Fast Forward 18: Frith Walker

University of Auckland‘s School of Architecture and Planning’s twice-annual talk series, Fast Forward, aims to foster debate, discussion and development within the disciplines of architecture, urban design and urban planning.

This series we focus on the question: how can we do urban space well? As Auckland’s population continues to grow and the city intensifies, a key challenge will be to provide high quality urban spaces.

The second lecture in the series is titled ‘Silo Park: the bits you can’t spot on Instagram’ by Frith Walker, manager of place making at Panuku Developent Auckland.

Her work concentrates on creating successful public space networks and supporting the programming and activation of public spaces within Panuku development sites across Auckland.

She champions the difference a healthy public realm can make in terms of creating liveable cities, and her philosophy articulates that by focussing exclusively on the aesthetics of the physical setting, we risk missing a fundamental factor in the planning of our new, positive future city: the people.

Now seven years old, Silo Park is a heady combination of good planning; e.g., keeping the old cement silos, good design; hosting international award-winning events, good advocacy; the marine industry maintains its rightful place centre stage, and a huge, loving effort in regards to programming.

From boot camps to movie-goers, and creative types using Silo 6 as a canvas, the park has wended its way into hearts and minds. This talk will focus on the meticulous stage management involved in creating the space, and the countless collaborators instrumental in both its initiation and continuation.

All lectures start at 6.30pm, are free and open to the public. Attendance at each lecture earns 10 NZIA CPD points.