MORAES Juliana_Cultural Diversity and Social Integratoin in Public Spaces by RMIT Landscape Architecture

Cultural diversity and social integration in public spaces: Testing possibilities for intercultural encounters. | Juliana Moraes s3566398 |

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, the Kulin Nation, of which the local indigenous people are the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, and pay my respect to Elders both past, present and future. Special Thanks to Jen Lynch, Jessica Stewart and Ha Thai for the critical feedbacks. My family for the love and support. Fabio Borges, my partner, for the constant support during this journey and for sharing the Australia dream with me.

Juliana Moraes Pereira Student number s3566398 Landscape Architecture masters Design Research Project B PGRD Semester 1 2021 RMIT University

ABSTRACT Cultural diversity is not a new issue in cities. Recently studies are flagging a concern in how to address and better accommodate differences and the connection of the design of urban landscapes with the achievement of social cohesive environment. Moreover, the multicultural aspect present in cities when not addressed raises tensions regarding unequal opportunities of use between different groups, contributing to physical and mental health issues, and exclusion. Building upon theories of Everyday Multiculturalism and Urban Play, the research explores how opportunities for daily encounters in the design of public spaces can improve integration through conviviality and social participation. Through the design of a new urban square in the Coburg Activity Centre in Melbourne, the research investigates the relevance of pedestrian activities to bring people to public spaces, the playful aspect present in urban spaces as tools to enable encounters and living with differences, and finally, that ethno cultural representation is fundamental to enhance identification and sense of belonging; nevertheless it can go beyond symbolic representation and be part of a collaborative design and construction process to enhance engagement and sense of belonging. Through the process it became clear the importance of combined actions engaging a local and broad community to bond effective participation and opportunities of use. Multicultural communities carry specific aspects regarding previous backgrounds and the new area where the community is settled and further understanding of these specificities is required to guarantee all different voices are heard, and effectively represented.

CONTENTS Section 1 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Project Position Section 2 - Return Brief 2.1 Coburg Central Square Design Competition - Vision and Objectives 2.2 Thinking Global - UN Goals 2.3 Client and Stakeholders 2.4 Understanding of Cald communities 2.5 Issues and existing systems 2.6 Proposed approach 2.7 Learning from others 2.8 Building a Design Methodology Section 3 - Site Analysis 3.1 The Community 3.2 Site Location 3.3 Site Context and Structure Plan analysis 3.4 Land use and Local context 3.5 Site observations 3.6 Issues and Opportunities Section 4 - The project 4.1 Pitch Statement 4.2 Key moves 4.3 key Plug-Ins 4.4 A new narrative 4.5 Site Plan - Planting and materials palette 4.6 Site Plan 4.7 Section 4.8 Mood images 4.9 Images 4.10 New System and expanded actions

Conclusion Bibliography

SECTION 1

RQ.

1.1 | Introduction

Cultural diversity and social integration.

Recently studies regarding the rise of multi-ethnic communities in cities started to inquiry the connection of public spaces design and the achievement of a cohesive society (Aelbrecht & Stevens, 2019). Adopting the understanding that social cohesion is the result of a process of social integration as suggested by Larsen (Larsen, 2014) - a process of mixing different elements together – the research investigates key design moves and strategies able to support and promote daily activities and conviviality that will lead to the achievement of this cohesiveness in multicultural communities.

1.How the landscape design of a network of public spaces prioritizing pedestrian activities can improve social interactions and participation in multicultural communities? 2. How can designed landscapes express cultural diversity, to preserve the identity of places under pressure of new development? A case study of Coburg Melbourne Suburb.

The reasons that frame migration purposes vary and in some cases the experience of adapting to a new culture can be very stressful affecting physical and mental health. The engagement with public spaces and outdoors activities can be taken as a key parameter of the success - or no - of this adaptation, taking the intense use, fearless engagement and appropriations of ‘the public’ as a successful outcome example. Nevertheless, biased views towards public spaces design and users, addressing specific ethnics, economic, gender or age groups works in the opposite way and leads to unequal opportunities of use, breaking the fundamental base of the public realm that is being accessible and democratic, and contributes to the exclusion of some groups. Through an imagined design competition for a new town square in Coburg Activity Centre, a suburb inhabited by different background communities, currently experiencing several spatial changes due the increasing population and the coming of new developments; three key concepts will be tested and explored. Firstly that the primary move that frame encounters in public space is pedestrian activities. Secondly that urban space naturally has a playful aspect regarding interaction between strangers and some key intervention can increase this potential of casual encounters. And finally, that ethno cultural representation is fundamental to enhance identification and sense of belonging; nevertheless it can go beyond symbolic representation and actually be part of a collaborative design process meeting the needs of specific communities and inviting community to active participate in the site construction. Moreover, it also can be a way to celebrate the contribution of different cultural groups as a meaningful social heritage, creating a connection path to the coming and future community. Key terms: multiculturalism - social integration - social cohesion - ethno cultural representation - urban play

SECTION 1

1.4 | Project Position

Build upon theories of Everyday Multiculturalism and Urban Play, the research explores how the design of public spaces focused on opportunities for daily encounters and participation can improve integration through conviviality and support the achievement of a cohesive society.

Build upon theories of everyday multiculturalism and urban play, the research will explore how the design of public spaces focused on opportunities for daily encounters can improve integration through conviviality and support opportunities for social participation.

