‘House We Build’: Design Communication and Urban Planning
Authors: Jon Drummond, University of Newcastle, Australia
Mario Minichiello, University of Newcastle, Australia
Paul Egglestone, University of Newcastle, Australia
Rewa Wright, University of Newcastle, Australia
Jack McGrath, University of Newcastle, Australia
Nathan Scott, University of Newcastle, Australia
Ralph Kenke, University of Newcastle, Australia
Nicole Carroll, University of Newcastle, Australia
Michael Cuneo, University of Newcastle, Australia
Abstract: ‘House We Build’ was a co-design project and industry design partnership between FASTlab at the University of Newcastle, and the City of Newcastle local government authority. This project aimed to engage the public as participants in a meaningful digital portal experience of urban planning, comprised of an online game, an animation, and a web identity. Through this experience, the portal would communicate various issues concerning urban planning, and gradually re-shape the discourse between citizens and council. Through the ‘House We Build’ game and accompanying website, animation, and citizen survey, we demonstrated that community members could productively participate in urban planning.