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.
There is major segregation between site uses.
contextual problems
metropolitan context
local context
observed constraints
lack of affordable housing, which could be an issue for future population growth estimates. A government authorities (City lack of mixed land use and the low density industry areas in the precinct present opportunities to create mix used building deof Melbourne and City of Port Phillip) there are politivelopments. Implentations and expansions of schools and education are also an area which will facilitate growth (there is a cal issues on strategic planning and satisfying lack of connectivity and link between primary and higher education within the site). Separation of districts (the both councils. arts district in Southbank and its heritage significant counter part in South Melboune) is also an issue. Politically,
as
the
precinct
lies
within
two
local
Future strategic issues include working together and
maintaining joint values and visions.
Locally, there is a
fast traffic corridors
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lack of vitality and character
THINKING SOUTH has wide and which are a factor in the 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.
hard edges and pose safety and risk with the (lack of) lighting on the street front and under major highways (elevated roads).
Major arterials (such as the Westgate Freeway and Kings Way) are
area of interest
issues
potential future issues
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 mainThe
taining heritage and existing character are all potential issues.
integration of communities and social unity could be further displaced with a potential lack of acceptance. This results in further segregation of disLocal
tricts, land use and sociodemographics.
Major road arterials are hard edges preventing integration.
AFFORDABILITY
ARTS PRECINCT REVITALISATION
GREENING
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 po-
provision
tential residents through the 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
objectives THINKING SOUTH will be a lively and better integrated environment to be a part of. Responding to the lack of
THINKING SOUTH will become the central point which
the surrounding natural spaces character of having an arts district in the vitality and character under current conditions, connects around the precinct including Albert Park, the Royal Melnorth and unite it with its heritage significance in the south to create cohesion. Extension of the arts district will
colour
see this precinct create a new and become a place for all people including students, artists, local residents and the general public to express themselves through a range of
Matching existing density of housing.
art related mediums.
Pockets of empty space will become spaces for artistic expression.
it will become a revitalised “city for the people” where
Life will be brought back onto the streetscape people become the most important element.
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.
bourne 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
health of its residents, but also be a sign to highlight the significance of nature.
ecology and
Utilising void of character space as green corridors.
THINKING SOUTH aims to promote a green and sus-
improving
tainable city through walkability throughout the precinct. Major arterials will attract people to walk along and interact with the activation of street frontages and revitalized amenities through the creation of a better connected and improved foot, cycle and
network 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
community
LIVEABILITY
belonging in a local and wider will be facilitated with the future growth of the precinct through the integration of all demographics coming together.
Connecting communities through revitalising underpasses.
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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