MUNI Vishwa_Restoring the Seasonal by RMIT Landscape Architecture

Restoring the Seasonal Revival of Cunningham Swamp Seasonal Wetland

RMIT Landscape Architecture Project B-DRC Vishwa Muni s3798368

Abstract

Seasonally flooded wetlands are one of the endangered bio-regions of Victoria yet have been “cropped over” due to dryland farming and urbanization. Cunningham Swamp, a pre-European wetland on the urban fringe of West Melbourne, has been partly cleared out for farming and grazing. The remaining area of the swamp has been fenced up into an isolated conservation reserve. As residential developments of the future follow, it is to become an inaccessible flood retard basin. Inspired by Ingold’s perception of temporal landscape, this design research focuses on the passage of time in the form of seasonal changes as one of the most important characteristics of the swamp, and deals with the subjective landscape observation of a person dwelling in such landscape. It tests various design options to restore the seasonal nature of Cunningham Swamp, generate habitat for freshwater fauna and native grassland vegetation, provide a place for the community to learn, respect, participate and interact with the landscape. The design bridges the gaps between the swamp and its surrounding, links it with current and future communities, and demonstrates its role in mitigating the impacts of climate change in Victoria.

Contents

Approach testing Interactions on site Precedents & Iteration Reflection

LS- Site & water system Seasonal Phases MS- Vegetation SS- Interaction

Conclusion

Revival of wetland

Design

Introduction Seasonal Wetlands Threats of Loss UN Sustainable Development Goals

Location and Loss Fragmentation through time Characteristics of the Swamp Inhabitants Swamp and Phases Annual Timeline Seasonal mosaic Project Phases

Testing

Issue

Background Research

Site Inquiries

Cunningham Swamp system

Reflection Appendix References

Issue

Background Research Introduction Seasonal Wetlands Threats of Loss UN Sustainable Development Goals

Issue

Introduction Motivation

Seasons are something truly ephemeral – they are always changing, never permanent and they are never the same even in the same geographical location – whereas at the same time they are cyclical and much more universal than the landscape itself. (Lindström 2007)

Landscapes through a frame of time reveals unpredictable changes. Seasons reveal the growth cycle of the vegetation, rains and floods, activities of fauna and interaction of humans with unique environment of the site. As the aspects of nature are not consistent, they create a sense of mystery about the place. These changes occur in the landscape everywhere around us, however they affect certain systems more evidently. Victorian grasslands located on Volcanic Plain host many ephemeral streams and wetlands. As the fertile lands are transformed into pastures or agricultural areas, these unique landscapes are lost along with its biodiversity. The project began as a search for the ephemeral, leading to how these landscapes are diminishing throughout Victoria. Moreover, such landscapes close to the cities are more prone to human disturbances. Observing the wetland over a period of time revealed unique insights into how the vegetation, fauna and hydrology changes.

Inquiry

The Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands in Victoria have unique characteristics as they are full only for a few months and disappear in the dry seasons. Many inner Melbourne and coastal suburbs have been built on ‘reclaimed’ wetlands, and encroaching urban development continues to pose a threat to ephemeral and seasonal wetlands (HWS Strategy 2018). As Melbourne develops, these wetlands become part of Suburban fringe. Restoring the Seasonal focuses on Cunningham Swamp, a SHW on city fringe. An isolated reserve at the edge, planned as flood retard basin of future residential development in West Melbourne (Landscape Context Guidelines 2013). Although heavily altered, the remnant vegetation is scattered in fragments around the area. Restoring the Seasonal proposes an approach that would highlight the ephemeral nature of these wetlands by Seasonal Interventions and strategies. Series of shallow water basins in the altered path of the water channels would create a broader system and increase potential conditions for vegetation dependent on seasonal flooding. This in turn will lead to more suitable habitat for freshwater birds and amphibians that inhabit the ephemeral wetlands. Also ensuring connection with the future developments while maintaining edge to prevent encroachment.

Cunningham Swamp over three months

The landscape that allows user to experience changing water and seasonal conditions while also facilitating opportunity to interact, participate and learn. The project aims to celebrate a landscape that alters in a short amount of time.

What is a Seasonal Herbaceous Wetland?

The Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands are temporary freshwater wetlands that are inundated on a seasonal basis, typically filling after winter-spring rains, and then drying out. (SHW handbook 2016)Limited to the temperate zone of mainland south-eastern Australia, they occur in Victorian Volcanic Plains. These wetlands are listed as critically endangered. They are also subject to various threats that can alter its system.

SHW mainly occur along the Victorian Volcanic Plains and in Eastern Coastal Plain. These seasonally appear along depressions and drainage lines of furtile soils after rainfall. Many of these wetlands are part of agricultural land which are used up for grazing and cropping. (SHW Handbook 2016) A few such wetlands occur in the proximity of city of Melbourne, on the agricultural and suburban fringes.