“Interesting public spaces are attractive to people who wants to experience the diverse activities they host.” City life and difference - Iris Marion Young

Despite the wide definitions towards social cohesion, some key aspects are clearly identified: it is an ongoing process connected to inclusion and participation of different groups, it is as a result of combined planning and policies actions, and it is a fundamental aspect to be considered in multicultural societies (Aelbrecht & Stevens, 2019) According Wise (Wise, 2009), in multicultural communities the achievement of social cohesion is a connected to a process of daily exchange, negotiation and encounters that can be experienced daily and in different ways from walks on the street, sharing a bench or watching a child play; and the practice of these everyday experiences have a fundamental aspect regarding knowing and living with differences. Meanwhile, public spaces are the stage for these encounters in urban social life; they contribute to local attachments, social mixing, support wellbeing and reinforce individual and group identity (Stevens, 2007). Moreover, they have power to shape future vision and values (Gehl, 2010). Considering this aspect of stage of multiple activities and communities, a background question frames the research how to design public spaces able to promote genuine encounters, integration and exchange between strangers, and between users and the space itself? Adopting the synthesized definition of urban play by Quentin Stevens that playful actions can be experienced through casual, not functional and informal encounters with strangers (Stevens, 2007) the research will test design possibilities of public spaces exploring this ludic and playful aspect present in everyday life as a way to promote a range of social interactions and opportunities to integrate a cultural diverse community.

“Public spaces should be well placed and well designed.” The social life of small urban spaces William H. White

“Cultural diversity should be a key goal in designing and maintaining urban parks. “ Rethinking Urban Parks Public Space and Cultural Diversity. Setha Low, Sezanne Schels and Dana Taplin

“The mechanic of play is a product of people´s perceptive and performative abilities and of the specific physical contexts where they act and interact.” The Ludic City - Quentin Stevens

“The success of multicultural encounter rely on a combination of factors: planning, policies, design and community.” Multiculturalism and everyday life. Amanda Wise and Selvaraj Velayutham

“ Public spaces have power to shape future vision and values.” Cities for people - Jan Gehl

EVERYDAY MULTICULTURALISM

URBAN PLAY

corners, markets, train, sidewalks, paths, daily negotiations

casual encounters, non functional activities and playful aspect

In common these theories bring concepts of experiencing and interacting with diversity in cities and argue the need of high quality public spaces able to host and create opportunities for different appropriations and encounters. SOCIAL INTEGRATION

The contribution of immigrants to Australia economy is significant, from workforce, educational visas, local and international business (Rajadurai, 2018). Australia government acknowledges the multicultural contribution and understands that the achievement of a cohesive society is fundamental to build a strong nation able to face global challenges such as economic and health issues, global warming and terrorism (Victoria Multicultural Comission, s.d.). It also can be said that most Australians welcome multiculturalism (The Success of Australia’s Multiculturalism, 2016), however ant-immigrant movements and racist events are still observed and multicultural communities may experience racial discrimination, difficulties in getting jobs, and creating local networks and connections. Regarding the Landscape architecture practice as a fundamental instrument to facilitate the complex relation between communities within areas and systems they live in (Wall & Waterman, 2018), the research focus on the playful and participative aspect that can be found in these relations, and how the community could contribute to this ongoing process of production of spaces to redefine and enrich everyday life.

SOCIAL COHESION PUBLIC SPACE AND SOCIAL COHESION How public spaces, as the main stage for social interactions between strangers, can facilitate or limit opportunities for social cohesion? improve integration through conviviality for the achievement of a social cohesive society

Pedestrian activities - Playful approach - Ethnocultural Representation

Coburg Central Square Design Competition Return Brief

SECTION 2

2.1 | Coburg Central Square Design Competition - Vision and objectives

“A key legacy offered by any government is the quality of buildings, infrastructure and the public realm that they produce. Well-designed buildings and places promote community pride and identity and offer an enduring legacy”. Geoffrey London, Victorian Government Architect 2008-2014

The City of Moreland calls for the transformation of the Central Square area at Coburg Design Hub. Coburg Central Square Design Competition seeks a playful and creative public square part of a broad walkable network to active the hub through a great variety of activities to support the edging institutions that limit the site and the vulnerable community present in the area. The purpose of the Coburg Central Square Design Competition is to design solutions to better accommodate the multicultural community in an area under pressure spatial and demographic changes. Transformations expected due to the new footprint proposed by Coburg Structural plan and the forecast of 20% population increase in the coming 15 years. In response to the competition Brief, the new Design for Coburg Central Square vision and objectives are:

1.Maximize pedestrian activities through the improvement of the walkable network and opportunities for long staying in the area as a way to enhance daily conviviality between the diverse communities.

Elegibility:

2.Express the multicultural aspect present in the area as a way to preserve local identity and celebrate the contribution of different cultural groups as a meaningful social heritage, creating a connection path to the coming and future community.

Bring a strong position, learn from others, test, be critical, unfold, and present it all in a very clear and unique way.

Timeline and deadlines: One year of intese hard work

Jury composition: RMIT Tutors + Invited Pannelists

3.Develop a collaborative program to engage the multicultural community during Design process and the future activities the site will host.

Prize: Master Degree In Landcspae Architecture at RMIT University + Deep learning and critical thinking to be carried for life

4. Design elements able to support a range of activities and programs from small and everyday appropriations to large and special events focused on expressing the multicultural identity of the community and to attract a great variety of users from different age, gender and background.

SECTION 2

2.2 | Thinking global - UN Goals

2.3 | Client and Stakeholders

Taking action to achieve a sustainable development, combining social, economic and ecological aspects, the project will bring different outcomes connected to UN Sustainable goals:

Client: Moreland City Council

Goal 11 - Sustainable cities and communities, target 7 regarding inclusive and access to public green spaces for all - in particular to women, children, elderly and disable - will be achieve through the creation of an inclusive and safe urban park aiming integration and social cohesion in a multicultural and social diverse area.

Stakeholders:

Goal 8 - Decent work and community growth, target 3 will be achieved through the improvement of an area urban area that will create more job opportunities and support the consolidation of small business.

