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WE EXPERIENCE MASTERPLAN
FOR PLACES THAT ATTRACT, INVOLVE,
AND GIVE PEOPLE A GENUINE
SENSE OF BELONGING

Working across commercial, cultural, educational, and transportation sectors, FreeState helps create the places that people love to work, rest, and play in.

JOURNAL

Podcast

24: Neil Schneider, former Chief Executive of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

1:56:49 30 June 2022

‘Bulldoze the high street and build a giant park – Is Stockton the future of Britain?’ So ran the headline in The Guardian last February… But why? Let’s ask a real hero of ours; Neil Schneider – former Chief Executive at Stockton
Podcast

23: Will Chamberlain, Creative Wick & the Cultural Interest Group

3:59:13 16 June 2022

Today on the FreeThinking Podcast we have stellar connector Will Chamberlain; founder of Creative Wick and the Cultural Interest Group in London, UK. Will tells us about how he and a growing network are establishing a permanent sustainable creative
Article

It’s all about people: the importance of student experience

4:38:13 24 May 2022

Universities are increasingly aware of the significance the campus experience plays for student engagement and belonging, two critical outcomes required for the creation of strong alumni networks who are more likely to provide ongoing financial support and champion their university

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LEEDS STATION
Healing the north-south divide

CASE STUDY
14:05:57 05 JULY 2021

“Among the many challenges facing 21st century high density placemaking, the task of working out how best to integrate commerce, the workplace, and the wider community remains top-of-the-urban-design list. The question here is how do we positively engage the community as key stakeholder; harness technology in not its own name, but in that of all stakeholders; and ensure that the health and wellbeing of people is the key driver of high density urban design.”

THE ART OF BEING TOGETHER
18:45:30 02 APRIL 2020

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@FREESTATESTUDIO

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Jun 30

“Bulldoze the high street and build a giant park - Is Stockton the future of Britain?” So ran the headline in The Guardian last February... But why?

Let's ask a real hero of ours; Neil Schneider - former Chief Executive at Stockton upon Tees Borough Council and someone who real knows how to inspire change at a city scale!

Neil tells us the story of how Stockton-on-Tees came to be the canary in the mine of High Street revival, in the face of a burgeoning large-scale mall culture. He leans in to Stockton’s history and people, and in doing so, creates a mixed bag of unforgettable festival moments and a community that fell back in love with its town.

Tune in for Episode 24 of the FreeThinking Podcast & do make sure you subscribe wherever you get yours. Link in bio!

#wearefreestate #experiencedesign

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Jun 22

Reactivating the post-pandemic city is a not a ‘one size fits all’ situation and it continues to evolve in parallel with the cultural shifts brought on by the lockdowns and the WFH movement. Perhaps most importantly, we are finding out what is most meaningful and useful to us when it comes to public spaces, activities and communities – one thing is for certain, our desire to gather is as strong as ever.

There are so many great examples of this happening around the world, one of which is the “Summer for the City” season run by The Lincoln Center in New York. It’s a 3 month long programme that centres on the tenets of Remember, Reclaim and Rejoice. They seek to grow and collaborate with the community, encouraging accessibility by way of free events, choose-what-you-pay ticketing models and a programme that truly reflects the community of New York. They talk of animating the campus and creating new and exciting spaces – something only possible through the magic and festival of public gatherings in the city – and music to our ears!

For more information, check out the link in our bio. We'd love to hear how your city is gathering together and what you're enjoying the most!

#wearefreestate #experiencedesign #summerforthecity #lincolncenter #newyork @lincolncenter

Photo: Zac Ong

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Jun 16

Today on the FreeThinking Podcast we have stellar connector Will Chamberlain; founder of Creative Wick and the Cultural Interest Group.

He talks about how he and a growing network are establishing a permanent sustainable creative community in East London's Hackney Wick and Fish Island - and particularly how creative activism and the sharing economy can advance the arts and culture in the face of rabid commercialism.

Will speaks to us ahead of the School of Activism Forum; a day of presentations, workshops, talks and debate about youth-centred neighbourhood activism, run by Creative Wick as part of the London Festival of Architecture. It’s an event for those looking to contribute to the development of Hackney Wick and Fish Island – and who doesn’t love East London?! Don’t miss it.

To listen to our podcast with William or for more details on the School of Activism Forum, visit the link in our bio.

#wearefreestate
#experiencedesign
#creativewick @creative_wick

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Jun 7

The London Festival of Architecture kicks off this month, rich with a programme that is lead by people who live and shape London.

As part of the festival, Camden Collective are hosting the “Camden Green Loop Exhibition” showcasing a public realm strategy which will champion a democratic approach to neighbourhood design and includes their flagship project, the Camden Highline. They’re also holding walking tours to visit key sites and hosting a virtual reality experience of the future Camden Highline.

Camden Green Loop Exhibition
Weekdays (only) through 8 – 29 June, 10am – 3pm

We recently sat down with Simon Pitkeathley, CEO of Camden Collective for our FreeThinking Podcast. Simon and Adam spoke about the Camden Highline and how that, along with a number of projects Simon is working on, are activating public spaces and generating community.

