-world contexts, providing invaluable insights for final implementations.

Gender-Sensitive Approaches: Through careful observation and analysis, the research team identified significant differences in how different gender groups engaged with the design process. This led to the creation of specialised women’s and non-binary focus groups, revealing crucial insights about gender-specific needs in urban space that traditional mixed-gender sessions had failed to capture.

Key Findings and Implications

The “Adultification” of Public Space: The research revealed how contemporary urban design often prioritizes adult consumers while viewing young people either as requiring protection or representing potential threats. This manifests through various exclusionary practices, including:

• “Move-on” powers allowing police to disperse youth without cause

• Mall policies restricting unaccompanied minors

• Hostile architecture discouraging lounging or skateboarding

• Curfews limiting youth presence in public spaces

The Impact of Neoliberalism: The study identified how increased privatisation and commodification of urban spaces has led to sanitised environments that prioritise consumption over genuine social interaction. Cities are increasingly designed for transit or commerce rather than leisure, rest, or play, diminishing opportunities for authentic community engagement.

Urban Sports as Social Catalyst: The research demonstrated how activities like skateboarding can serve as powerful tools for reclaiming public space and promoting social inclusion. These activities offer numerous benefits:

• Engaging disengaged and disenfranchised youth

• Promoting pro-social values and creativity

• Improving mental health and social connectedness

• Increasing natural surveillance and public safety

• Creating vibrant, active urban environments

The Art/Skate/Dots project demonstrates how innovative methodological approaches to urban design can create more inclusive, dynamic, and socially vibrant public spaces. By challenging traditional notions of public space use and incorporating diverse perspectives through careful co-design processes, the project has established a new conversation for how creative practice research can be conducted and implemented in urban environments.