A Green Public Design Proposal

An Urban Design Vision forthe “Federation East” Site

Arch1274Assignment 2

Submission by:Mike Welsh – s3078533

Chong Ther Vern – s3007708Ben McKenna – s2065992

1 Introduction......................................................................................................................................................................................... 51.1 Identifying the Site.................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Location & Orientation..................................................................................................................................................................... 5Boundaries....................................................................................................................................................................................... 6Topography & Vegetation................................................................................................................................................................ 6

1.2 Urban Design Visioning Plan: Objectives......................................................................................................................................7Assumptions about the site.............................................................................................................................................................. 7

1.3 Urban Design Visioning Plan: Process..........................................................................................................................................72 Site analysis.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

2.1 Primary Stakeholder - City of Melbourne.......................................................................................................................................8Municipal Strategic Statement......................................................................................................................................................... 8Urban Renewal – Future Projects..................................................................................................................................................10Zoning and Overlays Provisions.................................................................................................................................................... 11Melbourne’s Urban Character........................................................................................................................................................11

2.2 Other Stakeholders......................................................................................................................................................................122.3 Adjacent Structures & Land Use................................................................................................................................................. 13

Federation Square......................................................................................................................................................................... 132.4 Urban Environmental Issues...................................................................................................................................................... 142.5 Connectivity................................................................................................................................................................................. 15

Linkages and Mobility.................................................................................................................................................................... 152.6 Amenity........................................................................................................................................................................................ 16

Views............................................................................................................................................................................................. 162.7 Constraints.................................................................................................................................................................................. 162.7 Constraints.................................................................................................................................................................................. 17

Boundary....................................................................................................................................................................................... 17Shadowing..................................................................................................................................................................................... 17Views............................................................................................................................................................................................. 17Vehicle Access............................................................................................................................................................................... 17Noise.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 17Pedestrian Access......................................................................................................................................................................... 17Climate........................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

3 Interpretation of site analysis data into information.......................................................................................................................183.1 Interpretation of Data................................................................................................................................................................... 18

2

Site Characteristics (Review of 1.1)...............................................................................................................................................18Primary Stakeholders: the City of Melbourne’s Development Context (Review of 2.1).................................................................18The Public Private Realm (Review of 2.2)..................................................................................................................................... 19Adjacent Land, Built Forms and Land Use (Review of 2.3)...........................................................................................................20Adjacent Land, Built Forms and Land Use (Review of 2.3)...........................................................................................................21Urban Environmental Issues (Review of 2.4).................................................................................................................................21Connectivity and Mobility (Review of 2.5)......................................................................................................................................21Amenity (Review of 2.6).................................................................................................................................................................22Constraints (Review of 2.7)............................................................................................................................................................223.2 SWOT Analysis........................................................................................................................................................................ 233.1 Strengths..................................................................................................................................................................................23Movement...................................................................................................................................................................................... 23Connectivity................................................................................................................................................................................... 23Urban Character............................................................................................................................................................................ 23Aesthetic Considerations............................................................................................................................................................... 23Scale.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 233.2 Weaknesses............................................................................................................................................................................ 24Movement...................................................................................................................................................................................... 24Aesthetic Considerations and Built Features.................................................................................................................................24Climate........................................................................................................................................................................................... 24Connectivity................................................................................................................................................................................... 243.3 Opportunities............................................................................................................................................................................24Built Features................................................................................................................................................................................. 24Diversity......................................................................................................................................................................................... 25Built Features................................................................................................................................................................................. 25Movement...................................................................................................................................................................................... 253.4 Threats..................................................................................................................................................................................... 25Protecting the Public Realm...........................................................................................................................................................25Lack of diversity............................................................................................................................................................................. 26The Disappearance of “Multicultural Melbourne”...........................................................................................................................26

4 Design Visioning Solutions................................................................................................................................................................... 274.1 Concept Plan – External Urban Design Elements.......................................................................................................................274.2 Concept Plan – Internal Urban Design Elements........................................................................................................................28

Visual appropriateness.................................................................................................................................................................. 28

3

The Responsive Environment........................................................................................................................................................29Permeability................................................................................................................................................................................... 29Image and Legibility....................................................................................................................................................................... 30Variety Richness and Robustness.................................................................................................................................................30

4.3 Proposed Design Solution........................................................................................................................................................... 32See Attachment 1.......................................................................................................................................................................... 32Slope as a Barrier to Access..........................................................................................................................................................36Scale.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 37Scale – 3D Model...........................................................................................................................................................................38

4.4 Expected Impacts of the Design..................................................................................................................................................39Political and Cultural Impact.......................................................................................................................................................... 39Precinct Impact.............................................................................................................................................................................. 39

4.5 Material Selection and Costing....................................................................................................................................................40See Attachment 2.......................................................................................................................................................................... 40

4.6 Implementation Plan.................................................................................................................................................................... 40See Attachment 3.......................................................................................................................................................................... 40

References.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 41

4

1 Introduction

1.1 Identifying the Site

Location & Orientation

Above: The “Federation East Site” Lot 2 Flinders Street, Melbourne. (Not to Scale)Coordinates: 37049’01.1”S, 144058’17.3”E Melways: 2F J5 (ed.38) The site partially borders Birrarung Marr (& Yarra River) in the south east corner. (Source: www.land.vic.gov.au)

5

BoundariesThe site is boundaries (below)are: 192.1 metres along the northern boundary (Flinders Street); 147.5 metres along the eastern boundary (Batman Avenue overpass); 243 metres along the southern boundary (carpark at western end); 105.6 metres along the western boundary (Russell Street); The site area is 23650 square metres.

