Interspecies Design - Studio 09 Design Thesis

_design thesis Interspecies Design Resolved Design Submission 14.11.20

Vien Nguyen 699430

ABPL90169 - Design Thesis Studio 09 Tutor: Dr Stanislav Roudavski Vien Nguyen 699430

_contents

01 Introduction

Project Overview

Thesis Introduction

Project Vision

Methodology

Return Brief

Precedents 02 The Site

Site Overview

The Subject Site

03 Conceptual Response

Concept Drivers

The Urban Response

Reimagining the Brief

Spatial Analysis

A New Typology

04 Architectural Response

Concept Drivers

Planning

Massing Response

Project Vision

05 Concluding Remarks

Conclusions & Contributions

_Project Overview _Thesis Introduction _Project Vision _Methodology _Return Brief _Precedents

Introduction

01

01.01 Project Overview

Project Overview

Report Structure

This project has been prepared for ABPL90169 Design Thesis in Semester 2 of 2020. The project is a redevelopment of the existing Union House building on the Parkville campus of The University of Melbourne. The proposal will be the new STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) Hub Building for the university, encapsulating multiple faculties to create a new interdisciplinary precinct 1.

The functional requirements of this thesis project have been loosely based on the Functional Brief prepared by Hassell for the University of Melbourne on the 25th of February 2020.

The report will first frame the thesis proposal, demonstrating the process undertaken to reach the thesis statement outlined on the opposing page.

This thesis proposal, however, will build upon the brief set out by Hassell to include further ecological and biodiversity aspirations for the proposed precinct.

This will include a critical analysis of the contemporary building and planning context, before moving on to the development of the project’s vision. A Return Brief summarising the project’s aspirations, objective, functional requirements, and key stakeholders will follow.

Subsequently, details of the project from concept to resolution will be provided before a final project wrap up to conclude the report.

The project will draw upon cues from the following existing frameworks & urban strategies set out by the university and council.

- UoM Biodiversity Management Plan - UoM Sustainability Plan (2017 – 2020) - CoM Parkville Urban Forest Precinct Plan (2015 – 2025) - CoM Urban Forest Strategy (2012 – 2032)

Introduction

- CoM Nature in the City: Thriving Biodiversity and Healthy Ecosystems (2017)

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1. Hassell, ‘The University of Melbourne - STEMM Hub and Life Science Precinct - Functional Brief’, 25 February 2020.

Building upon the functional brief prepared by Hassell to promote biodiversity and the ecological value of the site, the project seeks to create building that attempts to remove the divide between nature and humans through introducing and integrating the natural environment into day-to-day human activity.

It aims to enhance the existing ecological network on site through creating a proposal that creates & faciltates new avenues for ecological movement and synergises human culture and natural ecology through architecture and landscape design.

- Thesis Argument

Introduction

South Lawn at The University of Melbourne. Credit: The University of Melbourne

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01.02 Introduction

“Man in space is enabled to look upon the distant earth, a celestial orb, a revolving sphere. He sees it to be green, from the verdure on the land, algae greening the oceans, a green celestial fruit. Looking closely at the earth, he perceives blotches, black, brown and grey and from these extend dynamic tentacles upon the green epidermis.

These blemishes he recognizes as the cities and works of man and asks, “Is man but a planetary disease?”

- Lecture from Loren Eiseley in the series, “The House We Live In” 1961.

Significance Quoted in the 1961 series “The House We Live In”, renowned American Philosopher Loren Eiseley compares human development as a plague on the surface of the Earth. Almost 60 years later, his comments have never been truer or more relevant.

Introduction

In an era of exponential population growth, urbanisation has proven itself to be an unrelenting force scarring the face of the once green planet. It is estimated more than 50% of the world’s population lived in urban areas in 2015, this number is projected to reach 66% by 2050 2. Urbanisation is here, and it is here to stay. Its effects are no longer limited to its physical footprint on the ground, with plumes of man-made gases pumped into the atmosphere, no single point on the planet has been able to escape the effects of man’s urbanisation and growth. Look no further than the fetishized city skyline of New York to the rolling hills of houses in Mexico City, urbanisation’s mark on the natural landscape is irrefutable.

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As cities choke through their smog and the oceans rise around them, the natural landscapes and forests continue to be mercilessly carved up to make way for towering concrete jungles. Needing no introduction, the significant reduction of vegetation and increase of impermeable surfaces has led to the urban heat island effect, impacting negatively on its surrounding environment and health of its inhabitants 3. Beyond this, and often removed from man’s egocentric thinking, the creation and expansions of cities cause immense and permanent change upon the natural environment and critical ecological systems. Its unwanted 2. Angela Heymans et al., ‘Ecological Urban Planning and Design: A Systematic Literature Review’, Sustainability 11, no. 13 (8 July 2019): 3723, https://doi.org/10/gg87q6.

3. Heymans et al.

welcome poses a significant threat to species diversity and ecosystems 4. Profound changes to land use patterns often cause habitat fragmentation and degradation whilst the alteration of hydrological, energy flow and nutrient recycling patterns forcibly alter the natural processes of the landscape 5.

Beyond the physical impacts of cities on the natural landscape, lies a more daunting and sinister fact, that makes Loren Eiseley’s comments more relevant than ever before.

