18 Aug, 2014

Adelaide To Gain From Design Expertise

Adelaide is set to benefit from a series of placemaking forums, thanks to local architect David Cooke, who has been awarded a prestigious scholarship to study at the University of California, Berkeley.

A Rundle Mall Management Authority Board member, David leaves Adelaide in late August to commence a Masters of Urban Design – regarded as one of the best masters programs in the world.

Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood, who is also an RMMA Board member, congratulated David for his vision in taking up this opportunity which ultimately aims to help to build a better Adelaide.

Stephen said David is planning to bring design experts back to Adelaide to host a series of urban design forums, in parallel with his masters which has a focus on placemaking and planning.

“David’s studies and the urban design forums, connect with a common goal to enhance Adelaide’s reputation as one of the world’s great small cities,” Stephen said.

“They also speak to the City of Adelaide’s Placemaking Strategy by drawing on current and future trends in placemaking overseas, while creating partnerships and empowering communities to share in this knowledge.

“This is an exciting opportunity for David, and together with industry, we look forward to sharing in his learnings from North America.”

David said he aims to return to Adelaide every three months, from this December, to lead a series of urban design forums, which will include public lectures and industry workshops.

“The RMMA and City of Adelaide are working in partnership to deliver a new Rundle Mall and these forums, together with placemaking initiatives, offer another conduit to bring the Mall from the construction to placemaking phase,” David said.

David is also the Property Council of Australia SA division Treasurer and is on the Mainstreet SA executive committee.

Practice director of Hames Sharley’s Adelaide office, David has led architecture, urban and interior design projects and was a member of the firm’s involvement in the $535 million Adelaide Oval redevelopment.

For more information about the City of Adelaide’s Placemaking Strategy visit: cityofadelaide.com.au/placemaking

Visit www.rundlemallmasterplan.com for more details about the Rundle Mall redevelopment.

Victoria Loughhead