Feature
ArchitectureAU – Editor’s picks: Melbourne Design Week 2023
10 events you won’t want to miss:
Shaping Cities With Urban Activation, Public Arts and Placemaking
Melbourne’s augmented reality: is public art the remedy to the city’s pandemic malaise?
Tim Byrne, Arts, The Guardian
The best works in the series are those that stand alone: both as great art that can be admired by a passerby, but also invigorated by the new technology – Ann Ryan’s The Duchess and the Butterfly II and Jingwen (Jina) He’s You Can Find Something Truly Important in an Ordinary Minute in particular. These are works that speak directly of renewal and transmutation.
ABC Art Works: Series 1 Episode 11 Just Not Australian Touring Exhibition | 18:06
ABC Art Works explores the full spectrum of the arts in Australia.
Creative Bio
Jina is a Melbourne-based creative with a multidisciplinary art, design, and architecture background. Her practice is characterised by a deep commitment to transforming public spaces through creative expression, social engagement, and urban strategy. What sets Jina apart is her unique approach to her work, which is rooted in the belief that ‘art is not created in a vacuum.’ She sees public spaces as dynamic environments where social interactions and daily events meet practical and emotional needs, providing rich backdrops for her creations. This perspective drives her fascination with the elements that define the public realm and the stories they generate.
Jina’s versatility is a hallmark of her career, demonstrated through a series of impactful projects. In 2024, she was commissioned by Event Canberra to deliver a freestanding neon light mural for the Enlighten Festival, showcasing her expertise in public space activation. The same year, she played a pivotal role in the playspace upgrade at Stocklands Point Cook, integrating mural and digital artworks, designing signage for the food court, and leading community craft workshops. These projects underscore her ability to blend artistic expression with practical design, creating spaces that are both functional and inspiring. In 2023, Jina was commissioned by the City of Melbourne’s Test Sites program to create a temporary urban instrument at Central Pier, Docklands. This piece, which artistically captured the city’s soundscape, is a testament to her innovative approach to public art. In 2022, she revitalized a neglected laneway in Canterbury through a placemaking project for the City of Boroondara, transforming it into a vibrant local landmark with ground and murals. Her work in 2021 on an augmented reality public artwork for Flinders Quarters, supported by the Metro Tunnel Creative Program, further demonstrated her ability to merge technology with public engagement. Collaboration is a central aspect of Jina’s creative journey.
She has a proven track record of successful collaborations, such as her work with Kimberley Hui on the Archemist Podcast, which aimed to amplify voices in the creative industry. The season titled ‘Is it what you wanted?’, was recognized when it was shortlisted for the Bates Smart Award for Architecture in Media in 2021. Jina’s openness to collaboration extends to her contributions to various publications and exhibitions, where she continues exploring new possibilities and fostering connections. Her ability to work effectively with diverse teams and her commitment to fostering connections have been key to the success of her projects. Through her work, Jina strives to create transformative experiences that enhance civic connections and enrich public spaces. By merging urban strategy, design, art, and social engagement, she aims to breathe life into our shared environments, making them more inclusive and connected for the betterment of the social realm.
GET IN TOUCH
Jina is always available for collaborations and talks worldwide. If you want to chat about design, arts, wine, or anything else, don’t hesitate in reaching out. 🙂

Jingwen (Jina) He
Architect | Artist | External Assessment Panel | Creative Maker | Program Producer
Based in Melbourne.
M.ARCH
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