New market

Coburg Library

Consolidate as the main centre for CALD communities providing accurate information and training for new migrants Strength Local economy and creat more job opportunities

Local business Goal 3 - Good health and well-being, target 9 will be achieved through the environment improvement of the area with the inclusion of a green open public space on a previous misused car parking area. Big Supermarkets- Coles and Woolies Key promoters of daily movements near the area Public Transport Victoria SOCIAL

ECONOMIC

HEALTH

Developers

$ investments

Uniting Church 11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities

UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO GREEN AND PUBLIC SPACES WOMEN CHILDREN ELDERS DISABLE

8.3 Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, smalland medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORT MEDIUM AND SMALL SIZE ENTERPRISES

3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

Greek Orthodox Parish Of The Presentation of Our Lord

Adjacent activities contributing to social, cultural, age and gender diversity in the area

Meri health Frequently and casual visitors

Contributing to keeping the site active

Local Schools

ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT TO REDUCE HAZARDS CAUSED BY AIR POLLUTION AND LACK OF ACCESS TO GREEN SPACES

The muslin Community Coburg Islamic Center Coburg Historical Society VACL - Victorian aboriginal Corporation Language Victoria Multicultural Commission Regional Advisory council (the main link between communities and government)

Activities connect to broaden context contributing to site design and activation, social and cultural diversity

SECTION 2

2.4 | Undesrtanding CALD communities

reats te th

clima

ati educ

bus ine

art

ees

refug

Migration purposes and experiences that contribute to the multicultural societies vary from individuals, however in some cases it can be very stressful leading to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Several political, socio and economic reasons contribute to this situation and may include government decisions, financial pressures, and isolation (Baker, Nicholas & Ferguson, 2016).

Religious practices may become more active in migrant communities either as a way to connect with others, or as a way to belong of a new group regardless of the specific ethnic and a fundamental aspect in the construction and statement of an identity (Valentine, Sporton & Nielsen, 2009).

Policies toward multiculturalism aiming integration can be oppressive when inhibit the practice or expression of traditional cultures leading to lack of sense of belonging (Valentine, Sporton & Nielsen, 2009).

Lack of social participation may lead to several health issues, a study carried in CALD communities in Melbourne and Sidney has indicated an increased risk of cardiovascular, diabetes diseases, and mental health issues among women. (Capercione et al., 2011)

The rise was connected among other factors to a very sedentary life and lack of any kind of physical activities including short walk to shops. Several facts contributed to this situation, from socio economic aspects, cultural barriers, and lack of specific programs to address specific communities; nevertheless the study also indicated lack of safety and high car reliance as adding factors to the situation. (Capercione et al., 2011)

SECTION 2

2.5 | Existing systems and issues

2.6 | Proposed approach

How as a landscape architect can I contribute to change this?

Unequal opportunities of use

Biased views addressing Specific groups or ethnies

Lack of understanding of how different communities engage with public spaces, or their specific needs

Public space

Low or lack of programs to support ongoing community participation

Low or partial community engagement

Exclusion

Pressures of new developments, lack of identity and displacement

1 in 4 Australians were born overseas 1 in 5 Australian have experienced race - hate talk. (Australian Human Rights Commission, s.d.)

Physcial and menthal health issues

intolerance, racism and challenges to achieve a cohesive society

“The public is heterogeneous, plural and playful, a place where people witness and appropriate diverse cultural expressions that they do not share or fully understand.” (Young, 1990) In cities the urban environment is the stage for these appropriations, encounter of differences and multiple social and cultural backgrounds. However what´s frequently observed are biased views addressing specific groups leading to unequal opportunities of use, contributing to exclusion, intolerance, structural and veiled racism. Another issue constantly faced by multicultural communities is the pressure of new developments, generally characterized by displacement, homogenization, and the loss of the local identity.

Increase participation of different communities on a collaborative basis during design program process

Understand specific needs and ways to improve community engagement

Real outcomes regarding community participation

Public space

Increase community engagement

inclusion

Introduction of daily and special programs to increase representative and ongoing participation of different communities Preserve the multicultural identity through designed Landscapes

Support to Physcial and menthal health

conviviality and integration to achieve a cohesive society

Through the holistic understanding of the existing issues and systems, the landscape design of the future public space will include the participation of multicultural communities from design process to future activities the site will host as part of on-going activities for site activation. Increase representation of multicultural communities on the designed landscape as a way of expression and identity. Create accessible, inclusive and pleasant spaces to support long staying activities, and enhance the connection with the area and among the community.

SECTION 2

2.7 | Learning from others

Different practices and interventions have already brought interesting findings and examples on how to address multicultural communities. The precedents were divided in four major groups to identify the participation of cultural diverse groups in different designed landscapes, the relevance of ethno cultural representations and the interaction between groups: Social cohesion and ethno cultural representation, Conviviality by design, Mixed interventions in walkable network, Everyday practices and places. At some stage, all precedents indicated age and gender diversity combined with overall aspects of high quality designed open spaces as successful characteristics for multicultural encounters. The acknowledgment of multicultural communities through design brought strong visual and sensorial experiences to the projects; nevertheless significant interactions identified regarded daily encounters, observation, triangulation and participation in on-going projects to support community engagement.

Ethno cultural representations, when applied had a positive outcome in local identity and representatively, and also contributed to bring appealing atmospheres to the public realm, as the examples of Chumleigh Park and Superkilen. However they were not the key element for interaction between different groups. (Rishbeth, 2004) (Daly, 2020). Conviviality by design brought examples where ethno cultural interactions happened regardless of specific representation. Mortara Park highlighted the relevance of equal gender access to public spaces and the relevance of community consultation during design process (Aelbrecht & Stevens, 2019), while Bradsford Park brought the example of a high quality design intervention with playful aspect as the main attractive and facilitator of multicultural interactions (Ganji & Rishbeth, 2020).

