MINDI SQUARE QVM By Madeleine Eyre 587528
A SPACE TO GATHER A PUBLIC URBAN SPACE WHERE PEOPLE WILL COME TO GATHER, CREATE, SHARE EXPERIENCES, AND DREAM OF A BETTER FUTURE
"WE ARE THE CREATORS"
BETTER BIKE ACCES IMPROVED WASTE MANAGEMENT
CAR PARK HIGHER AS OPEN DENSITY SPACE KNOWLEDGE LIVING SHARING MORE FLEXIBLE TREE SPACE COVERAGE PEDESTRIAN STREETS MORE EVENTS
CITY VIEWS
URBAN AGRICULTURE ACCESS TO FLAGSTAFF GARDENS
SITE ANALYSIS
HISTORY
http://www.walkingmelbourne.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2703
The market switched from a wholesale to a retail space in 1969. This shaped the use of the market and make it more people oriented.
The human element is now the most crucial aspect of the market as this is what sets it apart from supermarkets and gives visitors the satisfaction of creating a connection to the community. However, it is time for the market to adapt once again. With a rising population, predicted to double within 800m of the market, how will QVM cater to this influx of people to avoid over crowding and retain a sense of human connection?
https://yallambie.wordpress.com/tag/alfred-howitt/
Prior to European settlement, the Wurundjeri- Willam clan gathered on these lands. It is time to retintroduce this concept as a significant part of urban life to retain a sense of connection to the community.
Today, common gathering spaces are the State Library, GPO, Federation Square, Birrarung Marr and Flinders Street. What these sites have in common is their passive open space which allows people to gather for free and to do as they wish. It is common for people to either spend time in these places just visit as a meeting point. QVM is visibly a lot larger than these spaces and yet it is not a common place of gathering. People currently visit to shop or to see the sight as tourists. The space needs to be opened up to suit more casual forms of gathering in order for it to be part of the lived experience of the city for a wider range of people.
CONCEIVED SPACE PERCEIVED SPACE DENSITY
QVM
STATE LIBRARY
GPO
BIRRARUNG MARR FEDERATION SQUARE FLINDERS STREET http://www.land.vic.gov.au/
300m
A factor which hinders access to the market for some is transport and distance. There are missing links in the bike path for example which make it unsafe to ride in some areas. In addition, on weekends, the closest station, flagstaff is closed. This is a hinderance in connectivity to other sites in the city for people commuting throughout Melbourne and may prevent them from visiting the site. In the coming years, the city is expected to expand and become more dense to satisfy the increasing population. Currently, the market is surrounded by low - medium density developments. The proposed development (right) will significantly alter the characteristic of the surrounding environment. There will be more people living in the area, increasing the demand on the market to provide for the local community. Many streets which connect QVM to the city are unpleasant for the pedestrian. They are car oriented, busy, have small footpaths and have an inactive streetscape. This makes it less accessible to people within the CBD who may otherwise enjoy spending their leisurely time or shopping there. This makes the QVM feel detached from the city despite its close proximity.
LANDMARKS LOW DENSITY (1-2 STOREYS) MEDIUM DENSITY (3-10 STOREYS) HIGH DENSITY (>10 STOREYS) VERY HIGH DENSITY (>30 STOREYS)
400m
IMPERMEABILITY
(CITY NORTH STRUCTURE PLAN 2012)
IMPERMEABLE STREES FOR PEDESTRIANS
400m 400m
SITE ANALYSIS
LIVED SPACE
DENSITY @ 11 am TUESDAY
SENSORY EXPERIENCE
Nice views down alley. Crowds of people shopping for best prices WALKING ROUTE SENSORY EXPERIENCE
VICTORIA STREET
Bike Parked Stall holders shouting out prices and greeting customers
IZ
EL
Friendly conversations with stall holders
H ET
RE
ST
TH
ET
Y
R R E
R T S
AB
T E E
Listen to buskers See fresh looking, well placed fruit and veg. Lots of souvenirs for tourists
DENSITY @ 8 pm WEDNESDAY
QUEEN STREET
Nice views of the city
100m
DENSITY The most crowded areas during peak time on a regular day are the retail spaces. This means most people visit purely to shop. However, during the night market, lots of people spend their time sitting in the available space created by closing off queen street. The success of the night markets in drawing crowds is an example of the success created by providing more open space for people to sit and enjoy the market atmosphere. SENSORY EXPERIENCE The market is a stimulating environment to visit and this draws many locals and tourists to shop here. There is a lot more sensory engagement that would otherwise be experienced in a mall or supermarket. In order to improve the market, the sensory experience must be enhanced and included in the new design.
