RMIT PlaceLab

RMIT PlaceLab takes a place-based approach to community engagement and research, working with academics, students, local government, industry, and community.

Research Projects

In 2023, I was a PlaceLab researcher on two projects, Living Together and Creatives Communities and Economies, conducting interviews and facilitating community engagement through workshops, short films, community walking tours, student exhibitions, and digital and physical media/ communication.

Living Together investigated socially sustainable housing in Brunswick. Housing affordability and sustainability was examined through architects, developers, and residents through sharing their experiences.

CREDITS

Project Lead Rebecca Roke, with PlaceLab researchers Julie Gork and Hayley Thompson

Development: Nightingale Evergreen
Designer: Clare Cousins Architects
Developer: Nightingale Housing

Development: Davison Collaborative
Designer: Archier Architects
Developer: Hip v Hype Developments

Development: Balfe Park Lane
Designer: Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA)
Developer: Antipodean Land Developments

Filming and video production: Matt Quattro from OnQ Media

Julie, wearing light denim jeans and a navy turtleneck, is pinning architectural drawings on a wall for an exhibition.
Julie, wearing a yellow trench, walk with Rebecca, dressed in black with orange scarf.
A small booklet, titled Living Together, is held in front of a cement pillar.
Julie interviews Rebecca sitting on a park bench, in front of an apartment building with yellow balconies.
Julie, a videographer, and a man with dog are shooting a film in walkway by a red brick apartment building.

Creatives Communities and Economies explored how creative practitioners are responding to the ongoing challenges facing the arts through hybrid and digital approaches.

CREDITS

Project Leads: Assoc. Prof Grace McQuilten, Dr Marnie Badham, Dr Alison Bennett, Dr Alan Hill

PlaceLab researchers Julie Gork and Hayley Thompson

Working Photographer Pilot Study Researcher: Michelle Williams

Artist Residents: Jody Haines, Varuni Kanagasundaram, Channon Goodwin

A corner of the office, feature glass walls, a brown leather couch, and a couple of chairs and side tables.
Three women around a table outside by Jewell train station, with paints on the table.
PlaceLab Researchers, Julie and Hayley, are having a conversation on a brown leather couch in a the light-filled urban research studio.
Julie leads a small group of people along an urban street.
A birds eye view of a table with clay paint and stick brushes.