Social cohesion and Ethno cultural representation CHUMLEIGH GARDENS, LONDON Designers: University of Reading

SUPERKILEN, Denmark Designers: BIG, TOPOTEK, SUPERFLEX

Five spaces relating to different parts of the world. Themes addressed through design style and choice of plants. Additional workshops regarding gardening support the community engagement: story telling about plants and health, history of tea and coffee cultivations.

Collection of foreign objects and icons referring to the many cultural identities displaying the immigrants’ conflicting backgrounds while at the same time celebrating their diversity. Participatory process for community engagement.

Conviviality by program and design MORTARA PARK, VIENNA Designer: City Council

BRADFORD CITY PARK, ENGLAND Designer: Gillespies

Participatory design to include new play equipments. Community participation and gender equality to access the park.

A water feature landmark as the central play area surrounded by trees, large benches and lawn areas limited by public conveniences and office/retail spaces.

Mixed interventions in walkable network

Everyday practices and places

DANDENONG CIVIC CENTER + AFGHAN BAZAR CULTURAL PRECINCT + LONSDALE ST, MELBOURNE Designers: Rush Wright Associates + Hassel and Sinatra Murphy + BKK and TCL

Full interaction and immersion in an organized distribution of spaces,

Another key element identified in the precedents was the combination of the project/ intervention with a broader context of accessibility and social economic policies to guarantee effective access to site. In Dandenog case for example, a master plan for the area articulates different interventions that combined, work to consolidate a regional landmark (Beza, 2016). Nevertheless, intercultural exchanges can be observed in daily practices and places, markets and festivals are examples of full immersion in different cultures, organized in areas that enable expression, practice of traditions and stimulate curiosity and integration between groups. Another precedent that is worth mentioning is London Commission for diversity, a project initiated by Sadik Kahn, mayor of London. The project engaged a team of artists, cultural and heritage institutions, to discuss how minority groups would like to be represented in public spaces (The commission for diversity in The public Realm, s.d.). Regarding representation and acknowledgements in the public realm, the Commission for diversity is the project with the most ambitious goal in terms of the production of spaces with society, bringing minority groups to active participate in the urban landscape design.

Urban renewal of a connect network of public space addressing, street scape improvement, local identity and consolidation of a Central area.

SECTION 2

2.8 | Methodology

Building upon the identification of fundamental key moves that addressed multicultural expressions and encounters, a hybrid methodology as a combination of the best practices were shaped.

PROGRAM

Careful look to the activities it will host. The inclusion of activities for children, women and elderly is fundamental to guarantee variety of users.

IDENTIFY THE COMMUNITY UNDERSTAND HOW SPECIFIC GROUPS USE THE SPACE

The understanding of different interests is fundamental to guarantee equal opportunities of use.

ACCESSIBILITY AND WALKABLE NETWORK

Consider pedestrian activities as the primary move that brings people to public space, and that an extended accessible network of public areas connected is fundamental to maximize the outcomes of the project.

CONNECT THE AREA TO IMMEDIATE AND BROADEN CONTEXT THROUGH VISUAL OVERLAYS AND ACTIVITIES

The link between public spaces with surrounding and edging activities such as commercial areas, educational institutions, library, and community centres is a path to extend the activities carried inside and guarantee intense circulation in the area.

VARIETY OF SEATING, GATHERING LAYOUTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAYING

Consider the provision of a comfortable environment enabling different appropriations and long staying.

PLAYFUL APPROACH TO ENABLE TRIANGULATION

The presence of play areas is fundamental to enable triangulation. Flexible spaces provide opportunities to host temporary activities.

ETHNO CULTURAL REPRESENTATION AND PARTICIPATION

Ethno cultural representation can be explored in different ways nevertheless one of the most effective path is through collaborative process where the community can be heard and express how they would like to be engaged.

Moving forward: Identify the community How they would feel represented? How to share their stories on public spaces? What to acknowledge and celebrate in public spaces? What are the stories that can be shaped and told in the public realm?

Site Analysis

SECTION 3

3.1| The Community

1851 – Gold Rush – Sydney Road became an important connection axis to Bendigo and Ballarat

1884 Upfield train line completed

1888 Coburg rail Station

1857

1830 Woiwurung people Custodians of land

1945

Pentridge Prison

1880´s Suburbanization Land boom

1887 Tram line completed

After World War II several changes in urban landscape with the increase of car ownership and American lifestyle retail outlets

Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung are the traditional owners of the land that is now called Coburg and belongs to the City of Moreland Local Government. Migration waves have always been constant in the area due to the transformations along Sydney road from tram lines, to industrial activities and now the presence of new developments. Over 30% of the population in Coburg are migrants. Despite the well know community of Italians, Greeks and Lebanese, recent migrations include Chinese and Vietnamese. The Council has also declared as a refugee welcome zone, providing several supports to people seeking asylum in the community. The majority of the population has between 35-49 years old and 35% of the population has a higher degree. It´s expected a population increase of 20% in the coming 15 years. (id community, Demographic resources, s.d.) Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung are the traditional owners

30% migrants

20% population increase expected in the coming 15 years

Welcomes refugees and Asylum seekers

2006 - 2016 Intense UK China and India migration in Australia

Intense UK migration in Australia

Intense Italy and Greek migration in Australia 1965

1965 Coburg Library moved to Victoria St

Early 1990´s Industrial activities – textile, mills, small machinery factories and modest foundries.