100m
FRAMEWORK CONNECTIVITY
PEDESTRIAN STREETS
TREE CANOPY
AIMS CONNECTIVITY Create a stronger connection to other popular destinations in and around the city. This aims to make it easier for people to move throughout the city and between destinations. TREE CANOPY A denser tree canopy will make the journey around the city more pleasant for the pedestriant. This will also reduce heat island effect, cooling the city and mitigating the effects of heat waves on the health of people, plants and wildlife.
CURRENT TREES
PEDESTRIAN STREETS
PROPOSED TREES
400m
PEDESTRIAN STREETS Increased permeability of streets for pedestrians will be achieved by blocking car traffic and allowing trams and bikes. This will reduce pollution and make it quicker and safer for pedestrians and bike riders. 400m
400m
PERMEABILITY FOR GATHERING
CHANGES TO QVM ACTIVATE EDGES & PROVIDE BIKE PARKING
CURRENT PERMEABILITY PROPOSED PERMEABILITY
CREATE CENTRAL POINT FOR GATHERING BETTER WASTE MANAGEMENT RAINWATER HARVESTING PEDESTRIANS AND TRAMS ONLY MORE LOCAL CRAFTS IN RETAIL AREA CAR PARL MOVED TO MUNROE SITE COMMISION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS FOR PEDESTRIANS AND DELIVERY VANS INTERACTIVE ART EDUCATIONAL SPACES ACTIVATE LANEWAYS
URBAN AGRICULTURE
OPEN SPACE RETAIN ENOUGH SPACE HOLD STALLS COMMUNITY COMPOSTING CONNECT TO FLAGSTAFF GARDENS RETAIN STORAGE FACILITIES
100m
100m
FRAMEWORK
CONCEPT
A PUBLIC URBAN SPACE WHERE PEOPLE WILL COME TO GATHER, CREATE, SHARE EXPERIENCES, AND DREAM OF A BETTER FUTURE
OPERATIVE LANDSCAPE
Alison North in her book, 'Operative Landscapes' (2013) calls for a "new paradigm for publicly accessible land" (p.12). She advocates the need for open-ended, multifunctionWhen people come to gathal and evolutionary landscape er, they are creating a framework strategies as opcommunal experience. They posed to a fixed-form landare creating the atmosscape plan. The landscape will phere. They are creating connections between eacho- perform "infrastructurally, while also providing the atther, something to be a tendant benefits that seeing part of, and a community and breathing vegetative bito belong to. omass provides, and ensuring cultural formation" (p.12). People have been doing This enables the landscape to this at QVM and it is evident that this shared ex- "accomodate the flexibility essential for the communiperience is felt. This ty and its ongoing vitality" connection to a sense of (p.13). community is what makes this place special. This is a response to the When people come to QVM, I highly designed and singlarly functional landscape of the want them to become aware city. It embraces the nature of this power they hold of the market which is already by being present within a a flexible space and will enshared space, to create. able it to embrace more functions.
WE ARE THE CREATORS.