Topography & VegetationThe site lays 7 metres below the level of Flinders Street and contains six railway tracks. The site perimeter includes elevated roads along Russell Street and Batman Avenue. The eastern section of the southern boundary abuts a 4-storey car park, separating the site from Birrarung Marr which lays 2 metres below the tracks. The eastern end of the southern boundary is adjacent an elevated bluestone wall providing pedestrian access from Birrarung Marr to Batman Avenue. Based on the height of the boundaries, there is sloping toward Birrarung Marr of some 6.8 metres per 100 metres. The site includes established elm trees along Flinders St and Birrarung Marr, with one tree of heritage significance.

6

1.2 Urban Design Visioning Plan: Objectives

This plan has been devised with the belief that the most enduring urban design takes the simplest form and satisfies the most requirements of an analysis of site. The analysis must account for the physical, social, economic and environmental impacts of the site. These aspects need to be recognized as static or dynamic, appreciated in terms of their interrelatedness and based on current use. Finally, the design must give consideration to the site’s environment as well as it’s own form.

Our analysis and use identification leads to a design solution that takes the form of a public park overlaying built form. The form takes into account the complex array of urban design considerations and is ultimately articulated in terms of re-inventing park land as a means of privileging public use in a private/public development.

Assumptions about the siteThis report is based on several significant assumptions:

The City of Melbourne is the primary stakeholder. The rail yard will be covered in an appropriate manner for development. The car park (on the southern boundary) is a non-negotiable built form that must be taken into consideration by the

design solution. The car park may be abutted by development, despite the boundary line. Geology/soil conditions/drainage/land form can be largely omitted, as the site is currently a void.

1.3 Urban Design Visioning Plan: ProcessThis urban design visioning plan seeks to provide a solution to the requirements of an analysis of the site’s existing features, stakeholders and its physical and social environment. The first section sets out to identify the potential and limitations of the site in urban design terms, and identify the complex array of elements the solution should account for. The second section uses this analysis to identify the most appropriate uses and focus of the site. The final section is the design of a spatial solution that is responsive to its environment and anticipated uses following established urban design principles.

7

2 Site analysis

2.1 Primary Stakeholder - City of Melbourne

Municipal Strategic StatementThe Municipal Strategic Statement is the primary document for the City of Melbourne’s vision. This vision for Melbourne includes its positioning “as a global city and as one of the top ten most livable and sustainable cities in the world” (City of Melbourne, 2010, 6). The vision contains six dimensions:

People City: In 2008, the city housed 96,000 residents; 57% of residents were born overseas; there are approximately 77,000 visitors to the city daily, projected to quadruple in the next 10 years.Creative City: Creativity and design are significant contributors to Melbourne’s reputation internationally. A “spine” of arts activity begins with Federation Square and terminates in Sturt St, South Melbourne (via the Arts Centre). Prosperous City: It is the location of government and advanced business services. 225,000 people are employed in city providing 18.5% of the state’s gross local product (GSP) for the 0.4% of land it occupies. Knowledge city: Melbourne leads the state in education and innovation; 35% of the residents are students.Eco-City: The city is implementing changes to unsustainable activities and substantial areas of open space.Connected City: It is the foci for road, rail, tram and bus networks, and an increasing accessibility for bikes.

(Images from http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au)

8

Vicinity: Precincts

Above: City Precincts: (1) Advanced Manufacturing (2) Arts, (3) CBD (4) Financial Services (5) Sport (6) Biotechnology/medical Research (7) Freight and Logistics

9

The site appears with in the CBD Precinct (3) and at the nexus of the Arts (2), and Sports (5) Precincts.

(Image:City of Melbourne, 2010)

Urban Renewal – Future Projects

Above: City of Melbourne’s ‘Growth Framework Plan’ marks areas for future urban renewal. Significantly the site forms the beginning of the Jolimont Rail District; it connects the CBD and Sports Precinct & Birrarung Marr via pedestrian access.

10

The site is linked to an urban renewal project for the sports precinct.

(Image: City of Melbourne, 2010)

Zoning and Overlays Provisions

The site belongs to the Capital City Zone and for Mixed Use (source). Mixed Use Zones encourage a mix of public and commercial uses, generally with street level activities enhance street life and provide pedestrian interest.

The Property Report for 1-17 Flinders Street shows that the land adjacent (along Flinders St, east of Wellington Parade South) is zoned PUZ4 – Public Use –Transport (Victorian Government, 2010).

The Melbourne Planning Scheme Amendments to the Capital City Zone prohibit any shadow being cast on Federation Square between 11am and 2pm on June 23. (City of Melbourne, 2010, p.3)Xxx height constraints?

Melbourne’s Urban Character

The city is the state’s economic and cultural centre on global, regional and local levels. It seeks to be “known” in terms of its adaptation of sustainable economic and environmental practices. From a users perspective it may be known through its diversity of uses 24 hours a day/seven days a week, its capacity for events and festivals, streetscapes, arcades, laneways, buildings, parks and river promenade, and accessibly via car, train, bus, bike or walking paths.

(Images from http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au)

11

2.2 Other StakeholdersResidents, Workers and visitors to the CBDThe space is essentially being designed for the use by the community as a whole. It is important to engage with the community in an appropriate manner. General community consensus should be gained prior to development of further design.