2013 Moreland became a welcome refugee zone

KEY DATA

Muslim woman walking on Sydney Road

Asylum seeker flag at Coburg Town hall and old men meeting at Victoria St mall

2016 anti-racism and anti-immigration groups counter rallies

COUNTRY OF BIRTH

Population 2020 30.990 Population 2036 37.407 Increase 20.71%

Australia 62% Italy 5,9% Greece 2,7% UK 2,6% Lebanon 2,3% Nepal 1,8% New Zeland 1,7% China 1,7% India 1,5% Turkey 1,2% Pakistan 0,5% Vietnam 0,5% Malaysia 0,4% Germany 0,4% EUA 0,4% Philipines 0,4%

Migration rate 33% Employment 68% Indigenous 0,4%

GENDER Male - 48,4% Female - 51,6%

0-4 5-11 12-17 18-24 25-34 35-49 50-59 60-69 70-84 +85

Towards truly multiculturalism and participation 2021

1990

ANCESTRY 6,2% 7,4%

23,5%

4,9%

5,3%

9,8% 19,9%

11% 7,8% 7,2% 2,2%

EDUCATION

Casual encounter on a Sunday mornng

2020 Coburg Sense of place

BACHELOR DEGREE OR HIGHER EDUCATION 35,6% ADVANCED DIPLOMA OR DIPLOMA 8,4% VOCATIONAL 11,7% NO QUALIFICATION 36,8% NO STATED 7,5%

7,7% 8%

20,9% 11,5% 17,3%

English 23,5% Australian 20,9% Italian 17,3% Irish 11,5% Greek 8% scotish 7,7% Libanes 5,3% Chinese 3,5% German 3% Turkish 2,2% Indian 2,2% Nepalese 1,9% Maltese 1,3% Dutch 1,1% Vietnamise 0,8% Croatian 0,8%

SECTION 3

3.2 | Site location

Airport n Wester

Essedon Airport Bell St

4 3

Bell St

Coburg

Sydney R oad

Coburb 1 2

M 2

CBD

Nicholso n

Along With Sydney Road, another core access to the area in North axis is the Upfield train line; Bell St and Moreland Road are the main axis in the East West Connection.

Sydney Ro

M79

Batman

a Ring Ro

Upfield Line

Coburg is strategic located 9km from Melbourne CBD and has its History connected to the development and transformations along Sydney Road, from the Gold Rush to industrial and commercial activities (Moreland City Council, 2006).

Moreland

Road Moreland

Melbourne CBD

Location map - Suburb Activity Hub 1km

5km

10km

Major Multicultural Landmarks: Fenced Green areas

1km

2,5km

5km

1-Greek Orthodox Parish Of The Presentation Of Our Lord 2-Uniting Church 3-Holy Trinity Anglican Church 4-St Paul Catholic Church 5-St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Cathedral 6-Islamic Museum of Australia 7-Coburg Islamic Center 8-St Alban’s Anglican Church 9-St. Fidelis Church 10-Coburg Baptist Church 11-St Augustine’s Moreland Anglican Church

The mapping of public open spaces and Moreland open space strategy analysis indicated the need to increase quality and diversify programs to attend the cultural and social diverse community. The analysis indicated that less than 20% of the community use open spaces to socialize or for leisure activities, over 60% use green spaces to exercise, however people from cultural diverse background are less likely exercise in open green spaces (Moreland City Council, 2012) (Moreland City Council, 2010). The analysis indicates it is fundamental to diversify activities on public spaces; it is also worth mentioning that many of the existing green areas are fenced. Less than 20%, use open spaces to socialise Over 60% use for exercising Cultural diverse background are less likely to use open green spaces to exercise

SECTION 3

3.3 | Site context and Structure Plan analysis

FUTURE DENSITY AND FOOTPRINT

MOVEMENTS

CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN LOCAL BUSINESS

PUBLIC SPACES X LAND OWNERSHIP

The map of Future density according Moreland Structure plan indicates the increase in builgigs heighs and a change in the future footpring of the area.

Future Pedestrian connection

Cultural diversity experienced through the variety of local business

Public space and land owneship overlay reveals the big portion of public land that are currently being used as car parking, following outdated patterns of urbanism.

100m

Future Civic Space

500m

100m

500m

100m

500m

100m

500m

6 Stories - 21.5m

Primary pedestrian link

Landmark

Green Public space

5 Stories - 18 m

Secondary pedestrian link

Car parking areas

4 Stories - 14m

Cycleway

Cultural diversity through local business

3 stories - 11m

Future pedestrian spine

City council land State and Crown land Extended intervention Area

Residential area

Upfield level crossing under construction

commercial center and car parking area

commercial

SYDNEY ROAD

The multicultural aspect in the built environment is revealed through the diversity of retail shops, bakeries, markets and religious centres, mainly concentrated in the core of the Activity Hub. Current Land ownership indicates possible extension and expansion of the area of intervention.

The section reveals the character of 1-2 story dwellings surrounding the core of the Hub and how this characteristic may change due to infrastructure and planning changes such as the Level Cross removal and the denser footprint.

commercial

car parking and public green area

city Oval and reserve

residential area

SECTION Vitoria St mall pedestrians only

10m

20m

SECTION 3

Sidney R o

3.4 | Land use and Local Contex

NEW MARK

ET AND SH

HERITAG STATION E

SITE

4 9

GREEK CHURCH

Greek Orthodox Parish Of The Presentation Of Our Lord: Traditional Church. Children are the greatest blessing in life.

Land use Commercial Residential Car parking area Open green public New Developments Industrial Civic

NEW LIBR

ARY

Victoria St M

all 5

OPS

200m

1 - New station 2- Heritage Station 3- Coburg Library 4- Victoria Street Mall 5- Greek Church 6- Meri health 7- Unitting Church 8-Car parking areas 9- Coburg market 10-multicultural facades at Sydney Road 11- Coburg Oval

400m

MERRI

HEALTH

Merri Health: provide health support to community.

UNITIN G CHURCH

Uniting Church: Christian church that host several activities welcoming diversity, women empowerment and children participation. See the outdoor areas as key area to connect with the community through gardening, food and music.

