Design Thinking and the Circular Economy Petra Perolini

Design Thinking and the Circular Economy Petra Perolini

Ideas Competition – Gold Coast 2 Design Futuring argues that responding to ethical, political, social and ecological concerns now requires a new type of practice that recognizes design's importance in overcoming a world made unsustainable Gold Coast City Council held an 'Ideas Competition’ in 2009 to focus exploration of the future of the Cultural and Civic heart of the fast growing and ever changing city of the Gold Coast. The jury reviewed fifty-six conforming schemes. 2

A cultural precinct will create a focal point, a new kind of civic square that will be a destination for locals and tourists. It will be a place where people come together to engage with arts, culture and each other, a place that ‘makes visible’ the Gold Coast’s cultural and creative life The precinct will build creative networks and support the dispersed creative sector, producing tangible community, cultural and economic benefits throughout the city. The City of Gold Coast's vision is that when completed, the Gold Coast Cultural Precinct will include drama, music, dance, art, new media and public sculpture, as well as creative educational opportunities and an extensive outdoor program of activities that make the most of the exceptional public space opportunities of Evandale. The precinct will be relevant to modern forms of cultural expression and learning. It will be digital and interactive, appealing to children, families and school groups… with high quality rehearsal venues, theatres and halls with quality acoustics and a place to explore creative talent. 3

The Problem current and future threats require immediate and appropriate responses • • Gold Coast 1 is a city under threat and in need of change-the impacts of sea level rises, extreme weather events and reduced oil supplies. Gold Coast 2 presents an opportunity to explore sustainable options that, if realized, would cast the City into a position of global leadership. 4

A non conforming submission Our Statement to the Jury: In view of the circumstances outlined above, combined with the inherent vulnerability of much of the Gold Coast, because the original error of building on a flood plane, we believe it to be more appropriate, responsible and constructive for Gold Coast Council to abandon the focus on redesign of existing precincts, widen their view and direct their efforts to actions to secure a viable future for the region. This competition is an opportunity to make this point and present some related ideas. Foregoing redesigned precincts and buildings will deliver short-term reduced amenity, but the advantages of insightful leadership will deliver gains of an entirely other, higher magnitude. 5

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Supplementary Winners and 18000 Prize Money 10

What did the Jury say? adds value to the dialogue a highly qualitative response What did the jury say? creating responsive communities and local responsiveness strong ideas for ‘casting the city of the Gold Coast into a positions of global leadership’ in achieving long term care of community and place