G L E B E E
SEEDs In harbour
The transformation of Glebe island to an innovation harbour Cover page Image by KRONAVETTER ZSÓFIA
Zihan YU (Hanneli) z5142302
PROGRAM INTRODUCTION
The Bays Precinct has a long history of industrial and economic and cultural development for Sydney from the early 19th century. The land reclamation has changed the glebe island from a natural island with saltmarsh and mangroves to a concrete sealed industrial site, however, left contaminants and other potential crises under the ground. Remediating and activating the bays precinct will be the key solutions to reshape this harbourside precinct.
RESEARCH QUESTION
How to encourage the public to involve in the remediation process thus transforming the bays precinct to an active and innovative harbour?
The design will first focus on the land remediation process with a series of excavation and phytoremediation process. Then it will renovate the remnant heritage assets to a seed bank to collect, store and distribute the phytoremediation plant seeds. Apart from traditional field planting, this project will also explore high-tech planting methods to provide resources to the seed bank. The design will also compromise a new campus, open public spaces, community facilities, commercial and residential area.
#01
SITE ANALYSIS
#02
CONTEXT
Harbour CBD
Greater Sydney
The Bays Precinct
Harbour CBD
Design Area
The Bays Precinct
Central River City Western Parkland City
Eastern Harbour City
A Metropolis of Three Cities (40-year vision and 20-year implementation plan)
The bays will be renovated to a ‘Growth Area and Urban Renewal Corridor’ on the western edge of the Sydney Harbour CBD, and part of an INNOVATION CORRIDOR.
Image Source: Great Sydney Commission 2018, GREATER SYDNEY REGION PLAN - A Metropolis of Three Cities, accessed 20 Nov 2021, < https://www.greater.sydney/metropolis-of-three-cities/introduction>.
SITE ANALYSIS
#03
SITE OPPORTUNITIES – Public opinion
"Leave our history alone"
Concerned local residents formed the group behind the Don't Waste Glebe Island (DWGI) campaign, the Jackson Landing Coalition. They are calling for actions to protect Glebe Island.1
Key message from previous assignment 1. Local love to the site 2. Opportunity to encourage people in remediating and transforming their place
Image Source: Chris Lau, 2021 1. DONTWASTEGLEBEISLAND 2021, accessed 20 Nov 2021, <https://www.dontwasteglebeisland.com.au/>..
SITE ANALYSIS
#04
SITE OPPORTUNITIES – Industrial Remnant
-
Events Materials Public opinion
30 38.4mH cylindrical concrete silos Each having a capacity of 2,400 tonnes
"The reinvention of Silo will bring new life to a significant building from the city's colorful past and will anchor this area as a destination on the Bays Precinct/waterfront“
The Public Key message from previous assignment 1. It has an important historical connection with the development of the grain industry. 2. The silos complex has aesthetic qualities, which is one of the most visible and well-known landmarks, which can be redesigned for future use. 1. EEC 2004, Glebe Island Silos, accessed 10 Nov 2021, <https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=4560016>.
SITE ANALYSIS
#05
SITE OPPORTUNITIES – Future development
40%
5M 4M
The population of Greater Sydney is projected to grow by 40% in the next 40 years.1 New infrastructure and important resources including food resource will be essential to manage such growth.
3M 2M 1M 0 2021
2041
2061
Sustainable Development Goals
Improve gene biodiversity and ensure food safety
Integrate landscape design with a learning experience to increase educational opportunities
Enhance energy efficiency through renewable energy and high-tech landscaping methods
Update facilities and infrastructures to improve sustainability and site quality
1. NSW Government 2021, Bays West Place Strategy, accessed 24 Nov 2021, <https://shared-drupal-s3fs.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/master-test/fapub_pdf/00++Planning+Portal+Exhibitions/Bays+west/Draft+Bays+West+Place+Strategy_low+resolution+version.pdf>.
Improve economic, social and environmental links between the site and the communities
Remediate the contaminated land and local ecological damage.
SITE ANALYSIS
#06
WHY SEED BANK IN THE BAYS PRECINCT?