Proposed site

Atistic impression by LXRP

Coburg Heritage station

1:2000

Uniting Church

Greek Orthodox Parish Of The Presentation Of Our

The site

SECTION 3

3.5 | Site observations

Intense pedestrian activities connected to the local shops and facilities were identified in the area. The main trigger of movements are the coffee shops and commercial activities, however the presence of church, library and health institution also contributes to site movements. These places are fundamental in contributing to presence of disable, women and children. The intersection of Sydney Road with Victoria St mall is characterized by strong presence of man, the majority elderly, sitting and talking for hours either during week and weekends days. The area works like a meeting point and during lockdown, even without tables on the streets; these groups arranged themselves near bollards and public benches at the area.

Sydney Rd

walk ride and drive at Sydney Rd

Muslim women at Sydney Road

undercovered paths

Concentration of men in the intersection of Sydney Road with Victoria St mall

Seating areas

cars

posters at the library

posters at the church

The presence of women increases along Sydney Road, it´s observed a high presence of Muslim that walk in small groups, and mothers pushing child trolleys. During weekends young couples, women, children and skateboarders were also observed in short staying for a coffee, reading or only passing. The presence of homeless is also observed in the area, they carry donations and the favorite spot is near the library.

The presence of homeless is also observed in the area, they carry donations and the favorite spot is near the library.

The edging institutions naturally bring a variety of users to area, however the hostile environment unable long staying or possibilities of use as the area is totally occupied by car parking.

The strong presence of men in the corner of Sydney Road and Victoria St mall is important for site activation; however it also can be very intimidating and unwelcoming for a portion of the community.

SECTION 3

3.6 | Issues and opportunities

The future density footprint combined with existing and predicted movements, and the ethno cultural expressions through local business and social encounters, reveals an area with intense pedestrian activities connected to local business, essential needs, religious and cultural activities. Site observations identified missed opportunities of open spaces that are currently used as car parking areas. These observations combined with Moreland Structure plan and Open Space Strategy analysis indicates the need to provide new accessible public areas with a variety of uses to address different ages, gender and multicultural background. This situation combined with current land ownership overlay reveals a unique opportunity to create a network of public spaces and bring back to the community a misused area. The transformations on the area will bring new investments, however, what can be also expect is a progressive transformation through new glassed gourmet shops that could slowly displace or exclude the local community. To mitigate this impact it is necessary to think a design that highlights the importance of the multicultural community as a meaningful social contribution that should be celebrated.

ISSUES

OPPORTUNITIES

POPULATION AGING

THE COMMING OF NEW INVESTMENTS

GENTRIFICATION PREASSURE

OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE PEDESTRIAN LINKAGE ALIGNED WITH CURRENT TRANSFORMATION OF THE AREA

SOCIO ECONOMIC DIVERSITY (PEOPLE IN POVERTY) NEED TO ATTRACT NEW SMALL BUSINESS TO STRENGTH LOCAL ECONOMY CENTRE AREA RELIANCE ON CAR LACK OF CONNECTION OF EXISTING PUBLIC SPACES NEED OF SOCIABLE PLACES

OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A NEW VISUAL IDENTITY OPPORTUNITY TO BRING OPEN AND GREEN SPACES TO THE AREA AND IMPROVE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT QUALITY. OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT AND ATTRACT NEW LOCAL BUSINESS THROUGH VISUAL AND CONNECTION IMPROVEMENTS OF THE AREA

Coburg Park square

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4.1| Pitch Statement

This project is about making cities more enjoyable, it is about connecting with others, it is about telling and sharing stories, and celebrating the contribution and participation of different communities in the daily construction of a multicultural society. It is about creating opportunities for daily interactions between strangers, and improving integration though conviviality. It is about supporting opportunities for social participation through the combination of design and strategic programs. It is about inviting the community to active participate in the construction of the urban environment.

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4.2 | Key moves - part 1

Building upon the methodology the project will:

COBURG HISTORICAL SOCIETY 0m

CIC 1:10000

1:10000

Connect Existing and future green areas creating an extended network of public spaces

Intersect To increase access to site promoting a strong walkable network to reinforce the movement in the area

1:10000

VALC Link

The activities carried on site to a broader context and other institutions on the neighbourhood

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4.2 | Key moves across scales - part 2

AND SH

OPS

100

AND SH

OPS

100

NEW LIBR

NEW LIBR CHURCH

MARKET

ARY

100

MARKET

ARY

OPS

HERITAG E STATION

AND SH

HERITAG E STATION

MARKET

ARY

HERITAG E STATION

Building upon the methodology the project will:

CHURCH

1:2500

Tension Edging activities to site creating 4 distinctive hubs: Heritage, Market, Peace and Cultural surrounding a central play.

CHURCH

1:2500

Overlay Extended activities to maximize the integration of different users that will come to site

1:2500

Triangulate Institutions and activities carried on site and consider how they could expand

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4.2 | Key moves - part 3

Building upon the methodology the project will:

Invite

Express

Community to participate of a Colaborative Design process having an active voice on how they would like to be represented and engaged.

The multicultcultural aspect through designed landscape, programs and opportunities for daily appropriations.

Invite Community to active participate on site construction through specifc and ongoing programs that will be part of the design.

The new Library and surrouding landscape will be the new key landmark highling the multijcultural aspect of to the area.

Interact

Inspired by daily negotiations and uses the site host a series of areas to enable long staying and some special opportunities for interaction between strangers.

These elements trigger random connections and playful appropriations.

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4.3 | Key PLUG-INS

The activation elements, or key plug-ins that will to enable the proposed appropriation are:

Invite

Express

Interact

Band/Liric stand

Sand garden

Share a bench

Sing for a crowd

Stone Sculptures

Share a moment

Outdoor kitchen

Small to big stages

Vegetable garden

Story telling

Community is invited to bring seeds to be planted in the sand garden and stone sculptures. Meanwhile, vegetable gardens and the outdoor community kitchen are opportunities to bring different flavours, share traditions and support the vulnerable community present in the area.