State Government of VictoriaThe state government of Victoria may also have considerable input into the development of the site in terms of funding (subsidies /grants) and design.

Tourism VictoriaGiven that the site is to be a significant feature of Melbourne as a destination it is important that development of the site responds to the demands placed upon it via all visitors, be they local regional or international. The current location of Tourist information booth on Russell St and its use as a tour bus service ensure high visibility to tourists (the booth was unable to provide figures on use).

Parks VictoriaParks victoria are the managers of the public parks and waterways within Melbourne’s CBD. They have a direct interest in this project

Vic Track, The Department of Transport and the Rail Operator Victrack are the owners of the vast majority of the site. The arrangements on the land are that Victrack lease the land to the Department of Transport and then the Department of transport will subsequently lease the land onto Operators (METRO).

Federation SquareFederation Square is the commercial operating arm of the federation square site. It is felt that their involvement will enable a more robust usage and management of the site in terms of coordination of use. (See 2.3)

2.3 Adjacent Structures & Land UseHigh-rise buildings, between 4 and 22 storeys, primarily occupy Adjacent the northern boundary, Flinders St. It is the current edge of the built form of the CBD. The main uses are predominantly residential and private accommodation. At ground level there is mixed use – a small supermarket, pub, a specialist optical shop, an independent vocational training centre and car parking. These reflect the relatively low profile

12

and lack of pedestrian traffic of the site. There are a significant number of entertainment complexes (theatres, cinemas and live music venues) which in general have prominent ground entries and a scattering of high end retail premises occur within walking distance north into the CBD.

The elevated road, tramway and sidewalk of Batman Ave form the eastern boundary. The southern boundary is adjacent a three storey car park with parking available on the roof; the car park itself abuts Birrarung Marr – a public park with access to Art Play, a children’s art activity centre, play grounds and pedestrian and cycling access and BBQ areas along the banks of the Yarra. The western boundary is adjacent the NGV situated in Federation Square.

The site is within walking distance of both Swanston St and Bourke St, the most prominent pedestrian strips in the state.

Federation Square

Federation Square is recognised by its iconic architecture and activities that have attracted an average of 7.5 million visitors per year since inception. It hosted 2,432 local, national and global exhibitions, activities and events in 2009-2010. According to its mission statement, two of its objectives are to be locally and globally recognized as a ‘place leader’, and to create experiences that lead to ‘visitor satisfaction’. 80% of events were open to the public.

Park Land

The site is situated at the nexus of the Treasury Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens to the north east, and Birrarung Marr, Alexandra Gardens and Botanic Gardens to the south and the extended banks of the Yarra to the east. Different groups use these sites in varying degrees on weekdays and weekends, with insignificant activity at night (with the exception of events).

13

Melbourne’s Parks and gardens are seen by the government to be a significant feature of Melbourne’s sustainable tourism industry. There is a historic connection between the State of Victoria, known as the “Garden State”, its gardens and their role in forming an historic edge of the CBD.

Research into the significant barriers to Melbourne’s park usage have been noted as a part of a recent report conducted by the Murphy, Mcdonald & Seiragaski Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre. They include socio economic factors including the pricing of leisure, available time, awareness, attitudes and marketing and the location and distance to transport.

2.4 Urban Environmental IssuesThe City of Melbourne ‘Green Roofs’ initiative raises a number of urban environmental issues to take into consideration. These include increasing attempts to minimise the contributions to green house gases, optimise water management and including green roofs in the CBD as a means of reducing heat island effect and mitigating against potential environmental events such as extreme storms.

14

2.5 Connectivity

Linkages and MobilityDepending on the day and time, flows of traffic, public transport usage, pedestrian and cycling activity vary. The diagram above displays peak hour primary and secondary paths, and weekday and weekend pedestrian (informal data obtained from survey of the site). Future City of Melbourne initiatives include the Metro Rail Project, Provision for walking (through the site), an east-west cycling link. Federation Square encourages pedestrian and public transport use and offers only limited parking.

15

Mobility: Primary and Secondary Paths

Bike

PedestrianWeekday

Pedestrian Weekend

Vehicles

Tram

Proposed Bike Path

2.6 Amenity

Views

16

Eureka and Southbank Fed Square and CBD Birrarung Marr Yarra and MCGThe site provides excellent views from the level of Flinders Street, which is in line with car park roof (clockwise from north):

- the CBD- Darling Gardens- MCG- Birrarung Marr- the Yarra- boat sheds- Alexandra Gardens- Old Government House- Eureka Tower- Southbank- the Arts Centre spire- Federation Square- Forum Theatre.

These views suffer at night, although views from the Medina from higher up are more significant.

2.7 Constraints

BoundaryThe development must accommodate the height of the car park on the western edge of the southern boundary; this affects access to the Yarra via Birrarung Marr (via central lift access only) and potentially affects views of the same.

ShadowingSignificant shadowing from existing buildings over the site occurs on the northern section of the site in winter impacting the livability (temperature and comfort) at ground level (Diagram below). The proposed development should limit shadowing over Federation Square and Birrarung Marr.

ViewsViews north of the site are limited to existing built form on Flinders St.

Vehicle AccessVehicle access is limited to Flinders St and Russell St. Car parking is limited to the current car park with fifteen spaces on Flinders St.

NoiseThere is substantial noise from traffic and trams along Flinders St and Batman Ave.

Pedestrian Access Access to the Yarra via Birrarumg Marr is Limited to the central car park lift and via Batman Ave.