The process of filling and drying out is crucial for such wetlands as the plant and animal species rely on the extreme changes of condition. The vegetation can remain dormant underground for decades and comes to life only after heavy rain or flood. Moreover, waterlogging could also change the soil system leading to prevent growth for plants that require water to draw down to reach full growth. The wetlands are highly productive and provide many benefits such as water conservation, flood mitigation, cooling local climate, improve water quality, habitat for fauna and flora, replenish groundwater, provide draught refuge for biodiversity. (SHW handbook 2016)

Wyndham Murray Darling depressions

Dry Phase

Filling Phase

SHW around fringe of Melbourne

Victorian Midlands South Eastern Highlands

Victorian Volcanic Plains

South East Coastal Plain

Draw down phase

Full Phase

Melbourne Based on SHW Handbook 2016 Wetland Phases 20 km

Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands in Victoria Based on Environmental Resources Information network, 2011 data map

Issue

Threats of loss Disappearing Wetlands

Seasonal Herbaceous wetlands mainly occur in fertile plains- often privately owned lands, which makes them susceptible to cropping, livestock grazing, urban or industrial developments. A few threats to these wetlands are the change in the hydrology, climate change, agricultural activities, grazing, and change in the vegetation species. (SHW handbook 2016)

Two thirds of Victorian Wetlands have been drained or degraded since European occupation. (HWS 2018) Wetlands in Victorian volcanic plains have disappeared considerably due to increased farming. Creek and river channelization, dams and agricultural activities have altered the major water systems which used to feed into the wetlands.

City takes over wetlands The Seasonal wetlands are affected by urbanization and farming activities, often located on the fertile lands. As the cities develop, wetlands on boundaries get easily altered. Hence, fringe wetlands are at the highest risk of loss in the near future. City of Melbourne is rapidly developing towards the Western region. There are many ephemeral creeks and small wetlands in the western plains in Melbourne. However, being ephemeral (only visible during rainy season), they are insufficiently documented or less significant in scale or vegetation condition compared to permanent wetlands, get consumed by urban developments. The encroaching urbanization of Western suburbs has posed a threat for the ephemeral and seasonal wetlands along the farms, grasslands and coast in Wyndham.

Land disturbances

The change of hydrology and clearing out of native species permanently converts Seasonal wetlands into croplands or reservoir. This causes loss of biodiversity which relies on the flooding and drying of wetlands.

Cropland

Anthropogenic disturbances

Plantation forest

Permanently converted Seasonal Wetland

Pasture

Reservoir / Dam Pre-European Wetlands

Current Wetlands Spatial Datamart Victoria, florafauna1. wetland_current , florafauna1. wetland_landscape 2018, QGIS layer

Opportunity for Seasonal Wetlands

Urbanization Urban Sprawl

Expanding transportation networks

Landscape fragmentation

With the increasing temperatures and reducing rainfall pattern, seasonal wetlands become a refuge for the freshwater birds and amphibians that breed and forage in ephemeral water systems. As extreme and erratic effects of climate change can be experienced, flood and draught tolerant species could become driving force in resilient landscapes.

Levelling/ filling

Many seasonal wetlands occur on private farmlands. While the city suburbs grow, private lands are acquired to accommodate for future residential developments. Along with city fringe development, Seasonal wetlands can be restored.

Drainage, stormwater runoff

Altered water regime

2 km

1857

1890

1920

1970

Urban Development of Melbourne Victoria State Government Planning, City development, 2020, map

Climate change Australia’s 10 years average temperatures 1.00

Temperature Anomaly

0.75 0.50 0.25 0.00

UN Sustainable development Goals

-0.25 -0.50 -0.75 -1.00 -1.25

2 km

1910

1920

1930

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

The restoration also acknowledges the UN Sustainable development goals focused on conserving the remaining wetlands.

2010

Bureau of Meteorology, Average temperature Australia, 2020

Rainfall destribution

400- 500 500- 650 650- 750 750- 850 850-1100

Bureau of Meteorology, Average rainfall Melbourne, 2020,map

Reducing annual average rain and increased temperature cause long periods of draughts for the seasonal wetlands which are largely dependent on rainwater.

Agriculture Increased cropping has been a major factor in loss of wetlands as the modification in soil and hydrology completely alter plant and fauna habitat. Victoria’s Land-use

Residential Commercial Industrial Extractive industry Production, farming Infrastructure Community services Sport & Recreation Conservation Reserves Unclassified

2 km

Conservation Cropping Modified pastures

Intensive use

Water

Land-use

Victorian Resources online, landuse, 2018, map

4.56% 0.11% 0.20% 0.14%

55.47%

0.82% 0.18% 33.52% 4.68% 10

Protecting the remaining wetlands and restoring them

6.6 By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes

-Sustainable use of freshwater ecosystem

15. Life on Land 15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems a nd their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements 15.5 Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

0.33%

Environmental

6. Clean water & Sanitation

Seasonal Wetlands of Victoria

-Influx of visitors and tourists, indirect economic opportunity Economic

-Ensuring accessible greenspace for community Social

Victorian Resources online, landuse distribution, 2018

United Nations 2018, UN Sustainable Goals

On the Southern Volcanic Plain, where high density of seasonal herbaceous wetlands occur, the agricultural activities have increased upto 40% in the past two decades. (bayes , 2015) 14