Through the design of areas able to host a flexible use, small and large stages, lyric stands and areas to tell stories, the site will support a range of programs from small and every day to large and special events focused on expressing the multicultural identity of the community.

In a combination of moves, a calendar of events to celebrate important traditions and dates can active bring multicultural traditions and expressions to be celebrated in the public realm. The choice of specific species and planting can bring special flowers to each ocasion.

Find balance

From confortable benches and plataforms to provocative seating areas, the site host a variety of furnitures to support the edging activities, daily activities carried on site and enable casual encounters.

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4.4 | A New Narrative

An urban square connecting existing and future green public spaces part of a broader walkable network of open areas. The square limited by the Churches, Library, market and the heritage station will host a program to activate the space but also support the activities carried by the edging institutions. A new axis connecting the heritage station to the library through engraved stepping stones with common language expressions, proverbs and symbols from different cultures represents the community in constant construction and transformation. The new axis brings two different aspects to the area. Near the market and Library, extended paved areas support the intense pedestrian activities close to the market and shops and create areas for flexible use, such as area for festivals and temporary play appropriations. Closer to the church and expanding to the park under the rail a green footprint and sensorial approach is explored through grassed flat areas, grassed dunes and vegetation. The grassed landforms close to the church brings privacy and proposes a more meditative and relaxing approach, as the connection with the park under rail extends, the invitation is for a ludic, playful and active appropriations.

New axis Multicultural community in constant construction and transformation. Paved areas and flexible use x Green footprint

Grassed areas and Grassed dunes from active ludic waves to siestas under Casuarinas

Get your place in the sun and let´s play!

Community active participation during design and construction process. Community is invited to bring their favourite expressions and seeds to be part of the new designed area.

In the centre, a lawn area invites the community to get their place in the sun beside a water feature play. The playful aspect envisioned was designed to attract more women and children to site. Community engagement will be established during all the process, from design to site construction. Initially community is invited to contribute with the stories, proverbs, and expressions they would like to share and the colours they would like to bring to the vegetation palette. In a second stage community is invited to participate on site construction by bringing the seeds to be planted in the sculpture stones and in the sand garden, key elements of the new design contributing to the creation of a changing participative garden that is the new landmark. The community kitchen and vegetable gardens are also opportunities to share traditions, support on-going projects related to multicultural communities and the vulnerable community present in the area. Along the site punctual interventions proposes uses from the different institutions to overlay activities. Story telling area, band stand, small and big stages at the same time enable self-expression, triangulation moves and appropriations from every day to special events focused on revealing the multicultural identity of the community. Inspired by daily negotiations of use and quick interactions, the site host a series of seating areas that enable long staying and provocative encounters where movements and proximity through designed furniture create opportunities for interactions between strangers. The natural palette of stones, gravel and sand works as a canvas for design elements and furniture, and the vibrant colour of the vegetation in a combination of native and non-native species together creating provocative encounters through sensorial experiences, symbolizing the desired harmony and conviviality, and the establishment of new roots.

Community kitchen and vegetable garden An opportunity to bring different flavours, share traditions and support the vulnerable community present in the area.

Key plug-ins: Story Telling - Band stand - Stages Interactive furnitures

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4.5 | Site Plan - Planting and materials palette

The planting Palette suggests a combination of native and non-native species. An initial structure regarding location and textures is proposed including some featured trees to be worked in collaboration with the community. *non-native well adapt and non-invasive species. NEW STATION

Evergreen Australian native tree species such as Tristania conferta (T1). Trees with red leaves or strong red flowers to bring seasonality and impact such as Lagerstroemia or Asian Maple species (T2). Deciduous trees to bring seasonality and transformation along the year (T3). Eucalyptus and Allocasuarinas species to continue the existing native planting palette and connect with surrounding green areas (T4). Native species with weeping soft leaves such as Agonis flexuosa, Allocasuarinas and Callistemon species (T5). Combination of native and non-native trees creating the main axis (T6) and Palm trees (T7).

Shrubs and ground covers will host a combination of native and nonnative species drought tolerant and adaptive to climate change conditions combined with featured community suggestions for planting.

The Materials Palette suggests a combination of stones, exposed aggregate and gravel creating a natural palette. Bricks bring the traditional palette of the surrounding areas to site. Vibrant colour in combination with timber is present in the furniture and design elements intervention.

4 NEW MARKET AND SHOPS

Australia 62%

Italy 5,9%

Greece 2,7%

UK 2,6%

Lebanon 2,3%

Nepal 1,8%

New Zeland 1,7%

4 China 1,7%

HERITAGE STATION

India 1,5%

Turkey 1,2%

13 Pakistan 0,5%

Vietnam 0,5%

T2 16

Malaysia 0,4%

15 4

10 1- Engraved Stepping Stones 2- Sand garden 3- Water feature Play 4- Stone Sculptures 5- Story telling 6- Band Stand 7- Outdoors Kitchen 8- Vegetable garden 9- Small Stages 10- Big Stage 11- Grassed Dunes 12- Public bathroom 13- Paved rea for flexible use. 14- Extended market area - covered paths, seating and dining area. 15- Interactive furniture - find balance 16- Interactive furniture - Share a moment 17 - Pic nic tables

8 17

Germany 0,4%

6 NEW LIBRARY

EUA 0,4%

T5 Philipines 0,4%

7 8

Sri lanka

Somali

Liberia

T4 GREEK CHURCH

Taiwan

MERI HEALTH

UNITING CHURCH

1:750

SECTION 4

4.6 | Site Plan

1:500

SECTION 4

4.7 | Section

1:125 Shop / market

Wide and covered pathway

Market boulevard

SECTION

Extended area for market and shops

Flexible use - Possible Extended

1:125

1:125 Sense of protection with vegetation

Play

Lyric stand Opportunity to self expression

Opportunities to sit

Opportunities to lay

Transition. grassed dunes to create the transition

Grassed dunes flexible use

Opportunities to stay

New connection axis

1:250

SECTION 4

4.8 |Mood images

The stepping stones with engraved proverbs and expressions from different cultures consolidate a new Landmark to the area connected to the multicultural aspect of the community.

