What if a bench was more than just a bench?

In this episode of Podparks, host Maria Burnett sits down with Daniela Bertino, international development lead for Agoramakers, for a lively, unfiltered conversation about public space, beauty, and belonging. From benches turned skateparks to lighting that shapes how we feel in a city, Daniela shares stories and reflections from a career spent helping cities design for people.

Recorded in the Middle East with laughter, background ambience, and spontaneity intact, this episode explores how design can foster dignity, inclusion and joy. Beauty in public space is not just nice to have. It is deeply meaningful. One highlight is a story about a dancer in Paris who transforms a simple lighting pole into a stage. It's a powerful reminder that when we design with care and creativity, people will find their own ways to bring public spaces to life. Daniela also reflects on movements like guerrilla gardening, where everyday citizens reclaim forgotten urban corners and turn them into vibrant green pockets of community care.

Topics include:

• Why benches, bins and lighting matter more than we think
• Designing for emotional impact, not just function
• Stories from Italy, Colombia and the Gulf
• Creating places that are safe, welcoming and built to last
• Sustainability, accessibility and unexpected uses of public design
• The intersection of culture, community and creativity in urban space

🔗 Links and Resources

Daniela Bertino

Daniela on LinkedIn

Metalco

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Eclatec

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🎥 Lighting pole as stage: Iya Traoré in Paris

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