Seed Bank Global Network
Australian Seed Bank
Sydney Seed Bank
Proposed Seed Bank SA Seed Bank Society is facing unprecedented challenges in the 21st century, including climate changes, ecosystem destruction, pandemics, urban migration and economic change driven by new technologies. Seeds hold the power to regenerate species, promote biodiversity and enable ecosystems to adapt to an ever-changing world.
Australian Plant Bank Australian PlantBank (formerly NSW Seedbank) focuses on horticultural research and conservation of native Australian plant species.
LOCATION Sits in the waterfront, have good transportation network
HISTORY The silos had functions as grain silos, which stored wheat, having the history to ensure food safety. CONTEXT The bays and extensive open space provide water supply and seed resources. FUTURE TREND Urban renewal and need for sustainability and livability
Proposed seed bank could store different experimental and endangered species, which also creates diverse productive scenarios such as labs for pedagogy, interdisciplinary research, and gardens for the public realm.
SITE ANALYSIS
#07
Climate Sun path
Solar radiation
The north direct sunlight is suitable for a series of planting and cultivating programs Opportunities to develop solar energy
Rainfall data1
Annual precipitation: 1000mm Annual stormwater runoff in 1 acre area(assume runoff coefficient is 0.81): 33750m3 1 acre to a 1m depth field over 1 growing season demand2: 5184m3 1 acre to a 1m depth field annual demand: 20736m3 1 Silo water storage capacity: 1908m3
Water storage in 6 silos could meet the total irrigation demand of the site
60% of the rainwater runoff could support the growing fields 1. Weather Atlas 2021, Average rainfall Sydney, accessed 24 Nov 2021, < https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/australia/sydney-climate#daylight_sunshine>. 2. WSJ 2015, The Numbers Behind Agricultural Water Use, accessed 24 Nov 2021, <https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-numbers-behind-agricultural-water-use-1434726353>.
SITE ANALYSIS Topography and hydrology
Overflow direction
#08 1:1000@A3
White Bay
Water logging
Opportunity: Soften the hard surface to reserve water
Opportunity: Construct raingarden to increase water collection efficiency
THOUGHT PROCESS Process log
Tend
Mend Grow it 2-10 YEAR PLAN Phytoremediation Day-to-day farm
Activate it
Is It Possible to Recycle Concrete? Yes, but in a more sustainable way Remediation process
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THOUGHT PROCESS
#10
Vision of the Bays Precinct
THE BAYS 2021
THE BAYS 2061
THOUGHT PROCESS
#11
Principles
Social
Encourage community engagement in different stages of the site regeneration
Enhance biodiversity and increase the resilience to face a series of crises such as food insecurity, land degradation, global warming, etc
Educational
3
Integrate landscape design with a learning experience to increase educational opportunities
INTELLIGENCE
z
Cooperate with scholars and educational institutes to apply high-tech methods, integrate the landscape design with a learning experience
4
RECOGNITION
z
Design for the site, respect the history, culture and unique site qualities, sort the site challenges and assets in the design process, realize the community needs
Sustainable Development Goals
Improve gene biodiversity and ensure food safety
SUSTAINABILITY
2
Ecological
Design
ENGAGEMENT
1
Enhance energy efficiency through renewable energy and high-tech landscaping methods
Update facilities and infrastructures to improve sustainability and site quality
Improve economic, social and environmental links between the site and the communities
Remediate the contaminated land and local ecological damage.