The new market and shops bring characteristics of the surrounding area as a way to preserve the local identity and enable appropriations.

The sand garden also brings the multicultural aspect through a mix of native and non-native species. Both interventions will be the result of a collaborative design process engaging the community to choose the stories to share and the colors (and possible species) to bring to the palette.

The under covered path combined with a set of tables and benches create a comfortable environment for pedestrian circulation, extended activities and long staying.

The first language to be acknowledged is the Woi wurrung, and the suggestion is made with humility and respect. The acknowledgment is suggested as a way to contribute to the celebration of the native language, and as the main language that would welcome the others.

Bricks along the market and store facades bring the traditional palette of the surrounding areas to site. Furniture in vibrant colours combined with timber brings energy and promote a comfortable environment for long staying.

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4.8 |Mood images

The celebration of the multicultural aspect is present in the designed landscape and in areas where they could share traditions and stories. The Story telling area is a place to share stories in a universal understanding of gathering – get a sit creating a circle. The area proposes activities from the edging institutions as the library and the church to be carried outside. The weeping trees in the area create a relaxing atmosphere, and the stone sculptures with special plant can contribute to visual and olfactory perceptions.

And finally, that in overall the area could be seen as playful, enjoyable and fun!

SECTION 4

4.9 |images

Community kitchen Share a moment Area for flexible use, possible extended market

Green area flexible use

Water Play feature

Public bathroom

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4.9 |images

Area with tables and benches to extend the market and shops activities

Long benches enabling different seating areas

Find balance. interactive furniture

Plataform benches

Sand garden Engraved stones with popular proverbs and expressions from different cultures

Featured trees bringing vibrant colour to site to be choosen in a colaborative process with the community.

SECTION 4

4.9 |images

Stones sculptures

Stepping and seating stones Long benches

Sand garden. Mixed planting of native and non- native species to be choosen by community in a colaborative design process.

Plataform bench and multiple uses.

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4.9 |Combined moves

Water feature Play

Paved area for flexible use

Get your place in the Sun

Community kitchen

SECTION 4

4.9 |images Small stages for every day approrpiations and activities

Big stage for special events Grassed dunes suggesting ludic appropriation. Possible area

Small Stage

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4.10 | New System and expanded actions

new marke

t and shop

extended sh ops for diverse Central pla y

sensorial an d interactive experience

Greek Orthodox Parish Of The Presentation Of Our Lord: Traditional Church. Children are the greatest blessing in life.

guarantee a portion of new residences for and social diverse communities

new library

The small stages, furniture and stones sculptures can also be located beyond to site boundaries as a sign of the multicultural interventions and consolidate a new urban park square in the centre of the Hub.

Alternate schedules to guarantee more opportunities of use and participation of the community respecting specific traditions.

a reference center for CALD communities to find information and training

new statio n

Programs addressing house affordability, job opportunities, and punctual interventions such as the allocation of specific times to use sport facilities by a portion of the community, are ways to improve site activation and community engagement in social activities.

guarantee a portion of the shops for cultural and social diverse new business

heritage

The new site system proposes an extended connection with the surrounding and broad context. A set of actions combining the design moves with policies and programs is fundamental to guarantee effective participation and keep the diverse community.

Greek

Meri health

Uniting church

Merri Health: provide health support to community.

engaging with adjacent institutions

Sister works: Social enterprise with the mission to support refugees, asylum seekers and migrants women to improve their confidence, working skills, sense of belonging and mental wellbeing. Outdoor areas should be accessible and safe to women. The inclusion of signs could help them navigate in the city. engaging with broaden institutions

1:2500

The Muslin Community - Coburg Islamic Center: Designed to meet the need of the Muslim community and be a centre accessible to the whole Australian community either Muslim or not. accessibility - safety - places for reflection and contemplation VACL - Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for languages: Organization for Aboriginal Languages revitalization in the state of Victoria with the role to research, share and celebrate the language as part of the culture and as a way to empower the aboriginal culture. community empowerment - cultural celebration

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C O N C L U S I O N

CONCLUSION Multicultural communities carry specific aspects regarding previous backgrounds and the new areas where the community is settled; therefore the outcomes regarding any design intervention will vary according to these specific conditions, and the proposed ideas may not please or be enough to every minority group, therefore a very careful attention is required when addressing these minorities. The challenges to establish a direct connection to understand how specific communities would like to be represented and engaged in the urban spaces pushed the project to envision strategies and design moves where community participation would be crucial for the final outcome, and create areas able to host different cultural expressions through movements, performance and events. Further community consultation is fundamental to understand other aspects and elements to be considered to meet an effective engagement. During 2020 site observations were extremely affected by the pandemic restrictions, nevertheless some key activities revealed the fundamental aspect of the public as a place to meet, gather, make social connections and appropriations. Nevertheless this was not a reality for everyone and some groups had a very limit and functional participation, in special women. As a CALD member, my conditions are extremely privileged, I came in legal conditions, by personal choice, and have never experienced a directly hate situation in Australia. Nevertheless, I´m not immune to the challenges of becoming a complete active member in the society, moments of isolation and loneliness, in special during pandemic times. After times of uncertainty, lockdown and social distance, when looking back to my project position regarding the playful aspect of urban life, I believe this playfulness, mixing and building of new characteristics embracing cultural and social diversity, casual interactions and different opportunities of use is a fundamental aspect to be considered whenever designing in the urban environment to keep the public active democratic and liveable.

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