Site Inquiries

Cunningham Swamp system Location and Loss Fragmentation through time Characteristics of the Swamp Inhabitants Swamp and Phases Annual Timeline Seasonal mosaic Project Phases

Site

Cunningham Swamp, Melbourne Seasonal Wetland at the boundary of urban development

Seasonal wetland on the edge of city

At the threat of change of surrounding developments, the wetlands on the west of the city may soon become storm water basins or permanent wetlands. The change in hydrology can alter characteristic vegetation, leading to loss of habitat for amphibious creatures and birds who rely on seasonal systems. Many inner Melbourne and coastal suburbs have been built on ‘reclaimed’ wetlands, and encroaching urban development continues to pose a threat to ephemeral and seasonal wetlands. (HWS Strategy 2018)

Only a handful of such seasonal wetlands remain around the city boundaries, which must be preserved from alterations. The Cunningham Swamp (Lignum swamp) is one of the Seasonal wetland at the edge of Point Cook, West Melbourne. It has already been altered in parts due to farming activities. As Wyndham is one of the fastest growing suburbs in Australia (Wyndham City, 2020), the future developments will begin to occur at a quick pace. The only way to preserve the wetlands is to increase awareness amongst community and work towards restoring the wetland to its previous condition.

SHW in catchments around Mebourne

Melbourne CBD

Cunningham Swamp: Past- Present- Future

Pre-European wetland: The swamp functioned as a wetland, seasonally flooded and drawing down cycle supporting variety of Plains grassy & sedgy vegetation. After European settlements, the alteration to use the land for farming changed the soil, removal of parts of sedgy vegetation. Overtime, the suburban residential developments changed the topography, further reducing the area of the swamp. Urban Growth Boundary SHW at city edge

Cunningham Swamp

1 Km

Farmlands: Part of swamp remains as a conservation land for wetland flora-fauna while the rest is owned by private farmlands where the soil has been heavily altered by cropping and introduction of exotic grasses.(Logical Inclusion of South of Point Cook 2011), Two channels cut across the swamp, connecting with reservoirs that collect water for farming activities. Some clusters of remnant vegetation remains on the peripheries of the farmlands. However the seedbank has been depleted due to farming. Developments: As the Urban Growth Boundary of the city of Melbourne increases, the swamp has become part of the future development land. Surrounding farmlands are to be developed into residential zones while the swamp shall remain as an isolated flood retard basin for the area.

Location Point Cook Coastal Reserve is located across the east of the Swamp. Saltwater wetlands have different vegetation, aquatic and bird spices compared to SHW of the Swamp, as it is a freshwater system.

Point Cook South

Point Cook Creek

Permanent Wetlands

Point Cook Creek

Saltwater Reserve

Farm Reservoir

lle

Cheetham Wetlands wa

RAAF lake

Cunningham Swamp

Channeled Drain Point Cook Coastal Reserve

RAAF Base & museum Farmlands

Cheetham Wetlands

RAAF Base & museum

Campbells cove

Point Cook Coastal Reserve

Cunningham Swamp

Fragmentation through time

Agricultural Activity

Urban Development

Water Systems

1988

1997

2003

2009

2019

Stormwater drains into the basins of swamp.

Wyndham has been one of the fastest growing municipality in Melbourne (Wyndham city,2020) Suburban Developments

Swamp has been modified by soil extraction and agricultural activity. Despite this, remnant vegetation and faunal habitat remain. Cropped land

Swamp systems

ty ini

sed sa l

Apr

Feb

es as Ph

Pro lon ge d

Jan

Increa

The freshwater swamp swells up during the wet season as the storm-water collected through creeks flows into it. In dry months, the swamp shrinks as its only source of water from creeks is reduced.

Typical Inundation

Mar

The ecosystem relies on surface expression of groundwater. Soil geology of the swamp is mainly made up of basalt volcanic and partly weak sedimentary rocks. The site lies on a low lying plain grassland terrain. Surrounding farms depend on collected water and irrigation drains for crop cultivation. The salinity of the site is from 3000 ml but increases in the dry period as the freshwater evaporates. The rainfall is primarily in winter and low amount in summer.

Many parts of the swamp are temporarily inundated after rains, however, certain areas have visible presense of water during wet seasons. The swamp creates a mosaic of wet and dry lands as it changes according to the precipitation conditions.

May

Dec

Jun Cold d ry p ha se s

Freshwater Wetland Bioregional Conservation Status: Endangered Bioregion: Victorian Volcanic Plain

Jul

Nov

Oct

2005 EVC: Plains Sedgy Wetland EVC Number: 647

Aug Sep

Agricultural land

Scattered vegetation

Riparian edge

Permanent waterbody Edge of swamp

Scatteded grasses

Characteristics of wetland + vegetation Cunninghams Swamp has been modified by soil extraction and agricultural activity. Despite this, remnant vegetation and faunal habitat remain.River Red Gums and Tangled Lignum are scattered around the perimeter of the Swamp.