THOUGHT PROCESS
#12
Strategy
IDEA ISSUE SOLUTION
Harbour waterfront remediation as new scenario of life 1. Contaminated land 2. Restricted and bounded 3. Abandoned facilities and structure 4. Habitat and species loss 5. City ruins and wasteland
1. Phytoremediation plant-based solution 2. Dig and create new, sustainable produce 3. Reuse and renovate site infrastructures 4. Seed bank installed 5. SEED for new facilities +CEPTED Strategy
THOUGHT PROCESS
#13
Timeline
Excavation & Phytoremediation experiment
Educational and Innovation corridor
Stage 1
Stage 2
Land transformation
2021 1st block of concrete removed
Closeness of Cement & Sugar Australia
Seed bank installed
2028 Metro station open
Glebe island bridge operated
Campus operated
2030 Phytoremediation seed collected 2031 level of toxic reduced 90%
Design Stage 1 -EXCAVATION & PHYTOREMEDIATION EXPERIMENT
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Section – Existing site conditions 1:500@A3
Concrete slab + Timber wharf
N
Reclaimed land with ballast filling
Gypsum Resources Australia
Silo
Sugar Australia
S
Design Stage 1 -EXCAVATION & PHYTOREMEDIATION EXPERIMENT Detail Section – Edge and Geological condition
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1:100@A3
0.12 m concrete slab
2m depth Contamination
4.1 - 12.7m gravel and sandstone filling
17.6 - 26.0m natural clayey and sandy soil
600mmD Timber Post
9.65 - 31.8m sandstone bedrock
Design Stage 1 -EXCAVATION & PHYTOREMEDIATION EXPERIMENT
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Contamination Investigation Map based on UrbanGrowth NSW’s survey
+ Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) + Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) + BTEX chemicals
Design Stage 1 -EXCAVATION & PHYTOREMEDIATION EXPERIMENT
#17
Design Solutions 2 Manual sorting 1 Excavation Paid work for local residents
6 Concrete structure
3 Crushing and sieving
Use for metro station and other infrastructure construction
Manufacturing plant in SILO Cement raw material
5 Ready mixed concrete in GRA
4 Recycled aggregate
Remove and recycle the concrete slab
500mm Provide additional soil (500mm) and Apply phytoremediation method to treat the contaminated soil
Design Stage 1 -EXCAVATION & PHYTOREMEDIATION EXPERIMENT Action Plan
#18
1:1000@A3
A Concrete Slab to be removed and recycled in Silo & GRA
Excavation and Phytoremediation Area
A Repair the damage that has been caused throughout its long industrial history and integrate this as a learning experience. The concrete surface demolishing and contaminants treating will have significant values in the improvement of the place, which could also support future programs.
Design Stage 1 -EXCAVATION & PHYTOREMEDIATION EXPERIMENT
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Phytoremediation Planting list
Plant selection
Removed contaminants
Copper, Lead, Zinc
Arsenic, Lead
Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Zinc
Aluminium, Arsenic, Lead, Manganese
Arsenic, PAH, Cadmium, Zinc, Nickel
Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, Ar, PAH, Nitrates
Parameters
N
Phytoremediation Field
Sommerville Rd
Section AA – Design Phase 1 1:500@A3
Silo
Sommerville Rd
S
Design Stage 1 -EXCAVATION & PHYTOREMEDIATION EXPERIMENT
#20
Programs during phytoremediation time
Phytoremediation Field Open to the public for educational and experimental trip Contaminants reduced 90% after 10 years
Section AA – Design Phase 2 1:500@A3
Herbarium exhibition showing the status of plants before and after phytoremediation process
CPTED Strategy: Territorial Re-enforcement - Connected to the place Surveillance - Proper lighting conditions
Design Stage 1 -EXCAVATION & PHYTOREMEDIATION EXPERIMENT Concrete slab reuse on site
Retaining Wall
Seating
Existing industrial infrastructures and equipment help to recycle the concrete slab and build gabions
GRA (Gypsum Resources Australia)
Silos (Cement Australia)
Stairs
#21
Design Stage 1 -EXCAVATION & PHYTOREMEDIATION EXPERIMENT
This stage is to repair the damage that has been caused throughout its long industrial history and integrate this as a learning experience. The concrete surface demolishing and recycling, the contaminants treating will have significant values in the improvement of the place, which could also support future programs.
