Pop-up parks are an effective urban strategy for temporarily enhancing outdoor engagement in high-density streetscapes. Cities worldwide are increasingly implementing temporary parks to evaluate potential changes in traffic flow, introduce green infrastructure into predominantly hardscaped environments, and foster social interaction within neighborhoods.
In early 2024, the City of Yarra, located just outside Melbourne, launched a pop-up park adjacent to the library on Charlotte Street as part of a pilot initiative. The project allowed the city to assess pedestrian behavior and traffic patterns before making decisions about the development of a permanent public space. Featuring large-scale, colorful street furniture by Streetlife Australia Pty Ltd, the temporary park quickly became a popular gathering spot for the community.
Design and Implementation
The City of Yarra’s planning department developed a strategic design for the Charlotte Street pop-up park featuring a variety of bright orange street furniture alongside natural wooden seating elements. The design incorporated expansive lounge areas surrounded by greenery, creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Smaller seating elements added a playful touch, encouraging informal gatherings and spontaneous social interactions. Modular planters, designed to accommodate soil for plant and tree growth, were built for mobility, allowing easy repositioning using a forklift.
This design strategy transformed Charlotte Street into a welcoming outdoor space, enabling activities like the library’s regular storytime sessions to be held outside—an option that had previously been unavailable due to limited public space. Beyond offering a new recreational area, the pop-up park highlighted the potential of flexible urban design to foster social cohesion and enhance the public realm. By drawing in both residents and visitors, the project underscored the value of well-designed public spaces in strengthening neighborhood connections.
Sustainable and Locally Manufactured Street Furniture
Streetlife Australia, the creator of the street furniture used in this project, combines Dutch design with Australian manufacturing expertise to produce customized, modular, and durable urban elements. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Streetlife uses FSC®-certified hardwood for its seating, ensuring responsible forestry practices. The company has also formed long-term partnerships to support local manufacturing in New South Wales, demonstrating its dedication to environmentally and socially responsible production.
Future Plans
After a post-project evaluation to assess the pop-up park’s long-term impact, the movable furniture was relocated and reconfigured across the City of Yarra, ensuring its continued contribution to urban spaces. This adaptive reuse approach allows the furniture to sustainably support ongoing social engagement and ecological enrichment, reflecting Yarra’s commitment to flexible, resilient, and sustainable urban design.
| Location | Richmond Library, City of Yarra (AU) |
| Delivery | 2024 |
| Client | City of Yarra |