River red gum Eucalyptus Camandulensis

Tangled lignum Muehlenbeckia florulenta

Biota Sparse amount of trees and shrubs in the wetlands, as they are dominated by graminoids. Draught tolerant species as well as plants which tolerate seasonal inundation are most common. Fresh water algae appear in the wet season.

River Red Gum

Tangled Lignum 50 m

Traces of remnant vegetation Inundated for 20 days annually Shrubs, trees at the periphery

Grass and sedge dominant

Riparian zone

Swamp vegetation

Riparian zone

Inundated for 3 months annually

Inundated for 6 months annually

Inundated for 9 months annually

Grassland

Site Cohabitants

Fauna dependent on flooding and drying of wetland

Swamp is habitat for large number of freshwater and wetland birds species. Invertebrates, insects and other micro organisms become nutrients and food for other spicies. The seasonal wetland is an ideal breeding place for amphibians and reptiles. Majority of land covered in sedges and grasses is the preferred habitat for herbivores. Tangled lignum provides nesting places for birds, insects as well as mammals and supports the growth of other shrubs.

Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands

Cunningham Swamp faunal habitats

Site Stakeholders

Project aim

Parks Victoria

Acquisition of land to restore the wetland by Council

Experience a seasonal freshwater system

Conservation of Seasonal Herbaceous Wetland

Nearby farmlands

Isolated protected area + cropped swampland Flood retard basin

Landscape Architect Restoration

Clients

Ecological

Active open green space Residents current & future

Current condition

Outcomes

Inhabitants

Seasonal Interventions

Community City council

Melbourne Waters Freshwater infilteration

Connection between Coastal reserve and wetland

Point Cook Coastal reserve

Wyndham City Council Social

Community reserve

Victoria Planning Authority Green space in future suburban developments

Collaboration and engagement to conserve local flora-fauna

Natural Reserve

Opportunity to see the Freshwater birds and their habitats

Tourists of Coastal reserve

Economic

Environmental Groups Increased visitors and tourists create more job, commercial opportunities

Mixed ecologies

Secondary

Plains sedgy grassland

Seasonal Herbaceous Wetland

Permanent wetland/ flood basin

Commercial buisnesses

Seasonality + LA : Practice & theories

Michael Van Vaulkenberg associates Featuring seasonal transformation

Understanding how the changes occur through different seasons help engage with them in the practice. Seasons reveal the landscape which keeps on changing and as a design tool can be used to engage with ecology, system of rainwater as well as the stakeholders.

Appearing for short time/ changing with seasons

Mosbach Paysagistes ‘Atmospheres’ designed through landscape George Hargraves Conservation of migratory birds areas

'Seasonality is important in the understanding of human– environment relationships and how they influence human biology and behaviour' (Penang et al.2005,p.168) 'Following the landscape during the seasons, or even during one day, enriches the experience of the landscape'(2003, p. 382)

Teardrop Park , New York, NY (1999–2006) Mosbach Paysagistes, 2018

Crissy Field, San Francisco, CA1995

Spiral Jetty Seasonal landscapes Editor: Hannes Palang,Helen Sooväli,Anu Printsmann

Changing visibility, relying on rainfall

C.F. Møller Architects

Icewalls

Hybrid landscape, grass meadows and seasonal wetland

Expressing transient nature of ice Robert Smithson,Great Salt Lake, Utah, 1970

The idea of plants as a growing form. Process of growth.Value of the tree form in each stage of life- thinking about design as the time changes.Plant’s form is the result of its adaptation. The practice of “viridic”,designing with and for plants as dynamic beings Each season will require different maintenance practice. (Raxworthy 2018)

Martha's Vineyard, MA, 1988 Michael Van Vaulkenberg associates

Stork Meadow Project, Denmark,2022

How can landscape architecture lead to a regenerative framework for a system that only exists for limited time through a year? Can understanding of seasonal phases be used as a tool to engage with landscape?

Seasonality and landscape

Aldayjover Architects Incorporated flood strategy EMF- Estudi Marti Franch Mapping of ecology with seasons and management calendar Atelier Descombes Rampini

Overgrown: Practices Between Landscape Architecture and Gardening Author: Julian Raxworthy

Framework to guide design process Zaragoza water park, Spain 2008

Martí Franch + EMF, The edge of Girona (2014-2020)

EMF- Estudi Marti Franch ‘The Garden in motion’ - living space left to free development of the species that settle there. It is subject to evolution from interaction over time. To understand speies and behaviours in the cycle of growth. The design of the garden, changing over time, depends on the maintenance. (Giles Clement, 2007)

Renaturation of River Aire,2002 Geneva

Focus on the process of growth and change in vegetation + represntation Studio Roberto Rovira Activity and ecology mappings through time, seasons Martí Franch + EMF, Jordi Badia + BAAS, Can Framis Museum Gardens (2009)

