MLArch Thesis Studio: Booklet // Cathy Huang

ESCapISm In ThE EvErydaY

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I ACKNOWLEDGE THE TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND ON WHICH WE HAVE BASED THIS DESIGN PROJECT, THE TAUNGURUNG PEOPLE OF STRATHBOGIE, MITCHELL, MURRINDINDI AND MANSFIELD.

I PAY RESPECT TO ALL TAUNGURUNG ELDERS AND ANCESTORS, PAST & PRESENT AND RECOGNISE THEIR CONTINUED CONNECTION TO THE LAND AND WATERS OF THIS BEAUTIFUL PLACE, AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY NEVER CEDED SOVEREIGNTY.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THESIS STATEMENT

“Net Zero Emissions” has long been a discussion amongst many governments around the world, however, much of this revolves around prioritising developing energy production technology, with not enough focus around our endless everyday consumption within society. With our current resource consumption, we have already done irreparable damage to the planet.

Transitioning to a circular economy, not just in industry but in the everyday lives of people will alleviate the drain on the planet’s resources. This calls for new methods, new approaches and innovations to design that will inspire and share knowledge, not just across disciplines but as well as the users of our spaces.

Camping presents a unique experience where in which people become not only more aware of the natural world around them, but also the resources they require when living outside of urbanity. Most campers adopt a ‘minimalistic’ lifestyle when away from home, though this does not have to been they have to be uncomfortable despite being without electricity, running water and the comfort of their bed.

This project will reimagine the Gums Campground to enrich people’s camping experiences through sensory delight and unexpected exposures to new experiences. This will complement the existing campground and its rustic character to spark meaningful interaction with nature and provoke awareness of how limited resources can be made the most of to ensure quality lifestyles and enjoyable experiences.

Crafting a new identity that will integrate the local camping culture, people’s daily life experiences as well as tourism, bringing people together for a shared outdoors experience while showcasing the natural beauty of Kinglake National Park.

Here visitors will: -learn to respect nature -enjoy pure happiness to renew themselves -see the spirit of crafting -understand the sustainability of nature -be immersed in the philosophy of living

COTTON & PESTISIDES

99.3% of the world’s cotton is produced chemically using synthetic fertilizers and pestisides, contributing to excess nitrogen in water supplies and oceanic dead zones. (eutrophication of waterways from agricultural runoff)

Polyester is found in 50% of clothing and cotton in 40% of clothing. (2nd most commonly used fiber in fashion industry)

Cotton uses more pesticides than any other type of crop which can also affect soil and animals in the ecosystem.

Wood base fibers (Viscose, rayon, modal) contribute to deforestation. Not all from sustainably managed forests.

PRODUCTION & PACKAGING

WATER DYE & TEXTILE WASTE

20% of industrial water pollution worldwide comes from treatment and dyeing of textiles

in developing countries, 90% of dye and textile factories release their waste directly into fresh water supply

96 million tons of fiber was produced globally in 2015.

TRANSPORT

85% of all donated clothing is sold to bulk processors before they are shipped overseas 25% of clothes are recycled into carpet pads, insulation and mattresses 30% of clothes are sold and cut up into industrial wiping rags

1.7 billion kgs

post consumer textile waste is recycled per year. These need to be transported by sea or air and require energy to recycle.

LIFECYCLE OF FAST FASHION

45% of wearable clothing is sold in bales that weigh 250-450kg and shipped overseas

Cotton is a high water crop 57% of world’s cotton production occurs in areas of high water stress - irrigation is required.

-73% of the world’s cotton is grown on irrigated land.

CO2 EMISSIONS

Factories often operate at 100% 24hours a day -fashion industry produces 10% of the world’s carbon.

natural fiber t-shirt produces 2kg and polyester produces 6kg.

polyester production uses 98 million tons of crude petroleum per year.

CONSUMERISM & WASTE

More then 100 billion pieces of new clothing are made each year.

-In the US, only 15% of textile waste is recycled The average american throws away 81 pounds of clothes in one year into landfills.

-It takes 200 years for polyester, nylon and spandex to breakdown in landfills.

-On average, fast fashion is worn 10 times or less.