'Operative Landscapes' "meThis wi ll be the mandiate urban pressures" by tra of this place and will "building stronger connections guide activities that are for ecologies and their human carried out here. participants, while promoting the renewal and continual imPeople will be able to provement of the urban fabric" particite, reduce their (p.168). One of the manners in ecological footprints, which a stronger connection learn about different culto the ecology of the site is tures, learn new skills, created is through "designed sell their own produce, legibility" which educates and connect to other people, promotes "community involveand have their say about a ment and participation" while better future. also "drawing on the most innovative landscape technoloThis will ve achieved by gies to create systems based providing a flexible and on the principles pf ecologiadaptable space which is cal relationships" (p. 168). open to the wills of the This aims to create resiliency community, enhancing their by creating a stronger commuconnection to the place. nity and reducing consumption. North, A. 2013 Operative Landscapes, Birkhäuser, Basel/Berlin/Boston 2013 https://www.culturalsurvival.org/ourpublications/csq/article/effects-urbanization-childrens-behavior 3 https://www.playaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/Research%20-%20Give%20childhood%20back%20to%20children%2027%20January%202014.pdf 4 Louv, R> 2014, Prescription: Nature, Habitat Australia, Vol. 42., No. 2. 1 2
THE YOUTH ARE THE FUTURE We need to create an environment which will empower children to become stronger, more resilient adults to prepare them for the challenges of our future and living in a dense urban environment to promote social cohesion and sustainability.
NATURAL LANDSCAPE
The opportunity for children to have contact with vegetative biomass may combat what is called "nature deficit disorder". Richard Louv states that this is "not a medical condition, but a metaphor. But it has real consequences for our health and well-being". "Increasingly distracting virtual environments " are "blocking our senses" rather than "using and growing them" because we are spending more The youth are constantly being time looking at screens than being active. left out of the urban landThis has resulted in higher rates of obescape. There is little for the sity according to health surveys (Louv, R. youth to do which is free for 2014) . There is also a correlation bethem to enjoy. This landscape tween time spent in nature and a a reducwill be designed with the ention of mental disorders and increased gagent of the youth in mind. cognition and creativity (Louv,P. 2014). As the city grows, it is like- Therefore this design will encourage inly that there will be many fam- teraction with nature to improve well beilies living in the here too. ing for urban residents. It is important that these Louv also refers to research which has infamilies do not feel alienatdicated the connection between community ed and have a space in which gardening and social cohesion. They create to come together. Dr. Peter a sense of belonging, friendship and comGray2 suggests that a lack of munity, break down cultural barriers and play time results in a greater inform nutrition. This design will use nachance of mental disorders and ture as a medium for social interaction that playing with other chiland education. dren helps them learn how to deal with stress, fear and anWHAT? ger. In a world where children Provide education are increasingly preoccupied Waste reducing & recycling with TV, Ipads and computers. Community participation It is important to provide Flexibility space for them to have real Resiliency interactions with eachother, Cultural cohesion be creative and play.
Beatrice Whiting in her article on the effects of urbanization on children 1 has found that the setting a child lives in affects their social behaviour.In an urban landscape it is impossible for them to learn and participate in 'subsistence activities', decreacing their self-reliance. In response to this, this landscape aims to enable children and members of the community to become more self-sufficient as this will enable them to become more resilient in the future.
Inspiration
HOW?
Skill share workshop spaces Designed legibility Urban farming Community-run events e.g. markets/music Compost bins Re-using existing materials on site Urban farming Community-run events e.g. markets/music Water collecting and recycling Commissioned art installations Raise awareness of indigenous culture Contact with nature Ecological systems Longer open hours Passive spaces
PRECEDENTS FARMING KINDERGARDEN// VO TRONG NGHIA ARCHITECTS CITY VIEWS
GREEN ROOF
CURVED ROOF RAMP TO ROOF
INTERNAL OPEN SPACE
FUNCTIONAL SPACE
INTERNAL PLAY AREA
VO TRONG NGHIA ARCHITECTS 2013