Climate Melbourne’s temperate yet temperamental weather will affect pedestrian use of the site.

17

Site – CBD shadows

Five storey carpark

(Image Source: RMIT, 2010)

3 Interpretation of site analysis data into information

3.1 Interpretation of Data

Site Characteristics (Review of 1.1) The design solution should take into account the location in relation to public transport options, the proximity to the CBD and high public visibility to commuters. The shape of the site acquiesces toward the river in the south east corner. The size of the lot offers the potential for a site of significance and use to compare with Federation Square. The site currently has hard barriers along Flinders St (no attraction), Batman Ave (overpass), Birrarung Marr (blue stone elevation and car park) and Russell St (NGV). The solution should attempt to permeate this hard perimeter by opening up the northern boundary (along Flinders St) and southern boundary (down onto Birrarung Marr).

Primary Stakeholders: the City of Melbourne’s Development Context (Review of 2.1)The City of Melbourne is one of the primary stakeholders in the success of the site, as the Local Authority of the Melbourne Planning Scheme and as well as gatekeepers to the facilitation of development. A project of this size may be called in by the Minister, therefore the urban design solution should take into account the context of site in relation to the proposed and existing works of the City of Melbourne as well as the State interest. As far as the City of Melbourne is concerned, this context includes reflecting the objectives of the Municipal Strategic Statement, taking into account the location of the site as the nexus the CBD, Arts and Sporting precincts, it’s earmarking as the entrance to the Jolimont Rail Corridor urban renewal project (for pedestrian access to the Sports Precinct) and the provisions set out under the current planning scheme. In order to ensure the public accepts the site, it should compliment and enhance Melbourne’s existing urban character with its future focus on sustainable livability. It will need to account for the co-existence of public and private capital, commitments to addressing climate change through design, and supporting creativity, knowledge, diversity and amenity.

18

The Public Private Realm (Review of 2.2)Private development along Southbank to the west of the site, has made the funding of Federation Square possible. There are limitations on public access and public use in Southbank, primarily to the boardwalk as a means of pedestrian access and the amenity of river frontage. To the east and south of the site are substantial public areas and parkland.

19

The site is linked to: private-public development to the West;

The diagram below displays an arial view from the East; the extensive parkland and green belt are visible to the east incorporating the MCG; and to the south including the Alexandra and Botanic Gardens.

(Top Image: City of Melbourne, 2010; Bottom Image: Ken Duncan, www.kenduncan.com)

According to Dovey, the nature of public amenity along Southbank highlights the danger of private/public partnerships. This includes limited access to the river bank due to private ownership and control of public space. This control limits activity of the public to the board walk and access to the casino and retail areas, with poor access to the Arts Centre and blocking of views. Activities at the Federation Square are structured and event based.

By contrast, the ‘Federation East’ site links to the amenity of Birrarung Marr and thebanks of the Yarra where recreational activities provide a form of relatively unstructured (public initiated) form of engagement.

20

The Arts Complex provides a hollow along the bank for pedestrians and links directly into a retail area; the prominence of the Arts Centre spire is blocked by corporate towers.

The Esso building is an ‘green façade’ and provides no public amenity.

The bank in front of the casino is a ‘giant billboard’.

The pedestrian component of the bridge between the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre and Trade Centre is for the “global flow of people money and ideas” rather than for any public or local pedestrian use.

Adjacent Land, Built Forms and Land Use (Review of 2.3)There are limited reasons for pedestrians to move around the perimeter of the site, despite the high number of visitors to Federation Square who use public transport. Along with the proximity of entertainment centres with in walking distance, there is the potential to attract a large number of pedestrians from nearby events. The site should compliment Federation Square with a distinct profile that contrasts, so as to not diffuse its unique ‘place leader’ positioning.

In the context of Southbank development, The prominence and privileging of parkland on the site could act as the centre piece linking of the Treasury Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens to the north east, the extended banks of the Yarra to the east, and Birrarung Marr, the Alexandra Gardens and Botanic Gardens to the south. There is significant potential to activate the banks of the Yarra River and Birrarung Marr in a manner only partially achieved by Federation Square. Further site could enliven the historic connection between the State of Victoria and its parks, refreshing its ‘place identity’ moniker as the ‘Garden State’. Car parking is also a prominent use in the proximity of the site. There is a possibility to expand upon the car park near the Yarra. This is not however a desired outcome for the area given its interaction with the public space. It would be more desirable if the use of this land accommodated a smaller mass of a smaller scale and grain than the existing car park.

Urban Environmental Issues (Review of 2.4)Arguments for increasing sustainable practices are far reaching, as has their impact on public policy and on the public in general. The development offers the opportunity to reflect best practice in these regards, and, mirroring Federation Square in its ‘place leader’ profile, provide a showcase for ’design leadership’ of local, national and global significance.

Connectivity and Mobility (Review of 2.5)It has been noted that although Federation Square attracts significant numbers of pedestrians to the site, the site’s design offers low permeability to the Yarra and limited access to the Federation East site through the NGV (or along the side walk on Flinders St. The site’s connection to Birrarung Marr is limited to the elevator in the carpark, or around the perimeter (along Batman Avenue and Flinders St).

The site is well serviced by public transport, weekday workers and tourists, and weekday visits by locals. It offers the opportunity to enhance activities along Flinders St. It is within walking distance of the two main CBD pedestrian strips (Bourke St and Swanston).

