Michelle Jia Mei Xu 635683 _ ABPL30060 Urban Precinct Studio _ Assignment 2.2 _ SM2, 2015
SOUTH MELBOURNE - SOUTHBANK - DOMAIN INTERCHANGE
THINKING SOUTH
the Heart of the South; the gateway to Melbourne’s future
the vision
the precinct
The THINKING SOUTH Precinct Structure Plan aims to create ‘the Heart of the South’ through core ideas of growth, connectivity and diversity in the districts of Southbank, South Melbourne and Domain whilst striving towards unity. Designed to maximise the character, heritage, culture and existing infrastructure of the precinct, THINKING SOUTH looks at ways to improve cohesion, enhance liveability and revitalise the project area. A new series of community hubs will be at the centre of establishing networks through the integration of public transport, flourishing interchange points and creating inclusive public urban space. The Southbank arts precinct will be expanded and existing freeway infrastructure will be redeveloped to promote a ‘city for the people’. With opportunities for developing affordable housing and mixed-use buildings, the precinct will be a place of social and environmental resilience that will cater for the future growth of Melbourne.
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The THINKING SOUTH Precinct has three distinctive districts with unique characteristics (modernity and the arts district in Southbank; heritage in South Melbourne; and a budding transport interchange point in Domain) which have the potential to become integrated to create a special characteristic of the site. There is also a general void of character running along the Westgate Freeway and Kings Way segregating these districts.
metropolitan context
4 km
local context
area of interest
There is major segregation between site uses.
contextual problems
Politically, as the precinct lies within two local government authorities (City of Melbourne and City of Port Phillip) there are political issues on strategic planning and satisfying both vision statements.
Major road arterials are hard edges preventing integration.
AFFORDABILITY
Future strategic issues include working together and maintaining joint values and visions.
observed constraints
Locally, there is a lack of affordable housing, which could be an issue for future population growth estimates. A lack of mixed land use and the low density industry areas in the precinct present opportunities to create mix used building developments. Implemtations and expansions of schools and education are also an area which will facilitate growth (there is a lack of connectivity and link between primary and higher education within the site). Separation of the arts district in Southbank and its heritage significant counter part in South Melbourne is also an issue. THINKING SOUTH has fast and wide traffic corridors which are a factor in the lack of vitality and character on the streets. There are many pockets of areas within the precinct which have the potential to be revitalised to encourage pedestrians on the street. Major arterials (such as the Westgate Freeway and Kings Way) are hard edges and pose safety and risk with the (lack of) lighting on the street front and under major highways (elevated roads).
ARTS PRECINCT REVITALISATION
GREENING
issues
potential future issues
The cost of funding and maintanence of proposed actions; strain on existing infrastructure; networking and connectivity within the precinct and to other surrounding local and regional areas; safety and accessibility and maintaining heritage and existing character are all potential issues. Local integration of communities and social unity could be further displaced with a potential lack of acceptance. This results in further segregation of districts, land use and sociodemographics.
WALKABILITY
themes
ALL AGE FRIENDLY
GROWTH
DIVERSITY
CONNECTIVITY
THINKING SOUTH aims to bridge the gap between higher and lower income households and cater for new potential residents through the provision of affordability in all aspects of livability including affordable housing, services and jobs. By implementing new facilities and expanding on existing infrastructure, speculative populations moving into the precinct will be equipped with opportunities to live in an inner city suburb with equity and minimal division.
THINKING SOUTH will embrace its unique character of having an arts district in the north and unite it with its heritage significance in the south to create cohesion. Extension of the arts district will see this precinct create a new colour and become a place for all people including students, artists, local residents and the general public to express themselves through a range of art related mediums.
Matching existing density of housing.
Pockets of empty space will become spaces for artistic expression.
THINKING SOUTH will become a lively and much better integrated environment to be a part of. Responding to the lack of vitality and character under current conditions, this precinct will become a revitalised “city for the people” where people become the most important element. Life will be brought back onto the streetscape as new design measures create invitations for people to share and join in on the constant activity and vitality on the streets.
Increasing more amenities and redeveloping the street front with a pedestrian orientation.
THINKING SOUTH will become the central point which connects the surrounding natural spaces around the precinct including Albert Park, the Royal Melbourne Botanical Gardens, the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay. Streets and infrastructure will become green corridors and stepping stones which will not only benefit the ecology and health of its residents, but also be a sign to highlight the significance of nature.
Utilising void of character space as green corridors.
THINKING SOUTH aims to promote a green and sustainable city through improving walkability throughout the precinct. Major arterials will attract people to walk along and interact with the active frontage of the streets and revitalized amenities through the creation of a better connected network and improved foot, cycle and public transport infrastructure.
Revitalising streetscape to be safer and inviting for pedestrians.
THINKING SOUTH aims to be a people friendly precinct with its core importance placed on a well-connected community. All age friendly areas will be established as a series of community hubs throughout the site near interchange points and will be the unique character to this precinct. A strong sense of belonging in a local and wider community will be facilitated with the future growth of the precinct through the integration of all demographics coming together.
Connecting communities through revitalising underpasses.
objectives LIVEABILITY
VITALITY
opportunities to create a flourishing and well connected precinct within the site and outwards to surroundings.
More affordable housing and better mix used land.
Inspired and influenced by Jan Gehl’s
Open spaces for different types of art.
“first
Revitalising laneways to encourage users.
Greening the streets and connecting to cycle, public transport and pedestrian networks.
Highlighting pedestrian network and encouraging activity on the streets.
UNITY
Establishing community hubs near interchange points and revitalising areas lacking character such as underpasses as all age friendly spaces.
life, then spaces, then buildings” and Jane Jacobs’ “cities [are] for everybody...they are created by everybody”.
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