BARANGOO RESERVE// PWP LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE CASCADING LANDSCAPE
HIGH ELEVATION
CURVED NATURAL FORM BUSH LAND
URBAN CONTEXT
ROCK-LIKE SEATING
CURVED PATHS LEDGES ON EDGES
COMMUNTY GATHERING
PASSIVE LANDSCAPE PWP LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE 2016
STATE LIBRARY//MELBOURNE GREEN ELEVATED SPACES DIVIDED BY FOOTPATH 10m
TREES FOR SHADE LEDGES TO SIT ON
PEOPLE WAITING GRADUAL INCLINE
10m
RESTING CATCHING UP
Hello Compost is a HELLO COMPOST community initiative to encourage people to compost their waste at FARMING KINDERGARDEN This design enables children to have a con- an urban site. COMMUNITY Earth tubs are a way nection to where their food comes from, that this can be therefore providing education and food at WASTE MANthe same time. Urban agriculture is impor- achieved on an indusAGEMENT tant as climate change impacts our agricul- trial level. These strategies can tural lands. Providing a landscape which grows food can raise awareness of this and minimize on site and community waste. make people pay more attention to where their food comes from. The 'Before I Die' BEFORE I DIE WALL, USA The structure of this design also maximises space in a limited area and enables easy Wall enables people to reflect on what they access to the rooftop garden. It also enawant to achieve in CREATIVE bles rain water harvesting and city views. The internal play area creates a safe space life while the wishing ENGAGEtree inspires people for kids to play amongst the trees. to think about what MENT they want. This can provide a medium for people to reflect and think of a better fuBARANGOO RESERVE ture This design has created a natural looking The landscape of CERES CERES, EAST BRUNSWICK yet creative way for people to gather. The acts as an educational rock-like formations are good for sitting tool by incorporating and their elevation enables views. ecological technolHaving leades on the edges of the paths and ogies and communinatural landscape enables people to sit and ty participation. It rest as they please throughout the landraises awareness about scape. The rounded shape creates interest- sustainability and EDUCATION ing views and increases visibility. food security by doing VIA so.
PRECEDENTS
http://www.creativemove.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/hello-compost-6-copy.jpg
http://beforeidie.cc/site/asheville-nc-usa/
EARTH TUBS INDUSTRIAL SCALE COMPOSTING
http://media1.oakpark.com/Images/2/2/3971/2/1/2_2_3971_2_1_690x520.jpg
WISHING TREE, MERRI
IMAGINING A BETTER FUTURE http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pR5NBthtVV4/UOKIz4N-A7I/AAAAAAAABCE/KKeL9z_pYjA/s1600/IMG_2587.JPG
MARTKET GARDENS
LANDSCAPE
STATE LIBRARY
The State Library is a local example of a successful place where people gather. It is quite small and in a highly dense environment and yet we see more people spending their time sitting here than at QVM. This is because of the green open space. Even though no chairs are provided, lots of people are sitting on the ledges and on the grass. This highlights the success of passive landscape design. The elevation also creates a sense of detatchment from the busy environment and is a great platform for 'people watching' and catching up with friends on a lunch break.
The water feature encourages people to touch and admire the beauty of water while creating a cooler environment. The treehouse encourages nature play and appreciation of trees and natural forms. Enabling the community to help build structures increases their self-sufficiency and resiliency while also using recycled materials reduces waste. doing so in an open community workshop spreads various skills to the community and promotes interaction.
http://sustainability.ceres.org.au/program/student/excursions/
WATER FEATURE // NGV
http://ceres.org.au/farm-food/
TREEHOUSE // FEIDER
RELAXING AND COOLING FEATURE
http://www.weekendnotes.com/im/004/04/ngv-entrance1.jpg
PARCKFARM, BELGIUM COMMUNITY BUILT STRUCTURES
https://www.flickr.com/photos/126011245@N03/
NATURE PLAY
http://inhabitat.com/o2-sustainability-treehouse-by-dustin-feider/
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP SPACE
https://www.flickr.com/photos/126011245@N03/
AESTHETIC INSPIRATIONS
ROBERTO BURLE MARX
http://www.thedesignphile.com/burle-marx/
http://www.thedesignphile.com/burle-marx/
http://mundocosmololitas.tumblr.com/post/23161393618
Burle Marx has inspired this design through the use of fluid, curved shapes. The curves are reminiscent of patterns on the back of a snake which has inspired the physical manifestation of the design as a symbol and metaphor for the creating of life, landforms and water. Marx's use of curves is also a refreshing change from the rigid forms within the urban landscape and make the landscape stand out, leaving a vibrant imprint on the memory of those who visit.
