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 

Dance-O-Mat

Christchurch

New Zealand

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
October 19, 2015
May 1, 2024

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

In response to New Zealand’s massive earthquake in September 2010, an organization called Gap Filler, based in Christchurch, implemented an impressive—and impressively cheap—LQC project. Since the earthquake left Christchurch with a glut of vacant spaces, a scarcity of public activities, and depleted morale, this local group organized a DIY dance party in one of the city’s vacant lots. By fashioning a “jukebox” out of an old washing machine and an MP3 player, and then setting up speakers around a makeshift stage, they created “Dance-o-Mat”—a public venue for spontaneous dance parties. The site quickly became a popular destination for city residents, and soon local salsa troupes and dance instructors began gathering there to practice and hold classes. Anyone could pay $2 to play music on the jukebox, and based on these coin-box revenues, Dance-o-Mat supplied over 600 hours of entertainment in its first three months of operation (that’s almost seven hours of activity per day!). 

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Photo credits, from left: Steel Wool via Flickr, Steel Wool via Flickr, Christchurch City Libraries via Flickr, Gap Filler via their website, Gap Filler via their website, Steel Wool via Flickr

Follow Dance-o-Mat 

Website: gapfiller.org.nz/dance-o-mat

Facebook: facebook.com/Gap-Filler-Dance-O-Mat

Twitter: @GapFillerChch

Dance-O-Mat
Dance-O-Mat
It has become a popular destination in Christchurch
Dance-O-Mat
In true LQC fashion, a washing machine was retrofitted into a juke box
Dance-O-Mat
Dance classes are held at Dance-O-Mat
Dance-O-Mat
A space transformed
Dance-O-Mat
A calendar for Dance-O-Mat events ready to fillled out for the month
Dance-O-Mat
Dance-O-Mat

*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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