The POPP Journal

A collection of worthwhile articles (first published in our eNewsletter - you can subscribe here) about POPP case studies, placemaking trends, activation tips and the latest research.

Have something we might find interesting (research you came across, an article you read or perhaps the latest placemaking tik-tok)? We would love to see it - email us at [email protected]

ARTICLE 022

Inclusive Design For Public Places

This edition we’re looking at designing and programming public spaces with inclusivity at the forefront - and (big surprise) how POPP can help in the process. We’re also running through a step by step guide of the game of Rundlauf aka the Berliners Game aka around the world aka the best group ping pong game ever. Read more...

ARTICLE 021

Physical Literacy - A Short Course In Movement

This edition, we’re running through the ins and outs of 'physical literacy' 🏃‍♀️ If you haven't heard of the term or want to know how it can benefit your students, read on! Read more...

ARTICLE 020

Retro-fit vs. Future-fit

Retro-fit or future-fit: We can help you achieve the best outcome for your school’s outdoor table tennis table.
Over 15 years, partnering with thousands of customers, contractors, designers and schools, we’ve whittled down the Top 3 Tips when planning for a POPP table - whether you’re a retro-fitter or a future-fitter. Read more...

ARTICLE 019

The Chart-Topping Duo Of Green Spaces And Social Active Play

For communities and their residents to be happy and healthy, the evidence is telling - access to green spaces is a must. Read more...

ARTICLE 018

The End Game is BYO

A comparative guide to outdoor recreation options in communities

In outdoor spaces, there are many recreation (read: ‘active’ recreation as opposed to ‘passive’ pastimes) options that can attract, engage and appeal to community members, and some more than others. Read more...

ARTICLE 016
Design and Innovation

How POPP is utilising design and innovation to reinvent outdoor table tennis tables for a New Wave of ping pong playing societies. Read more...

ARTICLE 015
Learning Environment Design Futures

Shining a light on a whole new educational philosophy finding inspiration by the life's work of a designer dedicated to improving the current approach to children's learning spaces. Read more...

ARTICLE 014
Sports Participation Over A Lifetime

By age 20 sport participation drops to roughly 14% after a steady decline from a more healthy 50% at ages 10 - 14. And by the time we're post 25 years old, participation rates are no more than 10%. What's up with that? Read more...

ARTICLE 013
Gender Sensitive Placemaking for Inclusive Communities

Gender sensitive placemaking is a design strategy addressing gender-biased built environments and gender-based violence in public spaces. The goal is to ensure women, girls, and gender-diverse people have equitable access to public spaces. Read more...

ARTICLE 012
The Power of Parks

How and why park administrators and health professionals can incorporate parks as part of a holistic public health strategy. Read more...

ARTICLE 011
How To Manage Bats And Balls at Public Table Tennis Table

How do we encourage spontaneous play and manage racquets and balls?” – a frequently asked question we receive from councils, landscape architects and community members alike. Read more...

ARTICLE 010
POPP Artist Profile: Minna Leunig

Nestled away in Kelly Park, some 30 kms wouth-west of Melbourne, sits one of our favourite HERO tables of late. Commissioned by Wyndham City Council and situated just outside the Kelly Park Community Centre in Werribee, the most conspicuous aspect of this particular HERO is of course the artwork that adorns its surface. Read more...

ARTICLE 009
Planning for a POPP Outdoor Table Tennis Table? Here's What To Consider...

Planning for an outdoor ping pong table should pose a few questions...So just how much space is required? What is the best surface for them to placed on? Can we use an existing space? Do we need to anchor them to the ground? The good thing is, these are great questions to be asking and they will ensure you choose a location that will allow for maximum playability and engagement. While each location is inherently different, there are some universal truths that apply to planning for a POPP table. Read more...

ARTICLE 008
MEDIA RELEASE: Announcing the HEROair

Engineered for the great outdoors - from parks and rooftop gardens to schoolyards and sporting grounds, the HEROair is a design-led outdoor table tennis table, fully weatherproof and fabricated for the long game. Read more...

ARTICLE 007
Case Study: Melbourne Level Crossing Removal Project

Between 2015 and 2018 Melbourne's rail system got an overhaul, promising safer crossings and new public spaces with the elevation of current railway lines, as well as rejuvenation of exisiting train stations and public hubs located adjacent to the railway. An intimate collaboration between ASPECT Studios and COX Architecture endeavoured to set a new benchmark for elevated rail in Australia. Read more...

ARTICLE 006

How To Care For An Outdoor Table Tennis Table

The Clean and Polish: A simple guide to keeping your POPP table in top condition. Read more...

ARTICLE 005
Case Study: Lisa Bellear House at the University of Melbourne, Australia

A leading example of contemporary inner-city student housing, Lisa Bellear House boasts extensive indoor and outdoor communal areas, dedicated study spaces, a music rehearsal studio, games room, gymnasium, basketball court, POPP ICON table and more. Read more...

ARTICLE 004

Case Study: Pioneer Park, Washington, USA

With over 100 placements across the United States, our ICON table is proving to be a winner among American communities just as much as it is here in Australia! Read more...

ARTICLE 003

Case Study: Saint Ignatius’ College, Riverview

Saint Ignatius’ College in Riverview, north of Sydney, installed three POPP ICON tables - with a fourth on the way. Recently, we asked them a few questions about the tables and how they are being enjoyed by students. Their response? A wealth of insight on how the tables have been used to engage students and encourage more casual physical activity. Read more...

ARTICLE 002

Case Study: Curtin University Exchange Precinct, WA

Congratulations to REALMstudios whose master plan for the Curtin Exchange Innovation Precinct was recently recognised in 2022 AILA Landscape Architecture Awards - taking home the Health and Education category for WA. Read more...

ARTICLE 001

Table Tennis Brain Breaks For Cognitive Wellbeing

Giving kids (and adults) a break from actively engaging in thinking is essential for that thinking to continue in an effective way throughout the day. Read more...