The Urbanist Olafur Eliasson and how public art changes your perspective on a city
11 snips
Oct 23, 2025 
Join renowned artist Olafur Eliasson, known for his thought-provoking public artworks, and Stella Iannou, the Artistic Director of Sculpture in the City. They discuss how public art transforms our relationship with urban spaces. Eliasson reveals his approach to designing inclusive installations that foster emotional connections. Iannou highlights the importance of making financial districts feel more welcoming. Together, they explore the civic value of art, its role in climate advocacy, and initiatives that engage communities in creative dialogue.
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Planets As Social Furnishings
- Olafur Eliasson installed eight planet-themed sculptures with benches to create social gathering points in Oxford North park.
- The works combine sculptural presence with functional seating and subtle nighttime glow to invite lingering and connection.
Design From Site Intent
- Analyse the site's intent, programming and likely users before proposing public artwork.
- Design for the type of hospitality and generosity the space should radiate so it feels genuinely public.
Spaces Reflect Emotional Needs
- Well-designed spaces reflect our unmet emotional needs and enable informal social encounters.
- Eliasson likens planetary benches to campfires that invite deviating from daily norms and rediscovering oneself.