Steve is an active participant in the local business and artistic community of Byron Shire and in particular, Mullumbimby. Focusing on Placemaking in Mullumbimby.
Mullumbimby – Burringbar St – shared streets programme.
Creative Street Seating: Byron Shire Council’s Burringbar Street Project – Steve Drake Architect with Three Seats
Innovating Urban Design:
The “Stone Landscape Resting Places” on Burringbar Street
Steve was a pivotal figure in the Byron Shire Council’s Shared Streets Grant, a key player in the production and installation of the “mullum resting stones” for Burringbar Street. This project introduced an innovative approach to public seating, a departure from conventional benches to create a more integrated and natural streetscape.
By thoughtfully placing and arranging large stone blocks these unique installations function as both sculptural art and functional rest stops. These elements have significantly enhanced the pedestrian experience, providing distinct, natural points of interest that encourage residents and visitors to pause, and engage with each other and their environment.
From Concept to Community:
A Creative and Natural Setting
Civic Improvement
The Burringbar Street project vision was to develop a creative and natural setting that complements the existing urban environment. This led to the innovative street seats that are strategically positioned along the main pedestrian thoroughfare. Ensuring that as people journey from one end of the street to the other, they are never far from an inviting place to sit. The deliberate use of robust, locally sourced materials like stone and timber was a key design choice. These materials were chosen to deliver longevity, durability and an ability to create an organic feel that stands in welcome contrast to the hard lines of a typical urban space. This collaboration with Byron Shire Council demonstrates how thoughtful urban design can significantly improve the public space and a community’s quality of life.
Drawn from the essence of the Mullumbimby Master Plan and its reference to Burringbar St as “The Talking Street”. These resting stones combine the vision derived from the plan and celebrate the unique diverse artistic community. A community that reside in the region and converge in Mullum.
The Mullumbimby Sculpture Walk
Mullum Sculpture Walk:
A Case for Art as Placemaking – SDA
Explore the Mullum Sculpture Walk
The Mullum Sculpture Walk transformed a riverside path in Mullumbimby into a vibrant community hub. The implementation of an art-driven placemaking process. A role that Steve has played a part in,
Art as Placemaking:
The Mullum Sculpture Walk in Mullumbimby
The Mullum Sculpture Walk, a public space along the banks of the Brunswick River, is an example of effective placemaking in the Northern Rivers region. Through his role within Creative Mullum Inc., Steve played a role in developing this project, with a clear focus on how public art could transform a space and foster community engagement. The initiative went far beyond simply placing sculptures. It was about reimagining a scenic riverside path as a vibrant cultural destination that invites people to gather. A place to connect with nature, and interact with art.
From Path to Destination:
A Legacy of Creative Engagement
Steve has played a role in collaborating to produce and acquire the diverse collection of artworks that define the walk.
He has made a contribution in assisting with curating the outdoor gallery that showcases regional artistic talent. It provides a permanent, accessible art experience for the community. The Mullum Sculpture Walk embodies the idea that by intentionally integrating art into the public landscape, you can create a place that is not only beautiful. It also creates a culturally rich, inviting, environment that is reflective of the community it serves. This project is an example of how strategic placemaking can leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
