Reinventing play: Blanc Space is changing social spaces on a global scale

By turning milk bottles into innovative play spaces, Blanc Space Design Group has earned a strong local following and reputation. Now, the Australian start-up is taking on US malls. 

Blanc Space is turning waste into wonder. The Australian design company, founded by James Best, is transforming recycled plastics into immersive social spaces in some of our most recognised malls in Australia and the US. With a background in digital media and a childhood steeped in entrepreneurship, Best grew up immersed in two worlds.  

“I was raised with both parents running their own businesses. Mum had a widely successful Sri Lankan restaurant in Crows Nest. I learnt everything from customer service to washing dishes,” Best says.  

“Dad was the complete opposite. He was high-tech in supercomputing, pioneering e-commerce and digital outdoor advertising. He would take me to suppliers, manufacturers and industrial designers, and this was the perfect melting pot for my entrepreneurial journey to be formed.”  

From tech roots to tactile futures 

Today, Best brings a rare blend of technological fluency and design intuition to the table. The Blanc Space leader had previously spearheaded several high-profile, high-end digital media activations for top Australian brands. 

“Being able to leverage technology to create engaging, content-rich experiences was amazing fun, but it wasn’t stable or commercial, and the screen side of things really got to me, and that was the jumping off point for Blanc Space,” he says. 

“I started to focus on the materials and sensory experiences, using light and sound to create highly engaging experiences.” 

That shift from high-end digital activations to low-fi, light-and-sound environments sparked Blanc Space’s evolution. The company began hiring industrial designers instead of content creators, crafting tactile experiences that invite play, connection, and pause. 

Pandemic pause, strategic pivot 

Blanc Space launched its bold designs in 2019 with a Fashion Mall in Boca Raton, Florida, followed by malls in Boston and Texas. We were preparing for a larger rollout planned in 2020, then COVID-19 hit. 

“Our projects were halted, and we moved into safe mode. We lost multi-million dollar rollout opportunities in the US. Social spaces don’t make sense in the middle of a global pandemic.” 

The setback, however, became a strategic pivot. Blanc Space deepened its local footprint, partnering with Westfield, Vicinity, Dexus, Stockland, and QIC to refine its sustainability-meets-luxury offering. The company’s signature approach, bespoke design using recycled materials, gained traction as Australian developers sought to reimagine public space. 

“Australia is a great sample size and testing ground for innovation, and the US is actively seeking ways to reinvigorate its spaces and customer experience opportunities.” 

Anaheim breakthrough and the future of social space 

Now, Blanc Space is back on the US stage. The company has secured a deal with Simon Property Group to launch a 1,200-square-foot playground in Anaheim, California, just minutes from Disneyland. 

“This is a major renovation project for Simon. Simon was particularly engaged with our design innovations and material use. The fact that we were turning milk bottles into playgrounds really piqued their interest.” 

The recycled plastics are reformed, reshaped, and remixed into vibrant palettes that balance sophistication with playfulness. It’s a circular design with commercial impact. 

“The opportunity to create spaces that are 96% recyclable, meaning we can install, de-install, recycle and re-install cradle to cradle, is a lucrative growth opportunity for us.” 

Looking ahead, Blanc Space is expanding its vision beyond malls. Hospitals, airports, and hospitality venues are next. 

“It’s about creating social spaces where people can play, recharge and relax.” 

Learn more at blanc-space.com