Graduate designer puts theory into practice

Park designer Jessica Bennett

Leading the design of the Mount Isa Family Fun Park was graduate landscape architect Jessica Bennett.

“I was very fortunate to get such an amazing role straight out of university,” said Jessica, who joined Mount Isa City Council after relocating from Adelaide.

“Partcipatory design was an important element in my degree, so it was great to see it underpinning the entire project.

“In the field of landscape architecture, having a detailed understanding and relationship with the landscape, and the people who use it, is critical in creating a successful design.

“This is best achieved through participatory design – the process of actively involving the community and all stakeholders throughout design and construction.

“It enables you to create an environment which is not only functional but is also engaging to those who use it.

“It also helps you to create a place that is not just dictated by how people use the space, but also how they experience it.”

In addition to learning practical ways to implement participatory design, Jessica said the project also taught her to avoid making assumptions when it came to meeting different needs.

“Through consultation with the Mount Isa Special School, I learnt that children with different needs and disabilities could use equipment in ways which I had not thought of, and were not restricted to equipment only accessible by ramps or harnesses,” she said.

“With the Mount Isa Special School’s assistance, we were able to select a wide range of equipment which I may not have previously thought suitable.”

Jessica said significant funding and the support from council’s technical team, as well as the many collaborators and community members, all contributed to the project’s success.

“I think we were blessed to be able to deliver on so many of the community’s visions for the both the park and the playground,” she said.

In summing up, Jessica added: “The Family Fun Park experience built on my understanding of participatory design, and gave me new insights into its value and best methods of implementation. I urge council’s to follow this approach and refer to the project’s design framework for specific consultation ideas and advice.”