BTP Hons 1 UNSW

Understanding the Implications of Networked Interactions on the Design of Public Urban Spaces

PhD candidature 2010 – 2013

Abstract

This study will investigate the impact of networked social interactions on the design of public urban spaces. The focus is on the function of public spaces as ‘third places.’ These are places not defined as ‘home’ (first place), not ‘work’ (second place), but those other places we ‘hang out’ at (Oldenburg 1989); a place that is familiar, comfortable, social, and meaningful for everyday life.

The qualitative methodology proposed for this study involves two research sites, in QLD and NSW. The research approach comprises interviews, focus groups, observations, participation in a series of strategic planning meetings , and design charettes investigating the elements of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) that enhance and augment physical spaces.

The aim of the research is to offer guidelines and directions for urban planners when designing public urban spaces in the age of ubiquitous computing and mobile technology. Following the triad of urban informatics, the project is positioned at the intersection of urban planning (place), urban sociology (people), and HCI research (technology).

Biography

Kirralie Houghton is a PhD student with Creative Industries and Built Environment at QUT Brisbane, awarded an APA scholarship Kirralie’s research will focus on Understanding the Implications of Networked Social Interactions for the Design of Public Urban Spaces.  She holds an Honours Degree from UNSW in Town Planning and has extensive experience as a Planning Consultant in both NSW and QLD.   This experience included detailed research on  a range of topics including: the ageing population and its impacts on regional NSW demographics, landuse impacts and implications of small acreage holdings, minimum rural holding size –best practice for NSW, retail hierarchies, thresholds, and trends, industrial landuses and trends in Australia,  best practice for neighbourhood planning.  Kirralie has also worked with QUT as a research assistant in Creative Industries investigating innovative public space, governance of public places and community engagement.

Supervisors

Associate Professor Marcus Foth (Principle)

Dr Evonne Miller BEE (Associate)

Publications

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/Houghton,_Kirralie.html