If the longetivity of a shirt is reduced from 1 year to 1 month (8%) then carbon emissions increase by 550% per item per year.

new clothing produced worldwide recycled into new clothing End up in landfills

CIRCULAR ECONOMIES

• in balance with nature • doesn´t extract or pollute more than systemically sustainable • creating value by extending the lifetime of products or materials

THE INNER CIRCLE (MINIMISE CHANGE)

Minimize change & refurbishment applied to a site to save on energy, water, labour.

Retain existing parts

Durability ensures fewer natural resources needed for longterm use. Design & construct for easy maintenance, partial replacement and eventual disassembly and recirculation. Prolong the lifetime of structures

rock steps | relaxing visual & touch experience

fallen logs | playing touch experience

platforms & boardwalk | appreciating visual experience

Wombelano Falls

Jesophat Gully

Island Creek Mt. Sugarloaf Lookout

Mason’s Falls Bowden Spur Mountain Biking

200,000 visitors per year

Common group size: 2 or 3-5 people

ACCESSIBILITY:

-Easy access -Bus tours

-Comfortable camping options -Camper trailer facilities

(Whittlesea (closest surburban area) has high proportion of people with disabilities/special needs. )

FUTURE FOCUSED: -Technology based information, interpretation and experience -Facilities reflecting greater environmental conscience

CREEKS AND RIVERS IN AREA

-VALLEY TOPOGRAPHY -VIEWPOINTS

Gums campground sits in a valley according to the topography. The area could be prone to runoff if there are increased rain levels in a short amount of time. Although risk is not very high.

The creek is a key feature of the campsite and is popular amongst its users. There is only one main access point via a set of subtle stairs off the main car track.

Dense forested area offers habitats for animals and birds and somewhat of a sound barrier from the road. However, large vehicles (trucks) can still be heard.

SECTION B-B’ | TRANSITION FROM CAMP TO CREEK

CAMP SITE 3 & 17/18

17 & 18 are suitable for groups of 4-6. Campsite 3 is more intimate and for a single tent group. Missing a table. Might be disturbed by noise from 18. Potential to connect to Site 6.

CAMP SITE 9 & 13

Sites 13 & 14 were arranged to be shared, possibly for a single large group as facilities are shared. Facilities for Site 9 is quite exposed to 13 & 14. (separate but maintains visual/physical connection) Both sites might be affected by sound from grill area, although foliage does act as sound barrier.

CAMPS 7 & 8

Site 7’s ownership over certain facilities is ambiguous because they are placed quite far and very close to other campsites. (Not sure if a table is allocated)

Tent area very exposed. Connection to both neighbouring campsites 5 & 7. Site 8 feels somewhat enclosed but social areas maintain connection to site 9.

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

-High ecological and aesthetic value -Popular destination amongst Victorians

-Sufficient space for each camper group

-Restricted activities in immediate area

-Points of interests not accessible by foot

OPPORTUNITIES

-More trails linking with other visitor areas -Create more areas accessible to day visitors within Kinglake

-Collaboration with Traditional Owners to generate revenue

-Introduce WSUD strategies to the site

CONSTRAINTS/THREATS

-Enhance visitor experience with nature -Creating different campsites for different users and different lengths of stay Risk of fire due to

POTENTIAL EXPANSION MARSH AREA

POTENTIAL EXPANSION

Areas with sparcer trees were identified as areas fit for potential expansion with better views to the sky and less need to cut down trees to make it suitable for construction.

Establish experimental platform focusing on discovering the aesthetics of minimal lifestyle step by step through the activities of nature-based tourism and living experiences.

Functions of natural regeneration, ecological education, traditional crafting, contemporary design.