The garden in motion: Giles Clement

Wadi Rum, 24 hr sectional activities diagram, Eco Atlas Project

Phases of Seasonal Wetland

Filling phase

Dry out phase

e tt

Dry Phase Plants remain dormant underground as seeds

Filling phase

During dry periods aquatic and amphibious species persist as desiccated shoots, underground rootstocks or propagules (seeds, spores and eggs) in the ground.

luk Koolaye – Jumbunna Eel Harvest and Clan Gatherings

r pe

Woondabbit Tadool- Marguk Thunderstorm Possum Cloak Making

Mar

Winmallee Yallambie – Gunung Hot North Wind and Fishtrap Season

Site

Seasonal Mosaic

Apr

Feb

Possum nesting, Wombats remaking tunnels

River flows lowest, works around excavation and repairs

Pr olo n

Jan

d ge

Birrang Tonimbuk Morning Mist – Burning Season

Cold fire & mosaic buring Cool-dry autumn

se ha yp dr

Full phase

May

d dry Col

Filling Phase Dormant wetland plants begin to grow

phase

Once the wetland starts to fill up, the dormant seeds and spores emerge rapidly

Dec

lde

st m

ths

Jun

Murnong Kulin – Jumbunna Yam Daisy Harvest

Jul

Nov

Berrertak Darr – Karr Cold West Wind – Artefact Making

Full phase

Arrival of migratory birds

Draw down phase

Oct

Vigorous plant growth season

Aug

Sep

Wintoonth Wootanbaj Regeneration

Tangbilk Ningak Morning Frost – Bark Harvest

Full Phase Thriving wetland, frogs and bird habitat Wet season, Wintoonth Wootanbaj, coincides with the arrival of migratory birds. During this time wetland is completely developed

Draw down phase

Filling phase

Draw down phase Evaporation exceeding rainfall (Iterations based on Seasonal Herbaceous Wetland Handbook 2016)

Site

Project Phases

Current prediction

Cunningham Swamp

1980

1990

Fragmetation through cropping

Stormwater basin

Swamp areas into farmland

Stormwater permanently collected

2000

2010

Agricultural waterbody

2020

Suburban development

Channels, waterbody through Swamp

Urban Growth Boundary

Delineated boundary of Swamp on the North

Acting as buffer between residential and farmland

2030

2040

Peripheral residential development

Farmlands to the south to be developed

Part of the outer suburban boundary

Wetland characteristics changed due to change in hydrology

(Based on Wyndham Planning Scheme)

Aimed Trajectory

Stakeholder engagement

2020 Stage 1

Land negotiation

2040 Stage 3

2030 Stage 2

Channel development

Residents -Increasing awareness about the Seasonal wetland and its functions

Farm owners -Land negotiation and benefits from wetland -Increased water infilteration, replenished ground aquifer -Farm-wetland edge revegetation to begin the process of cropped wetland reclamation

Flood basins & Water Infiltration

Revegetation of cropped swamp

Pedestrian trails and infrastructures

Residents -Open green spaces and nature walkways

Farm owners -Flood basins, beneficial to the adjacent farmlands, water purification through basins, reduced salinity -Invasive pests under control by predator species

Environmental Groups -Opportunity for conservation of Sedgy wetland Environmental Groups -Collaboration with community groups -Identification and mapping of flora/fauna -Meet-ups for seed collection, plantation and tours through existing wetland

Faunal habitat creation

Seasons + Wetland + community Linking the reserves

Point Cook Coastal Reserve -Connecting coastal reserve with freshwater system, through series of trails and pathways -Wetland becoming part of the reserve

Tourists of Coastal reserve -Seasonal wetland with its unique seasonal vegetation, amphibians and channel systems

Environmental Groups/ Community groups -A larger conserved reserve, ensured to be protected from future developments

Bird watchers -Habitat for freshwater and migratory birds Commercial buisnesses -More visitors increased commerrcial opportunities

Testing

Approach Testing

Interactions on site Precedents & Iteration Reflction

Testing

Interactions on site

Spatial characteristics of the Swamp vegetation and site terrain were revealed while walking through site. The experience informed various design strategies in the further iterations.

1. Cluster of vegetation on the edges remains similar around the site. White Ironbark trees on periphery provide habitat for Thornbills, Crested Pigeons, Magpies and Sparrows. The wetland is a feeding area of Straw-necked Ibises and Spoonbills. On the mounds along the wetland, the Purple Swamphen forages for worms and insects.

Swamp has been fenced off to prevent the people from damaging remnant species. However, that has made it into an isolated piece of grassland, uninviting for people, including the residents unaware about the seasonal wetlands. The lack of public infrastructure and wayfinding has increased littering inside the swamp.

Edge of Cunningham Swamp, White Ironbark, Grey Saltbush, and blackwood trees

2. Dominant sound of frogs. The wetland edge is close to the road. Close proximity from the Ibis habitat. The Ibis gather around in the group to forage for food in the shallow end of the wetland. Ibises prey on pests and control diseases. Blackwood trees on the edge house small thornbills and fairy wren.

