Kids' ideas bring Melbourne to life
Announcement posted by Arup Australasia 24 Mar 2022
How would children build a future Melbourne?
Arup city planners ask kids how to make Melbourne a better, more fun place
“We are giving children a voice in curating their city.”
This weekend, 400+ youngsters build the future with LEGO in the Great Hall, NGV
Photo and interview opportunity with children, parents, Lord Mayor Sally Capp and Arup’s Cities Leader Malcolm Smith
Saturday 26 March 11am in the Great Hall, NGV
Details below
Melbourne’s young futurists will re-design their city this weekend, taking up the challenge to make it a more beautiful, healthy, safe and fun place to live.
As part of Melbourne Design Week, more than 400 curious minds will look into the future of the city and issues such as climate change, transport and pollution, and using LEGO, create their vision and solutions.
Design and engineering consultancy Arup has organised the two-day event at the NGV for the under 12-year-olds as a way to gather ideas for revitalising the CBD for families and children, whose presence enlivens urban spaces but who are not often consulted.
Arup Australasia’s Cities Leader Malcolm Smith said: “The city of the future is the city we imagine today.
“Generation after generation, children have imagined a future world through LEGO.
“As a city maker, I am delighted to be able to give children a voice in curating a city that reflects their hopes, dreams and fears – their reality.
“These insights help us create cities that work for all generations, including children.”
Lord Mayor Sally Capp has enthusiastically supported the engagement activity and will conduct the official opening with Malcolm Smith and Dr Timothy Moore, Melbourne Design Week Curator.
“Children Build Future Cities” is presented by Arup and the LEGO Foundation and is free for children 5-12 years, accompanied by a parent or guardian on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 March in the Great Hall, NGV between 11am and 3pm. Their work will be on display for the public to view, including a written description of their solution to the challenge they addressed.
Saturday 26 March
11am: Media arrive. North entrance of NGV on Arts Centre Forecourt. (Go behind construction of Spiegeltent). Parking in the Arts Centre Carpark.
Event opens to the public.
11.30am: Comments by Lord Mayor Sally Capp, Arup Australasia Cities Leader Malcolm Smith and Dr Timothy Moore, Curator – Melbourne Design Week
Ms Capp and Mr Smith are available for interviews. Media will be able to vox pop selected children and their parents/guardians.
Event contact
Victoria Schumann
Arup Marketing and Communications Manager
0413 382 109
Victoria.Schumann@Arup.com