For more info on the Camden Green Loop Exhibition, the tours, or to listen to our chat with Simon, check out the links in our bio.

#experiencedesign #wearefreestate @pitkeathley @camdenhighline @cmdncollective

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May 31

Good news - if you missed our MTalk, MPavilion have released it as a podcast!

“Co-Designing for a Better Design Practice” saw our amazing panellists Jessica Watson, Richard Mullane, Kate Spencer and Tim Dow discuss the power of co-design and it’s critical nature in the creation of better places, followed by excellent contributions from the audience.

Enjoy! Link in our bio

#wearefreestate #experiencedesign #codesign #mpavilion

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May 24

Last week, the City of Melbourne announced its intention to become the leading city for student experience by the end of 2023. It’s a big call but a promising sign that they are ahead of the cultural shift in the education sector – and we applaud it!

The post-pandemic world has seen Universities suffer from a lack of attraction to the campus and a shortage of options to address it – not to mention the threat of mounting costs. FreeState’s Su Lim and Eloise Dalla Costa have been working in this space and they’ve shared their insights on how we can solve the problem... and it begins with something Universities have in abundance.

“It’s all about people: the importance of student experience” is out now, available in the link in bio

📷 Priscilla Du Preez

#wearefreestate #experiencedesign #education #studentexperience #university

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May 12

Today on The FreeThinking Podcast we have Ben Gattie. Ben is the Founder and CEO of The Triple P Group, a neighbourhood building platform in Singapore, which began with a trailblazing community hub called The Working Capitol.

From humble beginnings, The Working Capitol emerged (figuratively and literally) from the concept of shop houses; professional spaces on the ground floor, living spaces above. This blend of working environments with lifestyle elements reflects Ben’s “neighbourhood-approach to real estate”, working in to the identity, nuances and existing community framework. Ben shares his ideas on programming a neighbourhood and how their success is his success – a participatory approach that speaks to true cocreation and enhances people, place and purpose beyond the walls of any property and in to the community.

Come together for Episode 22 of the FreeThinking Podcast & subscribe wherever you get yours - link in bio!

#wearefreestate #experiencedesign @theworkingcapitol

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May 11

We’ve loved seeing Bridge St Mall in Ballarat begin to revive the CBD – championing experience and understanding the importance of a ‘plan long-term, start now’ approach. It’s a global movement where public space becomes regenerator of economy and neighbourhood, building from the ground-up.

CIVIC SQUARE is a fine example of the movement, sighting “the neighbourhood as the most important unit of radical societal transformation” – here here! By implementing a beautiful 3-step plan in to public space, it redefines the square as an engine of change, drawing in and sustaining spaces to work, rest, play and create.

Atlas of the Future has written a fantastic article about CIVIC SQUARE, read all about it in the link in our bio.

@atlasofthefuture @civic_square #experiencedesign #wearefreestate

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Apr 28

Today on The FreeThinking Podcast we have Simon Pitkeathley; CEO of The Camden Collective - The Business Improvement District for Camden Town - and facilitator of all manner of good works, most notably The Camden Highline.

The Camden Highline is London’s newest park in the sky, running between Camden Town and King’s Cross. Repurposing disused railways, linking the east and west region while providing green space to over 20,000 people, Simon highlights how the ‘Highline is a connector and generator of community. It does this not only for people, but for local business as well – expanding the use, value and purpose of public space. A wonderful project not to be missed.

All aboard for Episode 21 of the FreeThinking Podcast & do make sure you subscribe wherever you get yours! Link in bio.

#wearefreestate #experiencedesign @pitkeathley @camdenhighline @cmdncollective

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Apr 12

Public space is more popular than ever, providing free opportunities to meet with friends and family. However, the standard square or piazza is no longer enough of a draw on its own and people get excited about the possibilities brought about by good design to enliven a place, creating character and a focus for activity.

Join Adam Scott from FreeState, Anisha Jogani (Croydon Council) and Je Ahn (Studio Weave) at ARCHITECT@WORK this Thursday, as they discuss our opportunity to shape how cities will look, with a greater emphasis on greenery, accessibility and neurodiversity in the “Open Air” Panel.

Register for free at the link in our bio.

ARCHITECT@WORK
The Truman Brewery, London
13 & 14 April

#wearefreestate #experiencedesign #ATWUK @yourcroydon @studioweave @architect_at_work

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Apr 11

“It’s a philosophy that sees the role of the designer, the client, the researcher and the people formerly known as ‘users’ evolve.”

The built environment is crying out for co-design; a process of designing with people, not for them. So is it just about surveys and interviews? Far from it – a misunderstanding that might explain why we aren’t seeing it often enough.

FreeState’s Jessica Watson has been employing co-design methodology in her own projects, exploring the true breadth of user knowledge and a richer foundation on which to build communities and experiences. She writes about co-design as a practice in our Journal, discussing it’s impact from designer to client and how we are all, indeed, experience masterplanners.

Catch the full article at the link in our bio and for more, come see FreeState & our wonderful panel of peers at the MPavilion this Wednesday, 6:30pm to discuss the power of co-design.