3. River red gum’s hollows are an important habitat and food source for birds. Source of honey as well. Ahead of river red gum is the tangled lignum grassland. Small streams run through the grassland after rainfall. These ephemeral wetlands become the habitat for Spotted marsh frog, and their predator, reptiles.

Seasonal stream Observing site and its materials over-time allowed to observe the small changes occuring on the plants, soil and hydrology. The ephemeral streams of wetland appeared on the dry patches of grass, along with it few dormant plant species begin to grow.

Materials

Basalt volcanic

Dry phase

outcrop

vegetation cover

Insect habitats

Shallow

Full phase

wetland drain

vegetation cover

River red gum seeds Volcanic Basalt stone

Ironbak fruits

Sheoak pod

Blue gum seeds

Cunningham Swamp grassland vegetation over two months

Volcanic Basalt stone

The material interaction as well as experiencing the living landscape helped shape the approach of how to engage with the landscape. This further enhanced the design strategies used to test out many design iterations in which the remaining wetlands can be restored. White ironbark

River red gum bark

Design Strategies

Victoria’s Healthy Waterways Strategies, Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands Conservation Advice, SHW Identification and Management Handbook, and Urban Grassland Designs were some of the key reference and guidance in proposing the design strategies.

Seasonal waterbodies

Individual wetlands Clusters of wetlands in gilgai terrains Seasonal Flooding

Seasonal streams along the topography

Wide shallow basins

Draw-down of water

Seasonal Wetland Plants Growth

Approach for intervention

Current Swamp boundary Cropped swampland

Channel migration of seeds The vegetation has considerable graminoid components. The seeds can remain dormant for years in the soil as they require surface groundwater or rain to get suitable environment to begin propogation. Seasonal flooding is also important as the water draws down, many spores and seeds begin to grow. The vegetation is varied throughout different phases, as some species grow during wetting period while some show maximum growth as the water draws down. It is crucial to minimise the impact on existing remnant vegetation. During rainy season when wetlands get inundated, it provides dispersal and foraging habitat for amphibians and birds.

Gentle slopes

Using topography as a shaping tool, the cropped wetland will have a system of gentle slopes to slow run off of rainwater and get more infilteration.

Redistribution

Ensuring water from existing channel can move through the topography will connect the site and distribute water in each area

In case of rain or flood, the seeds wash away and propagate downstream along with carried out sediments. Propagation through water can create a new ecology based on upstream vegetation.

Revegetation

As the seasonal vegetation thrives after inundation, new clusters of grasses can be propagated along the changed channel systems

Buffer from invasive species and future developments

Re-establishing network of water

Faunal habitat

As the water draws down, the periphery of channels become a foraging area for birds and shelter for frogs.

Linkage with future network

Irrigation Channels

Minimum disturbance

Movement of water, biota

Altering the existing channel path

Iterative Testing

Precedent Study

Re-direct

Renaturation of River Aire Setting up the framework to guide the design process Constructing the repetitive form of diamonds along the previously constructed linear channel. The flow of river over time keeps changing the form of these diamonds and meanders along reshaping the form of channel.

Using the site’s existing terrain and creating a system of shallow ponds for an inter-connected system of shallow seasonal wetlands. The existing channel will be altered following the terrain which runs through the site will connect with shallow basins. As the shallow basins will dry out in some seasons, different parts of wetland will function in dry and wet phases.

The forms created naturally become small islands which inhabit aquatic organisms.

Studios: Atelier Descombes Rampini / Superpositions Location: Geneva Year completed: 2015

Wide shallow basins

Key strategies 1 Form of the terrain to help enhance the river habitats for marine ecology 2 Flow increase oxygen content in the water, helping the growth of aquatic organisms

Full Phase

The idea of Operative landscape, where the river will keep on reshaping the diamond forms according to its flow. Dry Phase

Iterations over one year

Shallow Basins 0.5- 1m depth In order to accommodate the flooding, the shallow wetlands will be connected to a permanent deep waterbody, which will harvest the excess water from site and then direct it into the channel nearby the site to drain into the sea.

Area 1 Channel flood plain, changing with the seasonal rainfall 44

Area 2

Area 3

Iterative Testing

Precedent Study

Cut

Zaragoza Water Park Incorporating flood on the edge of the park Water inundation over years In order to have bigger areas of the site for seasonal wetlands but also to ensure the flooding does not affect the entire site, some part of the terrain is cut to make room for the rain and floodwater for the wet season. Site will be distributed into dry grassland, seasonal and permanent wetlands. As flooding is important factor to ensure regeneration, the testing focused on how it can be utilised in creating habitats as well.

