Crafting Sustainable Urban Futures: Manifesting (Non)Productive Urban Realities Through DIY Play

Rumen Rachev¹, James Smith-Harvey², Chris Berthelsen³, Adam Ben-Dror³

1. Edith Cowan University
2. Auckland University of Technology
3. University of Auckland

Published in Proceedings of the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE 2024), edited by Ali GhaffarianHoseini, Amirhosein GhaffarianHoseini, Farzad Rahimian and Mahesh Babu Purushothaman. Springer Nature, Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, volume 591, 2025, pages 546 to 555. DOI 10.1007/978-981-96-4051-5_53.

Abstract

This paper explores the significance of do-it-yourself (DIY) play practices in the urban context of Tāmaki Makaurau (formerly Auckland), Aotearoa New Zealand. It challenges conventional, goal-oriented activities, advocating for non-extractive and non-capitalist modes of engagement. The research underscores the value of playful, community-driven initiatives that transform discarded materials into creative expressions, emphasising the concept of “frugal making.” Employing an interdisciplinary approach that includes play theory and artistic research, the study examines the potential of DIY play to foster sensory engagement and creativity. Examples include projects in creating public sculptures and sonic art out of found material, DIY telepresence interventions, and creative meanderings.The paper advocates for integrating DIY play into urban design and policy, envisioning public spaces as hubs of creativity and community engagement. Despite potential opposition to unsupervised creativity, the study argues for inclusive dialogue and the benefits of such practices for creative and resilient urban communities. By embracing DIY play, cities can cultivate diverse connections and foster creativity and resilience that challenge neo-liberal norms. The research concludes that DIY play has transformative potential, positioning play as a crucial component of vibrant urban life.

Keywords

Session

Presented in Track N, Saturday 9 November 2024, 16:15 to 18:15, room WA 224 B, Auckland University of Technology. Session chair Dr Aysu Kuru.

How to Cite

Rachev, R., Smith-Harvey, J., Berthelsen, C., & Ben-Dror, A. (2025). Crafting Sustainable Urban Futures: Manifesting (Non)Productive Urban Realities Through DIY Play. In A. GhaffarianHoseini, A. GhaffarianHoseini, F. Rahimian, & M. B. Purushothaman (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE 2024) (Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, Vol. 591, pp. 546–555). Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-4051-5_53

About the Conference

Presented at SASBE 2024, the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, held in Auckland from 7 to 9 November 2024 and chaired by Professors Ali and Amirhosein GhaffarianHoseini, founders of GDI Academy. The version of record is published by Springer Nature; this page is the conference archive record kept by GDI Academy.