The site is earmarked for pedestrian and cycling connections linking the CBD and Yarra.

21

Amenity (Review of 2.6)There are three types of views to be considered: enhancing the significant views from the site of existing landmarks, protecting the existing views from the CBD and Federation Square and the creation of aesthetic and functional views with in the site. The views at night are enhanced from a higher perspective than Flinders St.

Constraints (Review of 2.7)The development must accommodate the height of the car park on the western edge of the southern boundary in terms of it’s barrier to river access, blocking of views and lack of aesthetic appeal. Any development should avoid excessive reduction in comfort on the Yarra by not casting excessive shadows. Similarly it must account for existing shadows from the CBD. Raising the level of the site will go some way to doing this. An Elevation along Flinders St will improve the view by providing a new aspect. This form, as well as one along Batman Ave will assist in buffering noise from traffic and trams. The proposed solution should increase pedestrian access and attraction, and take into consideration the variable weather conditions. The northeastern corner of the site is anticipated to remain the least utilised due to adjacent land use’s lack of people (railway yard and park).

22

3.2 SWOT Analysis

3.1 Strengths

MovementThe site is to form the Western edge of the Central City South-East Precinct aka Sporting Precinct aka Jolimont rail Yard urban renewal site, with a focus on green space and pedestrian access to the CBD, Sports precinct and Arts Precinct. As the nexus of these precincts it offers existing lines of movement between centres of enterprise, local and global entertainment and cultural exchange.

Connectivity It is a highly accessible site within 200 metres of Flinders Street Station and trams. The site has excellent public transport connectivity and is amenable to pedestrian traffic. Existing pedestrian uses include visitors to Federation Square, lunch-time workers, evening stadiums event attendees, families, cyclists, and tourists. The site is also supported by good road access.

Urban CharacterThe City of Melbourne has defined preferences for the site. Its position to the various precincts, the family friendly nature of Birrarung Marr, access to the Yarra and the green space vista of the Alexandra Gardens determine the current urban character of the site.

Aesthetic ConsiderationsIt is located beside the iconic Federation Square site and offers views of the CBD, Yarra River and banks and the Alexandra and Botanic Gardens.

ScaleThe site almost equals Federation Square in area.

23

3.2 Weaknesses

MovementCurrent pedestrian access via Federation Square is limited to the art gallery foyer. Pedestrians need to access the site via Flinders St or Birrarung Marr until the Flinders St footpath is made accessible. Pedestrians traverse the perimeter of the site with out direct access to Birrarung Marr.

Aesthetic Considerations and Built FeaturesIn order to provide views of the MCG, Arts Centre and Botanic Gardens, the site needs to overcome the Federation Square car park. That is, it needs to be raised to street level, with its current limited access to Birrarung Marr via an internal lift.

ClimateThere is the potential for the development in the CBD to the north to overshadow the site, especially noticeable in winter. The site also has the potential to overshadow Birrarung Marr and the river. As per Federation Square there may be limits in terms of height, for the sake of uniformity, overshadowing the riverbank and protecting existing views.

ConnectivityPedestrian access to Birrarung Marr is hindered through Federation Square and limited on the current site.

3.3 Opportunities

Built Features The Melbourne City Council’s Strategic statement aligns the site with potential for innovation and an identity as a “knowledge city”. The site’s placement between Federation Square and the visible iconic vista suggest the site should focus on iconic and innovative design. It may provide a sanctuary bridging park lands. It is also adjacent the Melbourne Tourist Information centre and Tour Bus terminal and therefore possesses high visibility to pedestrian tourists.

24

DiversityThe Melbourne City Council’s Strategic statement also aligns the site in green space design, particularly with it Green Roof initiative. There is an opportunity to buffer the site from the street and offer a green, pedestrian friendly sanctuary, otherwise unavailable in the CBD. Although beyond the site perimeter, a pedestrian bridge joining Birrarung Marr to the Alexandra Gardens would demonstrate a commitment to pedestrian travel and link the CBD directly with the Alexandra Gardens. An extension of recreational activities for parks would provide access to a new form of public engagement.

Built FeaturesFederation Square contains an “open plaza, courtyards and array of vistas” through controlled “circulation routes” and reflects theories of “cities of difference, hybridity and fluid meanings” (Dovey, 2005, p.100). Alternatively it would be anticipated that design would reflect a change in global theories of place and reflect the current social and economic preoccupation with innovation, design and sustainability. It is envisaged the site should consequently provide a complimentary contrast in terms of activities that would benefit the site in terms of use. For example, Federation Square is limited in terms of its popular appeal, providing the opportunity for a very public place opening out onto Birrarung Marr Park. The contrast of a simple design would compliment Federation Square.

MovementThe character of Birrarung Marr Park provides the opportunity to build on increasing the flow of people in terms of the myriad of paths and walkways and lines of connection in terms of walkability and vision. By opening up and complimenting access to the park with the existing site, public amenity and use of the park will increase the flow of walkers, joggers, cyclists and offer the experience of an alternative space for park event attendees and users of the river bank.