PRECEDENT

GULLEY & BOARDWALK WILSON’S PROMONTORY

SITE CONDITIONS THAT WE CAN KEEP

INTIMATE SPACES

interesting dead trees

• View everything in the area as a resource

• Preserve the strong geometry of former site and transform into spatial experiences and little gardens

• Guided by focus on reusing soil and constructions

• Create effective and visible rainwater solutions to form beautiful sensory

SHORT (1-2 NIGHTS) MEDIUM (2-5 NIGHTS) LONG TERM > WEEK

Users: -Families -Beginner campers -Groups of 4-8 -Couples

Needs:

-Hygiene -Furniture -Running Water -Robust tent base

Users:

-Experienced campers -Groups of 3-5 -Couples -Individuals -University classes

Needs:

-Hygiene -Running water -Furniture -Firewood -Robust tent base -Place to store waste

Users:

-Experienced campers -Nature enthusiasts -Individuals -University researchers

Needs: -Hygiene -Running water -Food storage -Cooking facilities -Firewood -Furniture -Robust tent base -Shelter from elements (wind/rain) -Place to store waste -Cabins instead of tents?

PHASE ONE MEDIUM STAY

MEDIUM STAY

CASCADED USE

• Lightly reprocessing or refurbishing used materials or construction parts to extend their lifetime and be reused as parts in new projects.

• Keep materials in circulation in reshaped or refurbished forms

• Minimise extraction of new virgin material resources and lower environmental footprint.

PHASE TWO LONG STAY

LONG STAY CAMPING

PURE CIRCLES

• Try retain purity and quality of materials to allow for easier reuse.

• Avoid processing or mixing (ie. coated/joined through casting or gluing

• Pure materials often have higher resale value, even often increasing value over time

• Potential to produce and procure own locally sourced materials

PHASE THREE SHORT STAY

SHORT STAY AREA

THE INNER CIRCLE

• Minimize change/refurbishment applied to a site to save on energy, water, labour.

• Retain existing parts: plantings, soil, sub-base, paved areas

DAY VISITOR AREAS

LONG-TERM CIRCULATION

• Durability ensures fewer natural resources needed for longterm use.

• Design & construct for easy maintenance, partial replacement and eventual disassembly and recirculation.

• Intending to prolong the lifetime of structures, and to minimize the resources needed for maintenance

4.5km hike to Wombela no Falls

ROUTES

LINE OF SIGHT

to the light. This process is physical and not chemical, reducing

the length of time microorganisms are exposed

rate of water also has an effect as it determines

UV light in order to inactivate the DNA. Plus, the flow

Pathogens in water require different intensities of

infection or harm.

reproduce, which means it can no longer cause an

DNA is damaged, it can no longer function or

and disrupting their DNA. Once a microorganism’s

bacteria and waterborne pathogens by atacking

When water is exposed to UV light, it deactivates

UV WATER PURIFICATION

resource.

processing and energy to provide a precious

water. Although a slow process, it requires minimal

of sunlight to yield a substantial amount of drinking

purified. In this context, it would take several days

-Solar powered water cleansing (uv light)

-Solar powered water heating

-Runoff collection and raingarden filtration (toilets)

-Solar stills (drinking water)

-Rainwater tanks (showers & taps)

PHASE TWO

SECTION THROUGH SHOWERS & TOILETS

depending on the amount of water needing to be

Solar stills can be implemented at any scale

producing cleaner and safer drinking water.

Water distillation is more effective than boiling,

SOLAR STILLS

SOLAR POWERED WATER CLEANSING

BANK STABILISATION PLANTING

RETENTION POND &

PERSPECTIVE VIEW TREE WALK & SKYGAZE DECK

PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF DAY VISITOR PICNIC AREA

PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF ENTRY WAY

TRADITIONAL OWNERS & CONNECTION TO TAUNGURUNG COUNTRY

TAUNGURUNG LAND & WATERS COUNCIL

Indigenous owned organizations like Yilam aim to teach people the philosophies of caring for and connecting to Country while being on Country (camping) while also teaching them the values of nature and how to connect with it.

Intimate workshops and overnight experiences on Taungurung Country to empower people from every background with the skills and knowledge to not only go camping by themselves but also connect with and spend time on Country. These tailored camping trips are focused on healing through cultural practice and connecting to Country.

source: www.yilam.com.au

VOLUNTEERS

EDUCATION & RESEARCH

• Opportunities to expand and establish companies that cater to these experiences.

• Facilities that will contribute to tourism of the area and drive economic opportunities around/near Taungurung land

• Broaden revenue streams