OSCAR NEIMEYER
http://chicquero453.rssing.com/chan-16328963/all_p1.html
http://www.tumbnation.com/tumblr-blog/philipshalam/text
The army heaquaters designed by Oscar Neimeyer is another landsform similar in shape to that of a serpent. the way it curves also creates clear views through the shape while also providing shade and potentially being used as a ramp on both ends. This could maximise flow through the site and maximise use of space while also fitting into the themes and symbology within the landscape.
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
SYMBOLS
The tree symbolises the 'tree of life'. A symbol which is a widespread archetype across cultures for creation and eternal life. This links to the framework of the design which promotes environmental awareness, sustainability and creativity.
This figure represents 'Ophidia' the character I have created through which I tell the story of the experience of the landscape. She is a young girl. I chose to tell it from this perspective to show how the landscape will educate and engage the youth who will be the creators of our future.
The serpend symbology represents the 'rainbow serpent', called 'Mindi' by the Wurundjeri people. The site is named after this deity because it represents creation as it is said the be the creator of the landscape. It is represented within the landscape through water, the giver of life and the physical manifestation of the landforms.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
CLAY MODEL
SKETCHES
In its early stages, the design was going to be a large sculpture of a tree which was hollowed out for people to climb through and get views of the market and the city. Underneath is a cave-like structure that would give people shelter from the elements and be able to feature art on its walls while having glass panels on the tree-like structure which would let in light.
During the following stage, the design was intended to encourage gathering on a central landform while also recreating a natural landscape. There were remnants of the tree design such as the cave-like structure, the viewing platform and a central landform.
It was inspired by the forests of far East Gippsland where there are large trees which provide habitat for animals. This was intended to create a connection between the city and the wilderness and give people in a city an experience which would enable them to sympathise with the wildlife of Victoria in the hope that they might be inspired to protect our forests which are being logged. These forests are one of the largest carbon sinks on Earth so their destruction is causing the release of massive amounts of CO2. If the city planners want to be serious about climate change, it is important that it is stopped instead of attempting to design to make its affects 'bareable'.
Yet this design still risked out-scaling the markets which people pride for their historic aesthetic. The landform was therefore modelled with clay ontop of the topography of the site with clay blocks representing the heights of the surrounding buildings in order to create something that didn't loom over the markets and detract from their aesthetic.
The physical construction of this design however seemed a bit farfetched. It would have needed to use a lot of resources which would have been contradictory to its intentions. It would have also risked public dissaproval due to its large size which could outscale the markets and detract from their aesthetic. So, in the same way the land was cleared for the city, this symbolic 'tree' was cut down to a stump throughout the next stages of the design. This was a metaphor for the destruction of our forest yet also giving an opportunistic vision for the possibility for regrowth to occur in the urban landscape.
A central cut went through the middle which was to symbolise the clearing of the land, to improve circulation and to connect the site to the surrounding landscape such as the alley with street art and flagstaff gardens. However, this design was still limiting circulation through the site and so it needed to be developped further to make the space more flexible.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
CARDBOARD MODEL 1
CARDBOARD MODEL 2 This model was designed with remnants of the previous designs but with maximised use of space and more flexibility. There is a green roof for urban agriculture and a more open space underneath which allows more light to penetrate. The central tree area has returned, allowing nature to become a central focus where people gather. The central area is designed to be more open and flexible for different uses. The edges of the mound like structure was to be seating areas which enabled views of the city. The surrounding areas were divided into four categories. one for urban farming, one for a stage and seating, another for grassy passive open space and seating, and another with minimal infrastructure so it could be open to community projects. The layout was intended to be an adventure around the outskirts of the central mound. The unpredictable routes were to resemble the way we pass through the bush in a hap-hazardous manner. However, permeability was being hampered and may have prevented people from reaching the central area amd could be done in a cleaner manner.