3.4 Threats

Protecting the Public RealmThe failure of true public amenity along Southbank (beyond the water’s edge) highlights the danger of private/public partnerships. The Arts Complex provides a hollow along the bank for pedestrians and links directly into the retail area to the west; the prominence of the Arts Centre spire is blocked by corporate towers; the Esso building is an “green façade” and provides no public amenity (Dovey, 2005, p. 51); the bank in front of the casino is a “giant billboard” (Dovey, 2005, p.64); the pedestrian component of the bridge between the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre and Trade Centre is for the “global flow of people money and ideas” rather than for any

25

public or local pedestrian use (Dovey, 2005, p.57); the planning of the Southbank residential precinct was “owned” by developers and omitted activity frontages at street level and suffers from overshadowing and blocked views from successive constructions. On the flipside, these private/public partnerships apparently yielded sufficient capital to create Federation Square and significantly upgrade other areas of Swanston Street.

Lack of diversity Unless innovation is considered there will likely be ‘more of the same’ development that does not extend the range of options along the riverbank and edge of the CBD.

The Disappearance of “Multicultural Melbourne”Despite the high number of immigrants to Melbourne, especially the high proportion of those that reside in the CBD (57% in 2008), “Multicultural Melbourne” has dropped of the city’s strategic agenda, opting instead for globally derived, locally interpreted version of middle-class “aesthetic consumption of multicultural pluralism” rather and true representation and acknowledgement of cultural difference (Dovey, 2005, p. 105). This trend is in all likelihood bound, by progress, to continue. The development should advance an inclusive public, unburdened by commercial, cultural constraints for genuine engagement.

26

4 Design Visioning Solutions

4.1 Concept Plan – External Urban Design Elements

Above: Urban design demonstrating Lynch’s concepts for orientation through urban spaces.

27

Paths (light green) – denote major functioning routes for cars, trams, bikes and pedestrians Edges (light blue) –the river forms a natural line of termination; other barriers encase the siteDistricts (dark red) – the site marks the nexus for three significant “precincts” and is set to become a part of the Central City South-East PrecinctNodes (dark blue) – both Flinders Street Station and Federation Square are landmarks with attractor functions.Landmarks (faded purple) –Darling Gardens, MCG, Alexandra Gardens, Old Government house, Eureka Tower, Southbank spire, Federation Square and the Forum Theatre.

4.2 Concept Plan – Internal Urban Design Elements

See Attachment 1

Visual appropriatenessThe green roof and park area are clearly visible from Flinders St, Russell St and Batman Ave. and are intended to signal the site’s park form. The street level corner entrances on Flinders St, and the southwestern corner sloping down to Birrarung Marr provide prominent visual entries to the site. Each of the corners acts as a localised node within the site that provides visual cues to the user of the space that various paths are available through the site, and that these paths extend up onto the viewing platforms.

Views and VistaThere are three types of views informing the site design; views to external features surrounding the site, views to internal features and the existing views (such as of government house from Russell St, the Forum theatre from the site or of the Yarra from the existing buildings on Flinders St).

Rooftop platforms encourage views from on top of the mass to the iconic vista surrounding the site. From the southern mass views to the MCG,

28

Birrarung Marr, Botanic Gardens and Arts Precincts are achievable. Views from ground level of the Sports Precinct are framed by the proposed masses to enhance the site’s positioning as the gateway to the Sports Precinct and Jolimont Rail Yard urban renewal area.

Transforming the roofed areas into public open space platforms, optimizes the existing significant views of the site. These elevations also form a quasi-natural amphitheatre facing the Ian Potter Centre. This design offers potential for events such as the live telecast of the world cup which was moved to Birrarung Marr this year to accommodate crowds considered too large for Federation Square.

The Responsive EnvironmentThe Design concept has been created using the principals described by Ian Bentley, Alan Alcock, Paul Murrain, Sue McGlynn, Graham Smith (1985)

Permeability

The design has been created through the identification of a primary link through the site (east-west link). The nature of the site seeks to encourage engagement with the natural environment and as such it is envisaged that the green space will form a subjugate informal pathway within the hierarchy of movement patterns.

The need to provide all weather access to buildings has established the need for subsequent paths within the site. Paths will form an intermediate category of path between the green space and the major (East West) path identified.The use of informal walkable green roofs breaks down the delineation between the public and private spaces of the site by allowing interaction in areas that would be otherwise typically reserved for private use.

The Block system of the site has been established to increase the permeability (Visual and Physical Permeability) from the two existing nodes at the corner of Russel and Flinders Street & the corner of Exhibition street and Flinders street. From each of these areas substantial views into the site can be obtained.

It is thought that ground level occupancies will provide access through to the site from the street scape. It is acknowledged that planning statutory planning will play a role in achieving this outcome during the building design phase of this project.

29

Image and LegibilityThe design creates a degree of legibility that relates to the transition between two areas (the CBD and the Parks to the South. The subdued nature and scale of the built form allow for a transition in focus from the built environment to the natural surrounds.

The space is understood from two key aspects.

Traveling from the city along the major East west pathway the built form is massed to give the impression of walking into a park area (view east on proposed layout plan).

Traveling in the other direction along the primary path the site reads as a point of arrival and features a graduation in mass within the site and beyond.

Variety Richness and RobustnessThe concept adds variety to Melbourne’s built form by altering the scale and material commonly utilised. It also adds to the diversity Melbourne’s parklands by diversifying the amenity and use of areas of public space.

The concept is a step away from both the construction of modern high density towers and from the Gardens City approach to the establishment and use of green spaces. This adds diversity to the city in general.

Interaction with these nodes enables the site to be linked to the surrounding entertainment venues. The site itself is potentially suitable to serve as an entertainment venue in itself as the massing forms a natural amphitheatre of sorts. This adds to the variety of its use and richness of experience. The space allows for users to utilise it in a myriad of ways. The open space has potential to be used for informal sports and recreation or for relaxation while the commercial areas can be utilised for a variety of other commercial ventures The buildings within the site can be utilised for a variety of uses.