Initial stage

The project was to reinvent the agricultural site nestled in Ebro river. By interpreting the historic connection with the farmland, using water as an important design resource, many aspects of its design strategies are drawn from it. The approach to design was focused on the idea of letting the river waters determine the park edges. Studios: Aldayjover Arquitectos Location: Zaragoza, Spain

Every 10 year flood

Year completed: 2008

Every 25 year flood

Clusters of wetlands in gilgai terrains

Every 50 year flood

Key strategies 1 Keeping memory of agriculture alive by creating water channels from previously existing irrigation drain 2 Revegetating the Ebro river edge, which will be a flood buffer 3 System of sands and levels to purify water 4 Water to be used in natural baths and excess mixed into the river

Grassland Permanent wetland

Seasonal Wetland

Revegetating periphery of the river

Channelizing the irrigation drains

Traces of agriculture

Green walkway

Iterative Testing

Learning from the Seasonal herbaceous wetland on the northern part in Swamp, the existing system of small streams flow through the grassland creating damp streaks of land within. These streams become the new habitat for amphibians and reptiles. Tangled lignum plants in the grassland ensure habitat for many creatures. The large chunks of land have the seasonal streams running along it towards the lowest point.

Seasonal streams along the topography

Infiltration of water in the site is increased due to the buffer infiltration channels on the edges. The site is seperated into dry, seasonal and permanent wetlands. Less public infrastructure in the centre of the site will ensure there are more conserved areas for inhabitants of the site.

Tangled lignum grassland

Small damp streams of water will only provide habitat for reptiles and amphibians. Many freshwater birds require permanent wetland for foraging. There are less trails and links around the site which will reduce the interaction of community with the wetland.

Observing site and its materials over-time allowed to observe the small changes occuring on the plants, soil and hydrology. The ephemeral streams of wetland appeared on the dry patches of grass, along with it few dormant plant species begin to grow.

Iterative Testing

Comparing the iteration based on similar criteria helped determine the design approach for wetland restoration. As each iteration revealed various outcomes prioritising different criterias.

Community Engagement

Iteration 1

Site specific Solution Response to future networks

Connection with culture

Seasonal wetlands

Future/ Maintenance

Historic values

Natural Habitat creation

Collection of basins

Linkage with road network

Ecotones

Community Engagement

Iteration 2

Minimum Disturbance to the site

Climate sensitive design

Response to future networks

Historic values

Division of site according to flood

Natural Habitat creation

Movement of people

Community Engagement

Iteration 3

Minimum Disturbance to the site

Passive propagation of vegetation

+Large expanse of site for seasonal herbaceous wetlands - Prevent rest of the swamp from heavy inundation

Future/ Maintenance

- The major alteration will change the system for the remnant vegetation

Site specific Solution Response to future networks

Seasonal wetlands

Future/ Maintenance

Historic values

Infilteration channels

Seasonal wetlands

Climate sensitive design

Connection with culture

Shallow streams

-Swamp wetlands will be in fragments -Inundation during a heavy flood

Site specific Solution

Connection with culture

Cutting the terrain

Natural Habitat creation

+less alterations ensures growth for existing vegetation + multiple buffers for vegetation to grow on the periphery of the wetland +The linkages increase active use of the swamp +opportunity for various kinds of plants-humans-faunal interaction within wetland

Minimum Disturbance to the site

+Infilteration is increased +Less public infrastructure, more conserved areas -Only provide habitat for reptiles and amphibians -Less links around the site,reduce the interaction

Climate sensitive design

Design

Revival of Wetland

LS- Site & water system Seasonal Phases MS- Vegetation SS- Interaction

Cunningham Swamp Wetlands Masterplan

The design links the future road network along with trails of the wetland. Conservation of existing vegetation is done by creating central areas inaccessible for people, ensuring safe habitat for fauna.

Watersystem 5

Sediment Basins

6 10

Permanent Wetland

5 8

The sediment basins will collect the water entering through two existing water channels. After a series of shallow stepped wetlands, the water is collected into the permanent wetland basin which is deeper than rest of the wetlands, through which it flows into the channel running south of the site .

7 11

ork

ad netw

ro Future

50 M

1. Primary entry 2. Conserved vegetation 3. Walkway 4. Inflow collection wetland 5. Lookout point 6. Seasonal Islands 7. Overlooking mound 8. View tower 9.Walkway along Seasonal wetlands 10. Bike trail 11. Permanent wetland 12. Grassland Trails 13. Public amenities

Overlooking the Lignum plains

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Slo w

Filling Phase

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illin g

tor gr a mi

Mar

Fl gu owe m rin s g

Flow

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Cas uria na

Seasonal changes of the swamp inhabitants with different phases

g of

Jan

Red

uce

owin

g of

gras

um ed G

erin

flow

Rive

Dry Phase

Dec

Draw down Phase

Jun

Jul

tim g

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tion

ed in re sb

Sowing time

irds ratory b of mig

Vigo

Arrival

plan t gro w

ase Ph

pre

flie tte r

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attl

Ful l

Sep

ilve of S

ring

we Flo

Filling Phase

Swamp vegetation restoration

Duma florulenta Tangled Lignum

Callistemon sieberi River Bottlebrush

Eucalyptus camaldulensis River red gum Eucalyptus globulus Southern Blue-gum Juncus effusus Common Rush

Acacia retinodes Swamp Wattle Marsilea drummondii Common Nardoo Juncus subsecundus Finger rush Atriplex cinerea Grey Saltbush

