Rights to the City Talk

Whose rights? Whose city? What role does design play in addressing urban inequality? A discussion about the unique and not so unique challenges Melbourne is facing in  addressing urban inclusivity and rights to the city for all users.

Urban Tactility is presented by OoPLA, Open House Melbourne and Cushman & Wakefield – Open House Melbourne’s inaugural Inclusivity and Access partner and supported by Immigration Museum and City of Melbourne.

About Urban Tactility

A site-specific public installation of tactile indicators in the forecourt of the Immigration Museum, Urban Tactility will highlight how public art and design can make a significant contribution to conversations around important urban issues such as social inclusion, social connectivity and the building of community around a public design project.

Urban Tactility will negotiate broad contemporary cultural issues exploring our rights as citizens to the city. Building on the thought-provoking nature of the Sensory City tours we ran in partnership with OoPLA in 2017 & 2018, the Urban Tactility installation is designed to inspire people to connect with the  experience of those living with low vision and blindness and the way they navigate the city.

The project has a tri-fold agenda. Firstly, it’s a chance to think about how the city can be designed for different communities and users. Secondly, it’s a chance to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. And thirdly, it’s a chance to experience the city from a sensory perspective and explore the city beyond the visual. This agenda is amplified by the venue partnership with the Immigration Museum.