This is the design nearing its completed form. Permeability has been increased by re-inventing the mound so that it is facilitating movement rather than hampering it. It still retains views, the urban agriculture and a flexible use of space while also creating a central focal point in the landscape through the use of paths that reach from access points to a central point. There are grassy elevated areas surrounding the space which allow people to sit along around the edges while also providing a walkway wide enough to host more market stalls and street performances. A native vegetation area has been added to allow nature play and admiration of the native plants.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
FINAL MODEL
The final model added more detail to the edges of the design such as on the Queen street and Peel street edges. A bridge was created to connect the site to Flagstaff gardens. Seating was created on Queen street to provide easily accecible seating during the night markets. Space was also left on Queen street and along the South edge for a road, accessible for delivery trucks only which can then provide space for stalls when not needed for deliveries. Gardens were added on the Peel street edge to make a safe space where parents would not be afraid of their children running across the very busy road. Water features were also added to occupy the space beneath the roof which was too low to pass under so that this space would not become dingy. There are now clear views of the central area from the peripheries which make it an attractive feature and also a point to reach to view the tree and get involved in whatever is happening in this space as it is intended to be able to host gatherings of people such as musical, theatrical, artistic public lectures and skill sharing events.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
FINAL MODEL
SITE PLAN
UNDER STOREY
A hut made of palettes, created by members of the community via workshopping and intended to hold public lectures and workshops.
Shed walls converted into blackboard, onto which people can write their wishes. Artists will be commissioned to 'grant' these wishes in the form of installations or theatrical performance at random.This is aimed to insprite creativity and manifest the public's intentions.
Elevated grassy mounds for sitting.
Poles made of Cortens Steel break up the space and provide a canvas for potential art .
Serpent shape made from remains of carpark. Seating and trees for cafes and shops
Water falls/pond utilizing recycled water. Mechanic glass windows can be wound down to instal art installations.
Activated laneway with seating and small stalls Water falls/pond utilizing recycled water. Mechanic glass windows can be wound down to instal art installations.
'Earth tub' for
the community to bring their organic waste to be used on the urban agriculture.
Transformed road. Access road to storage for delivery trucks. When not in use for deliveries, provides space for stalls.
Activated edge with small stalls and bike parking. 100m
MATERIALS
http://hydroston.com.au/hydrocera-showcase/
EXISTING CAR PARK
HYDRO CERA POROUS FOOTPATH http://www.bridgepointroadmarkings.com/services/markings/car-park-markings/
LIGHTING
http://landarchs.com/receptor-cliff-garten-studio/
LIGHTING BENCHES FOOTPATH
LIGHTING TREES http://landscape-a-design.tumblr.com/ post/104770883060
SITE PLAN
UPPER STOREY
Geodesic dome tree house for people and kids to sit/ play in. It sits within a moreton bay fig tree. The tree will be relocated from Sydney's Anzac Parade as they are being removed to create space for a rail1
Native plant gardens with benches for sitting
Urban agricultural land.
Rocky elevated ramp for people to sit on and see views of the city, the sunrise and the sunset.
Native Grassy Woodland.
Existing trees.
Bridge to FLagstaff Gardens
Green space with trees relocated from roundabout. Grassy mound with trees relocated from roundabout.
100m
VEGETATION
https://www.asla.org/2010awards/images/ largescale/377_01.jpg
URBAN AGRICULTURE
MORETON BAY FIG
NATIVE WOOD LAND http://tim-dolby.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/wartook-state-forest-northern-grampians.html
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/48/Moretonbayfigfrom1850.JPG
1
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-27/100-yr-old-sydney-trees-to-be-felled-to-commemorate-anzacs/7116608
GRASSY MOUNDS
EXISTING TREES
http://www.plataformaarquitectura.cl/cl/02-59367/invasion-verde-genaro-alva-claudia-ampuero-denise-ampuero-gloria-rojas
SENSORY EXPERIENCE
OPHIDIA'S JOURNEY
100m
SENCORY EXPERIENCE
OPHIDIA'S JOURNEY
PUBLIC ART As they walk through the market to get some vegetables, they admire the artwork on the large metal storage boxes in the shed. It is all indigenous art from artists all over Australia. Ophidia is inspired and wants to learn more about what these paintings mean and what it must be like to live in the bush.
RAIN GARDENS They walk past the rain gardens on the edge of the market and road. Ophidia's mother explains that this is how the water is collected that they just saw .