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Apr 5

Today on The FreeThinking Podcast, we have Kate Willard OBE – Chair of the Thames Estuary Growth Board and the Thames Estuary Envoy – spearheading action at an extra-ordinary scale.

Kate has extensive experience as a consultant, working on a diverse portfolio of infrastructure and growth projects. She has also worked across Europe as a Regeneration Expert with the European Commission and established the first UK-Hungarian cultural partnership trust, so she understands the strength in connection. She talks to us about the power of the Thames Estuary as an activator and innovator in transport, sustainability, exports, tech… the list goes on! Spoken from the heart, Kate shows us how being in a good place isn’t just a matter of location – but of growth, too.

Connect with Kate Willard on Episode 20 of the FreeThinking podcast and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Link in bio.

#wearefreestate #experiencedesign #freethinking

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Mar 31

“Most of the wonderful places in the world were not made by architects, but by people” – Christopher Alexander

An architect and visionary deep in the heart of FreeState – may you continue to inspire us all.

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Mar 30

Calling all co-practitioners and those interested in infusing Country and community into their projects!

Join us at the MPavilion in Melbourne to add your view and challenge us, in the name of better harnessing co-creation in the built environment.

FreeState and our incredible industry collaborators are holding a conversation around the critical nature of co-design in the creation of better places. Moderated by FreeState's Jessica Watson (Experience Designer & Creative) with a panel of Hassell's Richard Mullane (Architect, Urban Designer & Planner), Kate Spencer (Creative Producer & Experience Designer) & Tim Dow (Strategic Consultant), it will be an illuminating discussion on the power of "co"!

Co-Designing for a Better Design Practice
Wednesday 13.04.2022
6:30pm - 7:30pm
MPavilion, Queen Victoria Gardens, Melbourne 3000

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Mar 29

FreeState’s Eloise Dalla Costa has spent years developing workplace strategy, so we’re all ears when she shares her thoughts on its future. “Returning to the Workplace: Mandate or Choice?” advances the dialogue on the future of the office and why all the free smoothies, back massages and yoga classes won’t make a difference to the empty office blocks around the world. Re-igniting the post-pandemic workplace is contingent to business survival in 2022 – so how is it done?

Read the full article at the link in our bio and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

#wearefreestate #experiencedesign #workplace @e_dallacosta

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Mar 22

How do you ensure your mixed-use development has long-term relevance? Putting people first isn’t a gimmick – it is ensuring your development is community-led.

White City Place by Stanhope Plc is such a development, opting not to create a programme for their users, but providing the ingredients for users to build a programme of their own. In doing so, this gives their community – residents, workers, families and more – the ability to create something that they see themselves in, for generations of users and use.

Penny Cameron recently spoke to us about White City Place on the FreeThinking Podcast. Find out how she creates a lively development that will always evolve, at the link in our bio.

#wearefreestate #freethinking #experiencedesign @stanhope_plc @whitecityplace @thisistvc

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Mar 17

As employees, we’re all still small-talking about the work-from-home model. It’s the year of the employee, they say. The Financial Times recently released an article on hybrid working and their view is, well, not favourable.

It would be flawed to judge the success of workplace based on its location, whether it takes place in person or over Zoom. The Employee experience is part of a much bigger network, which includes transport systems, retail systems, community, a sense of belonging… the list goes on. The success of workplace lies at the overlap of all these things and how harmoniously they work together; a thriving office, a bustling high street, a memorable journey. Let’s advance the discussion.

Read the full article from the Financial Times at the link in our bio and share your opinions with us, below.

Image by @dom_russell

#wearefreestate #experiencedesign

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Mar 10

Today on The FreeThinking Podcast we have Penny Cameron - Development Director at Stanhope plc - and a key player in the Visioning, Designing and Activating of their far-reaching White City Campus in West London.

White City Place is a new frontier in development that took a people-first approach, amplifying what already existed. Penny talks with us about creating a village – blending the established global brands with the emerging voices - and how “you can see yourself living in it” has both literal and figurative importance. She proves that bringing life to a space requires more than just building apartments; you must design with time and ensure relevance, building something that lasts.

Don’t miss Penny Cameron on Episode 19 of the FreeThinking podcast and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Link in bio.

#wearefreestate #experiencedesign #freethinking #podcast @stanhope_plc

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Mar 9

Su Lim taking the stage at REMIX Summit Sydney yesterday!

If you want to know more about Su's presentation and what we do here at FreeState, don't hesitate to get in touch - we love to chat.

#wearefreestate #experiencedesign #remixsyd @remix_summits

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Mar 7

Every day, we at FreeState are actively working to #BreakTheBias in our world by empowering women* and women's stories. It starts with representation, and having a voice.

As an organisation, we are proud to be female-led and have a strong 60% female team. Visit the link in our bio to hear some of their thoughts about ways we can show solidarity and support with #IWD2022

*Our mission includes women, womxn and all minority genders too

#wearefreestate #experiencedesign #iwd2022

MOLECULE OF LIGHT
An invitation to be
in the moment

MELBOURNE AIRPORT
A big step forward

CASE STUDY
07:39:58 03 JULY 2021

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