The aim of Project Utopia in 2022 was to help the Future of Fremantle organisation with redeveloping the Fremantle Port. We had to go through tons of stages to get to the final product. First we started with a small group and the whole area of the port in mind. We then had to make a vision board on what we might like to incorporate into the space. Once we presented the vision boards we then got into different groups and split the port into 8 sections. Using ideas that our whole class came up with we made our final product… The redeveloped Fremantle Port!
After we finished Project Utopia we were asked some questions to reflect on the project.
Comment on your group’s vision board- were you happy with how it all came together in the end?
I was happy with how my group’s vision board ended up. I believe though that we could have used our space more wisely, there were sections of space where it was just blank paper, maybe we should have added photos or had a short summary about different topics in this space.
How well did you handle any questions/comments from visitors?
I believe that I handled the questions from the visitors well. During the presentation my group wasn’t asked many questions, but we answered all of them well and with confidence. We were showing how much we knew about our topic and our Group’s section.
What were some interesting comments/advice received from visitors etc
- The Zipline across the river is a very cool and innovative idea.
- Make sure we take advantage of our space next to the river. It is PRIME real estate. (Great spot for houses and/or apartments.
How did you feel about how effectively you presented your parts at the Showcase?
I believe that not only myself but my whole group did extremely well presenting our piece. We were all confident (so be it a little nervous) but we gave it our best shot and we did extremely well.
Comment on how well your group collaborated…
- During the planning weeks:
We collaborated at a 8/10. We were mainly collaborative in these stages but sometimes conflicts would arise with who is doing what and where we are placing different things. But we worked well together.
- During the Showcase:
During the showcase we looked like we had been presenting this same presentation together for YEARS! We were all confident and took time to give each other feedback on their speeches and would help each other if help was needed.
What skills/capabilities do you think you excelled in/did well with:
My collaboration and my courage. Not only do I think I did well but I believe that I Improved these capabilities and skills. My collaboration hasn’t always been the greatest so this project definitely boosted my “knowingness” of how to collaborate well and also my confidence on not being afraid to put in my idea or try to combine ideas in the group setting. The same things apply to my courage having that boost to my courage definitely helped me a lot.
What do you think you would improve (any be the process/presentation etc)?
I believe next time I would try and get the model done earlier so that we could have focused on other things (i.e. more refined speeches or more time to “present” with our model by our side).
Any Challenges?
Starting the project out. To me this was the greatest challenge of the entire project. Finding that spark of motivation and that willingness to get in the “zone” with my classmates and think of things that could very well happen in real life was definitely tough. But once I was able to “find my groove” then it felt like everything clicked.
In conclusion, Project Utopia was a HUGE project spanning over the time of a whole semester but it was a great experience and to be able to contribute to a change that may be happening in the future was really cool! There were many challenges and tough times but I feel this project secretly helped me be more persistent and helped me find better quality solutions to problems. Overall I really enjoyed Project Utopia it will be one of the things that stands out in my Year 7 journey.