The engineer causing a storm with his playgrounds | 7.30

Key Concepts

• Disused World War II Oil Tank: An unusual art gallery space transformed into a public square.
• Risky Playgrounds: Public installations designed by Mike Houston that play with the idea of risk, appearing precarious but being compliant.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Concepts influenced by the Christchurch earthquake, emphasizing the need for society to be nimble and learn through challenges.
• Internal Risk Assessment: The process by which individuals, particularly children, evaluate and manage perceived risks in their environment.
• Salvaged Materials: Secondhand materials repurposed and integrated into public art installations, giving them a new life.
• Inclusive Public Spaces: Designing environments that accommodate all age groups and do not alienate any segment of the public.

Underground Public Square in a WWII Oil Tank

The video details the transformation of a disused World War II oil tank into a unique public square and art gallery space by engineer-turned-artist Mike Houston. This underground space features amenities typically found in a park or playground, including a drinking fountain with chilled water (described as a "palm tree water bubbler"), a cooking area, a sand pit, and pram parking. The centerpiece of this unusual environment is a playground. Houston describes the space as having a "prepper" or "bunker" aesthetic, where people engage in "healthy things together." He acknowledges the strangeness of the space, stating, "Sometimes I'm in there, I'm just like, what have we done here."

Mike Houston's "Risky Playgrounds"

Above ground, Mike Houston has designed several public installations that explore the concept of risk. These are referred to as "risky playgrounds," though Houston clarifies they are compliant with safety regulations. The aesthetic is designed to appear slightly precarious, creating a sense of unease or intrigue.

• Wllingong Project: Featured three large boulders with a palm tree seemingly growing through a stone, which has attracted criticism.
• St. Peter's Fences: Utilized suburban fences arranged in a graveyard format.
• Pockets Park (Lyart, South Bank): A project in Lyart.
• South Bank Project: Involved large blue stone boulders placed on what appear to be small domestic trolley scales. This juxtaposition creates a visual puzzle for visitors, making them question the reality of the elements ("either the rocks are fake or the trolley are fake or something's up").

Houston explains that this perceived precariousness is "basic theater to keep you engaged" and makes visitors "really present" as they try to "figure this out."

Impact of the Christchurch Earthquake

A significant turning point for Houston's design philosophy was the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, a 6.3 magnitude event he experienced firsthand. He states, "Literally, this whole city fell down in front of my eyes." This experience led him to question the perceived permanence of physical structures, realizing that "things aren't necessarily as fixed as you think." This event underscored his belief that "we know we need as a society to be more adaptable, more nimble, and we need challenges to achieve that." He aims to deliver this message through his projects.

Fostering Adaptability and Resilience

Houston argues that when children interact with seemingly unstable elements in a playground, they "internally risk assess." This process of testing and evaluating is crucial for developing adaptability and resilience. He believes that "we need to provide spaces for people to enjoyably earn it," referring to the development of these qualities.

Salvaged Materials in the Art Gallery Park

In the park beneath Sydney's Art Gallery of New South Wales, Houston has utilized secondhand materials, assembled as if salvaged from ruins. These materials were collected from across Australia.

• Paving: Ceramic tile offcuts from Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace were used to create a "French paving pattern."
• Steam Room: An old milk vat was repurposed, with stir units used for mixing milk having doors cut into them.
• Stained Glass: Penetrations into the tank were transformed into stained glass to allow light to enter.
• Barbecue: A road plate, which had previously been used on roads, serves as the barbecue.

Houston emphasizes the use of "materials that have had a life already that are tough." He suggests that these materials "don't need you to respect them, but they would appreciate it."

Inclusive Design and Public Engagement

Houston highlights the innate ability of children to engage their imaginations with any object, stating, "The amazing thing about kids is their imaginations can engage with anything and they can own that thing." He believes the challenge lies not with children but in accommodating "all of the age groups." The goal is to create spaces that "don't alienate people," allowing individuals without young children to still be in proximity to the space in a comfortable way. He asserts, "Like we shouldn't be designing spaces that alienate people." Houston concludes by stating that "Good evidence helps designers, builders, law makers, council workers deliver better things for the public. And I believe this project does that."

Conclusion

Mike Houston's work, particularly the underground public square in a WWII oil tank and his "risky playgrounds," demonstrates a profound connection between art, engineering, and societal development. Influenced by the fragility of structures revealed by the Christchurch earthquake, Houston designs spaces that encourage internal risk assessment and foster adaptability and resilience. His use of salvaged materials imbues these projects with a sense of history and durability. Ultimately, his projects aim to create inclusive public spaces that engage all age groups and promote a deeper connection with the environment and each other.