The Politics of Public Space Book Launch

The Politics of Public Space: Volume Five is the fifth publication from Melbourne-based not-for-profit design firm OFFICE. The book is a publication of transcripts that speak directly to the city and how we read it. 

Book Launch
Friday 2nd February
5:30—Late
35 Emma St, Collingwood

Music by Shay Bakar

Food by Jim's Jaffles

The Politics of Public Space: Volume Five captures interviews and talks by built environment practitioners on the ideas that shape cities. The book is a record of interviews conducted by OFFICE over the past five years that attempt to identify the true complexities of our city and the many parties involved. It asks: how may we better engage with and understand our own city, particularly its public spaces?

This publication collates the content of the four previous sold-out volumes along with new images and interviews. As a catalogue it helps reveal the true complexities of our cities, engaging with issues at stake in its form and occupation. And more significantly, to get students, practitioners, and the general public questioning their understanding of the city.

The Politics of Public Space: Volume Five features new interviews with Alison Young, Polly Stanton, Kelsie Nabben, Wendy Steele, Lily Parsons, Olivia Daw, Genevieve Quinn, Lewis Orgar, Gary Foley, and Carroll Go-Sam. 

Volume Five also includes re-printed interviews from sold-out Volumes 1-4 with: Mark Jacques, Libby Porter, Tania Davidge, Tom Andrews, Peter Chambers, Claire Martin, Myria Georgiou, Saskia Sassen, Jack Self, Brooke Holmes, Ian Strange, Alfredo Billembourg, Tony Birch, Brighid Sammon, Nicole Kalms, Andy Fergus, Kate Shaw, Philip Brophy, Sarah Lynn Rees, Kim Dovey, Nigel Bertram, Lynda Roberts, Crystal Legacy, Marcus Westbury, Elizabeth Taylor, Simona Castricum, Jock Gilbert, Sophia Pearce, and Uncle Dave Wandin.

Books will be available for purchase at the event or online with pre-orders available for collection on the night. 

Major Sponsorship
This publication was made possible with the generous support of the Alastair Swayn Foundation. The Foundation encourages and supports talented and innovative research, providing opportunities to pursue excellence for the enrichment of knowledge in Australian architecture and design.

Business Supporter
Openwork
Urban Futures Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University

Individual Supporter
Mark Jacques
Claire Martin
Jock Gilbert

Publisher
OFFICE
Editor
OFFICE and Tom Muratore
Copy Editor
Miriam McGarry
Book Design
Jake Bonin and Kim Mumm Hansen