Blue-gum flower

White Ironbark flower

Deyeuxia spp Reed Bent Grass Eucalyptus nicholii Willow peppermint

Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood

Poa labillardierei Common Tussock Grass

1 cm

Changing zones according to phases

Dry Phase Dried out basins across the swamp

Filling Phase Limited access into the Central Conserved areas

Full Phase Temporary inundation in the low areas

Draw Down Phase Seasonal Herbaceous vegetation begins to grow after flood

As the season progresses, the low lying areas begin to thrive with Seasonal Herbaceous Vegetation. Conserved areas

Showcasing Grasses of Victoria

Cane grassland with scattered Tangled lignum

+16

Dense faunal habitat +0

Organic matter

Plains sedgy wetland 64

Shallow wetland, depth 0.5 to 1 m

Riparian zone

Lignum Swamp Vegetation 65

Swamp and grassland interphase

Letting the grass grow in the dry phase of wetland

Seasonal grass trail

Identifying the native grasses in each mounds

Viewing deck 1m

Seasonal Herbaceous Vegetation: Dry out phase, seeds dormant underground 66

Water drawing down phase 67

Thoroughfare

Seasonal grass trail, mowed in the full phase

Flood tolerance of River red gum

The semi submerged islands invite to experice how the landscape can change after the rainfall. The edges of these mounds become ideal breeding situation for amphibians.

As the vegetation is varied through different phases, as some species grow during wetting period while some show maximum growth as the water draws down. The basin will keep changing the vegetation cover accoding to the blooming seasons and rainfall pattern.

Island walkway, dry phase 70

Island walkway after inundation, dormant vegetation reappearing 71

Dense faunal habitat

Dry Phase

Shallow depressions, ideal for swamp vegetation

Channel edge

Island during the flood

Temporary inundation Water level increasing by 0.5 m Filling phase

Bird look-out point

Dry shrub zone

Riparian Zone

Sedgy Wetland

Yam Daisy Microseris lanceolata

Common Sneezeweed Helenium autumnale

Common nardoo Marsilea drummondii

Dry Phase

Filling Phase

Full Phase

Draw down Phase Marsilea drummondii or Common Nardoo is a semi submerged aquatic plant appearing as the water draws down. This plant attracts amphibians and provides hidng and foraging opportunity for frogs.

Signage

Grasslan d Lizard

Black Shouldered Kite

Pacific Black Duck

Wandering Percher

Australian Spoonbill

Swamp edge and access

Cunningham Swamp Fauna Signage

Can you spot them? Grassland fauna

Seasonal wetland foragers Cunningham Reserve faunal identification

Birds

Wetland fauna

Cunningham Reserve faunal identification

Birds

Black shouldered Kite

Brown Falcon

Yellow-rumped Thornbill

New Holland Honeyeater

Sulphur crested Cockatoo

Straw necked Ibis

White Ibis

Black ibis

Black Swan

Australian Pelican

Zebra Finch

Australian Magpie

Rainbow Lorrikeet

Little Raven

Golden-headed cisticola

Masked Lapwing

Chestnut Teal

Grey Teal

Hardhead

Pacific black Duck

Bluetail dragonfly

Wandering Percher dragonfly

Insects Red Wattlebird

Whistling Kite

Welcome Swallow

Mammals

European Hare

Spotted Turtledove

Whiskered Tern

Reptile

Red fox

Fat tailed Dunnart

Common blue tongued lizard

Black-fronted dotterel

Australian Pied Stilt

Lesser Grass blue butterfly

Amphibians

Growling grass frog

Brown tree frog

Common froglet

Spotted marsh frog

Conclusion

Reflection References

Reflection

Observing the seasonal changes in landscape helped to find more connections with the beings inhabiting such landscape. It also revealed how each system is relying on the other. Learning how one can engage with the ephemeral and how that can be conveyed through mediums was developed. By reading up on theories of time and seasonality by Tim Ingold, in terms of landscape helped to reposition the project aim and situate it in the broader landscape context. While designing landscapes that engage with change and time, similar to practice of EMF guided me towards how to approach designing such landscape. The design research was focused on existing Lignum vegetation and how it can be restored and propagated for the future inhabitants and community. Visiting the site and noting various changes after each visit made the design intent more clear as how one can convey such changes. Each visit helped me reposition my design approach and also showed a new vegetation, bird and even a small seasonal wetland. That also helped to keep the connection with the actual landscape while designing for it. Testing out the many options of designing for such landscape elaborated how, in many ways one can engage with change and what criteria’s define the final outcome. Cunningham Swamp can become part of the future suburb as a unique water system that requires cycles of floods to grow.

Conclusion “The landscape is never complete: neither ‘built’ nor ‘unbuilt,’ it is perpetually under construction”. Tim Ingold, Temporality of Landscape, 1993. While designing for the Seasonal project, in each stage the reflection upon this quote helped move forward as no phase is ever the last one, each landscape element is dynamic and moving helped to think about the site as a whole, in different stages, and how unique it is for each time. This research aims to celebrate the seasonal changes and acknowledge them into the design of landscape.

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