It is felt that a civic centre adds to the richness of the public space and services.Views from the site can be gained from various locations. Each of which adds to the richness and choice of the users experience.

The site can be appreciated as a destination as well as a part of an important link to Birrarung Marr and the walking tracks and bike paths along the Yarra.

30

Responses to Micro Climate

It is acknowledged that a vast majority of the site remains open to Melbourne’s Temperate Climate. It is understood that the site will be subject to various localised climatic conditions. The intent of the site is to offer a park conveniently located for residents and workers within the city. The following is a summary of the considered response to the climate of the site.

ClimateMelbourne has a temperate climate and as a result it is important that the site responds to the proposed weather conditions. The built form elements will be of particular importance to achieving this attribute of the site and architecture should ensure that there are areas suitable to climate variations. The massing of the site also provides areas that will be of relatively sheltered. As a park, there are anticipated weather related use issues.

WindThe establishment of built form towards the south of the site will allow localised protection from the south western winds. The large expanse of northern built form also provides shelter from wind tunneling from the CBD streets.

SunThe potential to provide large eaves and seasonal shading are apparent through the site and are once again the consideration of the built during later stages of design. The spacing between buildings and diversity of their orientation allow for diverse areas of shade and light.

ShadowingThe low forms and arrangement of mass ensure minimal shadows over the site and over Birrarung Marr.

4.3 Proposed Design Solution

See Attachment 1

31

Design Comments

The massing of the built form on site is indicative of concept it is presumed that the architectural solutions will differ upon the site. There are a number of elements of the design that are beyond the scope of this plan, and for which design modification is anticipated in terms of creating more detailed solutions.

32

These include:

Slope and path of proposed massThe proposed mass occurs at a slope that is not currently ‘accessible’. It is felt that a design response from the appointed architect will be able to accommodate for this current area of non-compliance. Potential remedies would include lowering the mass via either reduction in floor heights or lowering the structure into the deck .

Engineering of the deck The engineering of the deck is not considered within scope for this project. The engineering of the deck will require consideration of the access ways to the car park and service and loading bays of Federation Square. It is felt that there is potential to span the deck using spacing between the rail way lines this would result in minimal disruption to services.

The following details are intended to act as elements and details that should continue to inform the final design produced.

Landscaping detail

The details alongside the paths will help to neutralise the built element within the green surrounds. The landscaping will be used to create suggestive unstructured links between built form elements, as well as encouraging people to venture out onto the grassed fields. It is envisaged that planting will maintain the ability for access to be gained to the path from anywhere along its edge. Breaks and linkages within the grass will be utilised to suggest points of exit from the path. A potential for an reasonably sized informal playing field has been marked to the east of the forecourt by trees.

A swale drainage system along the edge of the proposed paths may be utilised to slow the run off from the site to the Yarra (This would require the widening of the 250mm drainage area noted in the park detailing). Additionally water flows will be directed through retention gardens the location of the gardens is subject to engineering advice however are displayed to identify the need to accommodate the run off created by increased site area and at times steep slope.

Slope It was initially conceived that a flat green slate be produce for the site to allow an even surface for construction. The built form and their associated green roofs are in obvious contrast to the proposed flatness of the site. There is a slight fall cross the from approximately 7.5 meters in the northern corner to 4.5 meters in the southern most corner of the site (levels give at AHD). The construction of the deck will mitigate against the natural slope of the land and allow for engineering and grading of the site to

33

incorporate nominal slope towards the Birrarung Marr Hill. This will facilitate drainage of the site aid will help to the establishment of a WSUD Principals.

A slight slope is believed to exist along Flinders Street Approximately 1 meter over 200m. it is believed that providing an at grade entry to the site will be possible give the minor nature of this slope.

Image from Land Victoria online mapping service 2010. (Image not to scale)

34

Slope as a Barrier to Access

Whilst the slope of Flinders Street are relatively modest the slope of the green are not accessible to all. Provision has been made within the massing to allow for alternate access to the roofed areas. These areas are notably lower in there form than that allowed for within the levels.

35

ScaleA graduation of scale is important to the site as it allows a transition between the natural environment and the built form of the CBD. The graduation in scale was developed by aligning the largest (height) building elements from the CBD Flinders Street with the smallest building of the area towards the river. This provided a linear line that can be used to assess if the form is in keeping with the graduation of scale visible from the banks of the Yarra.

The maximum height of the site is noted to be 12500mm. This is a considerably low built form for such a prominent site and is responsive to the requirement of the Melbourne Planning Scheme. There is potential to build above this level, however the gradient of slope for the built forms are primarily intended for pedestrian access.

36

Scale – 3D Model

Above: View of model from Birrarung Marr. The low massing ensures views from and to the Yarra are preserved.

