MLArch Thesis Project // Cathy Huang

ESCapISm In ThE EvErydaY

thesis studio 2 cAth Y huANG

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.

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)

LONG TERM CIRCULATION (DURABILITY)

CASCADED USE (REUSE/RECYCLE)

PURE CIRCLES (AVOID PROCESSING)

THESIS STATEMENT

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. This project aims to communicate that limited resources can still ensure quality lifestyles and enjoyable experiences. 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 ways of living. 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, combining aesthetics of life together with principles of conservation and practical sustainability to bring 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 liv ing

USER DEMOGRAPHICS

200,000 visitors per year

Common group size: 2 or 3-5 people

Time spent: Up to 1 hour 38% 2-3 hours 49%

Opportunities to expand on:

-Bushwalking routes (NE buffer zone) -Cycle tours for mountain biking groups -Horse riding tours -Routes for road cyclists

INDIVIDUALS COUPLES FAMILIES GROUPS ELDERLY

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

-High ecological and aesthetic value

Easy mobility throughout site Sound pollution from road vehicles

-Popular destination amongst Victorians

-Sufficient space for each camper group

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

-Enhance visitor experience with nature

-Creating different campsites for different users and different lengths of stay

Easy access from road for all vehicles

Facilities lacking Not enough furniture

-Restricted activities in immediate area

-Points of interests not accessible by foot

CONSTRAINTS/THREATS

Risk of fire due to large fuel loads

Stormwater management required Falling trees and root rot

-Lack of cultural heritage assessment

-Unauthorized behaviour from visitors (theft, tree cutting)

ROCK

FALLEN

PLATFORMS

Wombelano Falls

Jesophat Gully

Island Creek Mt. Sugarloaf Lookout

Mason’s Falls

Bowden Spur Mountain Biking

ROUTES

LINE OF SIGHT

A

PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF ENTRY WAY

PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF DAY VISITOR PICNIC AREA

B B’

SECTION THROUGH SHOWERS & TOILETS

PHASE TWO

-Rainwater tanks (showers & taps)

-Solar stills (drinking water)

-Runoff collection and raingarden filtration (toilets)

-Solar powered water heating

-Solar powered water cleansing (uv light)

SOLAR POWERED WATER CLEANSING

SOLAR STILLS

Water distillation is more effective than boiling, producing cleaner and safer drinking water.

Solar stills can be implemented at any scale depending on the amount of water needing to be purified. In this context, it would take several days of sunlight to yield a substantial amount of drinking water. Although a slow process, it requires minimal processing and energy to provide a precious resource.

RETENTION POND & BANK STABILISATION PLANTING

UV WATER PURIFICATION

When water is exposed to UV light, it deactivates bacteria and waterborne pathogens by atacking and disrupting their DNA. Once a microorganism’s DNA is damaged, it can no longer function or reproduce, which means it can no longer cause an infection or harm.

Pathogens in water require different intensities of UV light in order to inactivate the DNA. Plus, the flow rate of water also has an effect as it determines the length of time microorganisms are exposed to the light.

This process is physical and not chemical, reducing the need for harmful chemicals such as chlorine. It is also better for the environment in the long run and more energy efficient.

CAREX ALSOPHILA

AZOLLA RUBRA

OTTELIA OVALIFOLIA

GREVILLEA REPENS

CYATHEA AUSTRALIS

SENECIO CAMPYLOCARPUS

ON SITE MATERIALS (POTENTIAL WASTE)

ROTTING & VANDALISED WOOD

TREATED TIMBER STEEL, METAL, CONCRETE

PHASE ONE MEDIUM STAY

PHASE TWO LONG STAY

PHASE THREE SHORT STAY

CIRCULAR ECONOMY & SPACES

DAY VISITOR AREAS MEDIUM STAY SHORT STAY AREA LONG STAY CAMPING

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

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.

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

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

CORTEN

TRADITIONAL OWNERS & CONNECTION TO TAUNGURUNG COUNTRY

EDUCATION

source: www.yilam.com.au