#22
Design Stage 2 – Innovation corridor
#23
Seed Bank working process in the Bays Precinct
Regrow
Rooftop Solar Panel
15% RH and 15°C
Collect
Clean and dry
Exhibit
-18℃
Package + Freeze
Distribute Store
Design Stage 2 – Innovation corridor Proposed PlaN
1：1000@A3
#24
Design Stage 2 – Innovation corridor Circulation PlaN
Walking Path Cycleway Driveway Ferry Route
1：1000@A3 - Proposed metro and bike station will help release the heavy traffic from driveway, making the precinct walkable and bicycle-able. - The cycleway will connect to the Glebe Island Bridge - Set the cat-free zone and carparks for safety in the highlighted innovation zone - Integrate the dock for ferry services
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Design Stage 2 – Innovation corridor Social
#26
Design Stage 2 – Innovation corridor
#27
Activate the space
Timber Wharf
Phytoremediation Field
Nursey/Community Garden Foreshore Boardwalk
GRA (Gypsum Resources Australia)
Silos (Cement Australia)
Community Centre + Café / Rooftop Garden + Open Lawn
Seed Bank + Water Silos
Cement Australia
Campus
Design Stage 2 – Innovation corridor Social Activities in the Glebe Island
#28
1:200@A3
Meetings, festivals, markets, etc
Car-free Zone
Café and dining
Gabion Wall Open lawn
Passive recreation
Meet, plant and harvest Community garden
Seed Exhibition
Lab and class
Design Stage 2 – Innovation corridor
#29
Perspective from the lawn area
Seed Bank Silo
Community Centre
Café and rooftop garden
Gabion Retaining Wall
Lawn Area
Design Stage 2 – Innovation corridor Ecological
#30
Design Stage 2 – Innovation corridor Hydrology PlaN
Water collection zone Overflow direction Collected water flow Recycled water flow
1：1000@A3 - Preserve and integrate overland flows into WSUD system and infrastructures and transfer to the Water Silos for treatment and storage - Treated water will be reused for irrigation and other non-potable purposes -Water discharged to the white bay will be treated and cleaned by this blue-green infrastructure System, which protects waterway health
#31
#32 Perspective from the foreshore boardwalk
Seed Bank
Nursery
Community garden
Timber posts regenerated to seaweed habitats
Boardwalk
#33 Residents – Seed Eater
Seagull
Noise Miner
Indian Parrot
Stink
Design Stage 2 – Innovation corridor Seed Bank in natural systems
It promotes the biological resilience and sustainability of the existing living creatures and the entire ecosystems.
Predator (insects, birds, etc)
Water Wind
Successful germinate and grow Natural seed death
Decay detrivores
#34
Secondary predators
….
Design Stage 2 – Educational and Innovation corridor Educational
Phytoremediation knowledge + Seed bank learning tour
New development of farming New subjects about Genetic engineering, Environmental study, Agriculture study, etc
Traditional cultivation knowledge + how to use the tools Water reuse system
#35
Design Stage 2 – Educational and Innovation corridor
#36
Perspectives – Outdoor classroom
Solar Panel – renewable energy Greenhouse – more reliable and efficient way of farming
Purple pipe – water reuse
Existing rail line – memorize the site history
Gabion Seating – concrete slab reuse
Design Stage 2 – Educational and Innovation corridor Exploring future urban farming – Green House
Natural light and Solar Panel provide energy resource
Hydroponic + Agrivoltaics
CO2
O2 Pump
Water + Nutrient Similar form -Reflect to the site quality
Apart from the traditional farming, the hydroponic way is soilless farming, which is more efficient in water usage (90%) and cultivation time(2 times faster)1.
1. GREENOURPLANET 2021, Benefits of Hydroponics, accessed 29 Nov 2021, <https://greenourplanet.org/hydroponics/benefits-of-hydroponics/>.
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Design Stage 2 – Innovation corridor Summary
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Combing the SEED design with remediating and activating process could transfer the site into an innovation harbour. As the seed bank creates diverse productive scenarios such as labs for education, interdisciplinary research, and gardens for the public realm. While the key to installing the seed bank is not only storing the seed for potential food crises or genetic loss, but to experiment, to create new methods, improved species, to be more innovative, and still keep the SEED in mind.
THANK YOU!