Concept Planning 05. Detail Design

As part of the Victorian Government’s largest investment in public housing renewal, more than 50 walk-up apartments in the Ascot Vale Estate will be demolished and redeveloped over the next 15 years, applying a socio-economic mixing strategy. Even though the social mix created by intentional government intervention has been effective in reducing public spending on renewal of public housing estates, the loss of community resulting from a lack of cross-status interaction has not been effectively addressed.

Ludic landscape takes a holistic approach by considering planning, architecture and landscape to offer a playful journey within the central hub of the Ascot Vale Estate. Building on Stevens’ (2007) The Ludic City, my design seeks to explore four fundamental categories of play (competition, self-challenge, simulation and chance) and weaves these elements into a story of topography, water and plants, while embracing sustainability with artisan re-interpretations of recycled materials. Sensory delight, bodily challenges, inclusive ramps and surprise exposure to new experiences complement the existing social hotspots and neighbourhood character to spark spontaneous interaction across social and economic divides.

The design language I have used for my proposal takes full consideration of the need for ‘blending in’. Any elements within this community landscape should not be easily identifi ed as ‘something for the public housing tenants’, rather it should look like a playful public landscape that caters to a diversity of user groups.

Figure1&2 Wingate Community Centre, Food Relief Note. From The Wingate Hub, 2020. https://unionroad.com.au/traders/the-wingate-hub/. Copyright 2020 Union Road Traders Association.