37

4.4 Expected Impacts of the Design

Political and Cultural ImpactThe response of globally connected cities to re-connect to river frontage and re-invigorate the identity of the cities over the past two decades presents a significant opportunity for the one of the few remaining portions of real estate on the banks of the Yarra and adjacent the CBD. The limited supply of river frontage land as well as land prices have traditionally short-changed the notion of public space along the river corridor. This design proposes to reverse this trend and progress a more open and inclusive form of public engagement to enhance the character of the city and the State. The site’s existing road, tram and path infrastructure and public transport connectivity, existing uses on weekdays, nights and weekends, it is will positioned to serve various publics without the barriers of cost or cultural capital. Its form ensures an openness with myriad of opportunities for views both externally and internally, with a symbolic and manifest privileging of public above private uses. The green roof idea presents an icon of sustainable built form tying in with the global preoccupation for more sustainable practices. For the private interests this represents a significant opportunity to achieve brand affinity at a premium location. The expectation then, is that this solution will create a synergy between government, private and public interests and a positive experience to compliment the achievements of Federation Square as a ‘Place Leader’.

In juxtaposing the historically significant positioning of the garden as part of the city image with the privileging of global economic considerations, their attendant experiences of sanctuary and progress, and connotations of past and future, this opportunity, we propose, is one to that creates what Walter Benjamin calls a “dialectic image”, where “the tensions and contradictions of the city are exploited for aesthetic effect” (Dovey, pg 116). At the core of our proposed design solution is a park that literally subjugates built form to privilege the experience of the park. We have attempted to legitimate form, based as it is in urban design considerations, as the the most appropriate choice based on our analysis.

Precinct ImpactThe site’s location between precincts opens up opportunities to increase the amenity and use of the area. It would be expected to provide an new option for recreation either on lunch breaks, on visits to Federation Square or the entertainment venues near by, to night time activity and to week end visitors. As an icon it contrasts with Federation Square and holds its own visual strengths as representative of the green space it harbors and opens out onto. From the main entry point on Flinders St, near Federation Square, the Sports Precinct for which it is the gateway is immediately recognizable. It would be recognizable due to its form from Flinders St, Batman Ave, Federation Square irrespective of the mode of traveling. Currently the site blocks access to the river,

38

which it may otherwise provide. It would be expected to increase pedestrian and cycling mobility between the river and the CBD. As a path it draws people and be exposed to the rooftop platforms they have the option of climbing. It would bring new pedestrian traffic along Flinders St, which is otherwise minimal. It would provide a link between the attractions of Southbank, Swantson St pedestrian traffic and the parklands it lies at the centre of. It would largely preserve the views of existing buildings. Its mixed use ensures a variety of people at various times of the day. Although we have purposely avoided specifics in terms of use, a hotel for instance, in the southern boundary mass, may provide passive surveillance of the site 24 hours a day. Other uses may achieve similar ends, but specifically, the site presents the capacity for self regulation and the capacity to evolve.

4.5 Material Selection and Costing

See Attachment 2

4.6 Implementation Plan

See Attachment 3

39

References

Bentley, I. McGlynn, S. Smith, G. 1985 Responsive Environments Architectural Press, Oxford, UK

City of Melbourne, 2010 “About Future Melbourne 2020”, available online at http://www.futuremelbourne.com.au/wiki/view/FMPlan/PrintPlanBackground [Accessed August 25, 2010]

City of Melbourne, 2010 “Future Melbourne: Interactive Map”, available online at http://www.futuremelbourne.com.au/wiki/view/FMPlan/PrintPlanBackground [Accessed August 25, 2010]

City of Melbourne, 2010 “Melbourne Planning Scheme – Growth Framework Plan”, available online at http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/BuildingandPlanning/Planning/planningschemeamendments/PublishingImages/growth_framework_map.jpg [Accessed August 24, 2010]

City of Melbourne, 2010 “Melbourne Planning Scheme – Municipal Profile”, available online at http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/BuildingandPlanning/Planning/planningschemeamendments/Documents/AmendmentC162/C162_MSS.pdf [Accessed August 24, 2010]

City of Melbourne, 2010 “Melbourne Planning Scheme – Schedule 2 to the Capital City Zone”, available online at http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/melbourne/ordinance/37_04s02_melb.pdf [Accessed August 28, 2010]

Dovey, K., Fluid City- Transforming Melbourne’s Urban Waterfront UNSW Press, Sydney

Dowling, J., 2008, “'Fed Square East' a step closer” in The Age December 17, 2008, available online at http://www.theage.com.au/national/fed-square-east-a-step-closer-20081217-704o.html [Accessed August 28, 2010]

R, Freestone. 1986, ‘Exporting the garden city: Metropolitan images in Australia, 1900-1930’, Planning Perspectives, Volume 1, Issue 1 January 1986 , pages 61 - 84, available online at http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a778264252 [Accessed August 25, 2010]

R Fortmeyer, 2010, ‘Future Cities’, Architectural Review, Australia, August/September 2010, Niche Media South Melbourne

40

Lynch, K., Southworth, M., Banerjee, T ‘Urban Design’ in City Sense and City Design: Writings and Projects of Kevin Lynch MIT Press, Cambridge p.511-534

Murphy, P. McDonald, S. and Seiragaki, K. 2006, Regional Visitation to Melbourne and its Metropolitan Parks, Cultural Assets and Bays, Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre.

RMIT 2010, Velagic, A., McDonald, D., Watson, E., Buettikoffer, B., Pochevskiy, S., Palmer, S., Hun Ng, V. “Flindecity” available on at http://issuu.com/dmcdonald/docs/flindersdencity [Accessed August 28, 2010]

Victorrian Government, 2010 “Planning Property Report” available online at http://services.land.vic.gov.au/landchannel/download/1-17-Flinders-Street-Melbourne-Planning-Property-Report.pdf http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/melbourne/ordinance/37_04s02_melb.pdf [Accessed August 28, 2010]

41