NATURE PLAY Ophidia looks at the trees and plays with the dirt and sticks. This is a nice break from her Ipad. The gumnuts are little people and she is making them a hut out of bark. She wonders why these trees look different to the ones in flagstaff gardens. Her mother explains that they are native and would have been growing here before the city was here and created a habitat for native animals. Ophidia asks where can she see trees and animals like this in the wild? "Not for very far away", says her mother. "The city has expanded so much and much has been cut down or burned. This is why we need to preserve these trees so the animals like koalas, gliders and owls have somewhere to live. Because we have cut down so many of these trees, the climate is getting hotter and out air is harder to breathese. We need to plant trees like this for us too." URBAN AGRICULTURE As they walk up the ramp, they pick some leafy greens and vegetables from the veggie patches. Her mother tells her not to pick too much so that other people can have some too and so that the plant can grow. She tells her that it is because they bring there compost here that the plants grow so well and are so healthy to eat. ARRIVING Ophidia arrives at the market with her mother. They walk over the bridge from their apartment in the city and gaze at the view of the city skyline.
WATER They continue to explore. Ophidia notices the water feature and touches it with her hands. She gazes at the water and wonders where it comes from. Her mother explains that this water has fallen from the sky above and onto the ground around here. It seems through the pavement, falls off the rooves and is collected. It is cleaned by filters under ground so it can rise again like a fresh water spring to keep the air cool and the plants watered.
WISHING WALL Ophidia writes on the 'wishing wall' what she would like to see in the city. She wishes that there were more native trees to make homes for the animals and draws a picture of it.
THE HUT At the 'hut', her mother watches a public talk about the benefits of fermented food on your health and is inspired to buy some vegetables to make some.
COMPOSTING They bring their food waste from home to put into the 'Earth tub' which composts their food to be used on the market gardens.
THE SERPENT Ophidia notices they have been walking along a trail. She runs along it, jumping on all the lines. She wonders what it is and where the lines have come from. Her mother explains that the black material is the remnants of the carpark which was once here. What was here before that she asks? It was a cemetary, the first one built post-colonisation. Here there are buried indigenous people, and people of various different faiths from when Melbourne was first developing, her mother explains. And what about before that? Before that it was home to the Wurundjeri-Willam clan. They gathered here but were dispossessed from the land when the land was colonised. The path you are following is in the shape of a snake. This is a symbol for the 'rainbow serpent', who they called 'Mindi'. This was the creator god of the indigenous peoples of this land. When we see a rainbow in the sky, it is this serpent moving from one water hole to another. This is the reason we have water and it doesn't dry up. It is this serpent, which represent our water which gives us life. This is why it is so important that we save our water as it is sacred to us. EATING After a long day, they take a rest and sit on the benches amongst the flowers while bees hum and birds cheap. They get some food from a food truck occupying queen street and enjoy the atmosphere as night falls.
SITTING/VIEWING They eat some of the vegetables they just picked and admire the view of the city while sitting on some rocks. Ophidia climbs on them and jumps around acting like she is a mountain goat. This is view and these people are much more fun to watch than the television.
RELAXING After their dinner they sit down and relax on the grass, watching the mood, stars and city lights.
TREE HOUSE PLAY Ophidia climbs the geodome frame and plays with other kids in the tree house. They act like monkeys and swing around. Her mother sits and watches while he chats to other parents. There are many local families who often come here to let their kids play and to get their groceries so over time they have got to know eachother quite well and she can always count on someone being there.
Rain Gardens
Wishing Walls
Commissioned art
Compost and Recycling station.
Activated edges with stalls, planter boxes and bike racks.
Activated laneway with stalls, planter boxes and seating.
Arriving at QVM's 'Mindi Square'
Adding compost to the Earth Tub
Public lecture occurring.
Following the serpent
Playing in the treehouse
Sitting and enjoying the atmosphere.
A night at the markets.
SECTION 1
20m
SECTION 2
20m
SECTION 3
SECTION 1
100m
SECTION 2
100m
SECTION 3
20m
100m