In May 2013, Tobias Volbert and Linda Cupitt collaborated to hold a workshop for design professionals on the topic of ‘Beyond Accessibility – Creating the City of 7 Senses’. The workshop challenged participants to consider the sensory engagement of the Brisbane central business district and use a 7 Senses framework to brainstorm how the CBD could be.
Not content with just a workshop, Tobias sought to apply the 7 Senses framework to his former residential street and submitted the Alma Road redesign to an international play and built environment competition.
Transformation proposal for Alma Road, Clayfield, Brisbane
Together Tobias and Linda generated excitement and interest in this concept design – a street where children can safely play resonated with the local community.
In effort to share the awareness of the growing rates of impairment and disability amongst our youngest and eldest populations, and how difficult it can be for families with disability to participate in our current built environments, Tobias and Linda formed the idea to hold a national day – 7 Senses Street Day.
In 16 November 2013 the team held the inaugural 7 Senses Street Day calling on residents around Australia to rethink a better street to call home.
The aim was simple – get people thinking about a safer, more inclusive and engaging street that encouraged activity and interaction.
The response was overwhelming. Not only were there fantastic activities held around Australia, but the 7 Senses resonated with parents, built environment professionals and disability advocacy organisations alike.
If you want to see some of the fantastic activities held on the 7 Senses Street Day 2013, click here.
For media attention gained in our 2013 campaign, view our In the media page.