Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

A’beckett Urban Square

Melbourne

Australia

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
August 13, 2015
May 1, 2024

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

In 2013, RMIT University and Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design collaborated to transform an underutilized parking lot in Melbourne, Australia. The image of a pop-up park usually calls to mind a small area of land, such as a repurposed alleyway or a few parking spaces; this project’s collaborators were dealing with a 30,000 square foot piece of land that they activated with a pop-up park called A’beckett Urban Square. Completed in 2014, the space includes brightly colored multi-use sports courts, ping-pong tables, BBQs, bike parking, and Wi-Fi access. In a large section covered in astroturf, the space features large planters, benches, tables, and a convertible stage. As a cheaper alternative to trees, the collaborators commissioned an urban jungle mural by artist Ash Keating flanking two sides of the pop-up park.  In total, the park cost $709,773 USD–a price loftier than most pop-up park projects but much cheaper than traditional park developments. Still in use today, the square remains immensely popular with students and local residents alike.

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

While not as light as most LQCs, the square maximizes materials such as wood and astroturf, as well as simple amenities such as planters, benches, and tables.

How Quick?

How Cheap?

The square cost $709,773 USD.

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Photo credits, from left: John Gollings via Landezine, John Gollings via Landezine, John Gollings via Landezine, John Gollings via Landezine, John Gollings via Landezine, John Gollings via Landezine 

Website: rmit.edu.au

Facebook: facebook.com/RMITuniversity

Twitter: @rmit

A’beckett Urban Square
A multi-destination public space replaces a once-dull parking lot
A’beckett Urban Square
Students watch two games at once from communal benches
A’beckett Urban Square
The space offers a variety of recreation activites
A’beckett Urban Square
Activities such as ping-pong bring various uses to the park
A’beckett Urban Square
A mural adds green to the space
A’beckett Urban Square
A’beckett Urban Square
A’beckett Urban Square

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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