The proliferation of urbanisation and its resulting destruction of the natural world is creating an increasingly greater divide between man and nature. Here, in contemporary cities, natural flows and processes of the landscape are abolished and replaced with straight lines and right angles, dictated by rulers, pens and paper. The processes and flows of cities pay no dues to the natural ones it replaces; it forges no relationship with the natural world except turning its back on it. Therein lies an ominous future for the planet and its inhabitants, with two worlds struggling to live together nor understand each other.

Ian Mcharg, one of the most prolific and influential landscape architects in recent history, asserted in 1969 stating that “if nature is brought into the foreground, it is only to be conquered” 6. Yet even in the contemporary context, the comment remains as relevant and powerful as ever. Whilst green space and vegetation is slowly being reintroduced into cities, its forced and clinical inclusion as parks and gentrified green spaces often serve only romanticise the natural world as a means of achieving bottom-line financial targets and portraying the false values of corporations. This exploitation of the natural landscape creates a false sense of understanding and compassion in man, further illustrating the disconnect between the two worlds through the assertion of power and dominance.

Gap There needs to be a fundamental change in the way we approach the built environment. Ecological viability needs to have the same seat on the table as a triple bottom line and careful consideration needs to be placed when planning or designing new projects. Ecology, biodiversity and the natural environment needs to be considered as a key stakeholder from the formulation of the design brief through to the entirety 4. Heymans et al.

5. Heymans et al.

6. Ian L. McHarg, Design with Nature (J. Wiley, 1992).

of the project lifecycle and beyond. To allow this to happen, the convergence of the natural and man-made world must occur, allowing both sides to organically learn to live with one another, forging a dynamic and strong relationship between two.

Whilst there has been a renewed focus on ecological and environmental design, there are some limitations to contemporary projects and schools of thought. Many current landscape architecture (and architectural) projects often fall into the trap of being purely ornamental with little to no ecological contribution to its urban or natural context 7.

This project and site present a unique opportunity to explore the entwining of the natural and human worlds. In its current state, The University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus lacks strong and meaningful connections between human culture and natural ecology. Faculties are often confined to conditioned buildings whose function does not cater for nor facilitate connection between human and nonhuman occupants. Even an expansive area of vegetation such as South Lawn provides minimal overlap with human programme, serving mostly for recreation and respite whilst educational functions lay on its flanks in conditioned boxes devoid of any meaningful relationship to the landscape.

fundamental stakeholder. The project seeks to serve as an architectural and cultural experiment, one that facilitates the convergence of the human and natural world through ecological design. It aims to observe the interspecies interactions between the two cultures, adapting and responding to their dynamic and everchanging relationship.

Through undertaking this at the pinnacle of the Australian and international academic stage, the project aspires to set an example and act as a catalyst towards the fundamental change required to approach design in a world ravaged by divide between human culture and the natural world.

The Hills of Mexico City, The Proliferation of Urbanism. Credit: Pablo Lopez Luz

The discrepancy between human and ecological needs are also illustrated through the University’s major projects pipeline. This is evident through the STEMM Hub and Life Science Precinct Functional Brief prepared by Hassell for the University. While providing thorough analysis and forecasting for future building use requirements, its objectives and aspirations mostly revolve around satisfying human requirements. It is apparent that there is a clear lack of consideration of the natural ecology and its relevant stakeholders. Flora, fauna and biodiversity are not important considerations within the brief.

Opportunity

This thesis project challenges the notion of a purely humancentric brief, seeking to consider the natural ecology as a 7.Richard Weller, ‘Landscape (Sub)Urbanism in Theory and Practice’, Landscape Journal 27, no. 2 (2008): 247–267, https://doi.org/10/bs9bk6.

Introduction

This project wished to address this, viewing the brief and site as an opportunity to question the fundamental values of the brief and traditional approaches to architecture.

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01.03 Project Vision

Towards a New Urban Ecology - Question & Hypothesis It is the gap in landscape urbanism and ecological design that this thesis project wishes to explore.

The project asks a relatively simple question, how can natural landscapes and processes be integrated into zones of established urbanisation?

While broad, from this question, stems a plethora of potential rich avenues for exploration. The project itself will hone in on examining the dynamic and evolving relationship between the urban and natural landscape through the urban context of The University of Melbourne. It will explore the overlap and entwinement of two systems and schools of thoughts.

Speculating how a singular condition can emerge from the forces and interactions between them, where neither nature nor man is superimposed and distributed, but rather emerging and stemming from one another.

Utilising the functional brief prepared by Hassell as its starting point for spatial requirements and aspirations, the project seeks to create a project that attempts to remove the divide between nature and human through the assimilation of human activity within the natural environment. It aims to overlap human and natural ecological systems, entwining the two worlds into a single project that emerges from the forces of its context. The project ultimately seeks to express the site’s multiplicity of human and non-human processes, uncovering the aesthetic of a contextual and hybrid ecological landscape.

Introduction

Capitalising the project’s unique position within an academic context, the project’s overall aspiration is to create an intervention capable of nurturing a generation of leaders equipped with ecological sensibility - steering the discourse of building & planning towards a future that recognises the importance of integrating the natural landscape and its processes into urbanisation.

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Photo of the Natural Landscape of South Eastern Victoria, illustrating an aesthetic stemming from natural ecological processes .Credit: Tim Allen

Introduction

Capitalising the project’s unique position within an academic context, the project’s overall aspiration is to create an intervention capable of nurturing a generation of leaders equipped with ecological sensibility - steering the discourse of building & planning towards a future that recognises the importance of integrating the natural landscape and its processes into urbanisation.

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01.04 Methodology

To realise the project vision of combining human culture and natural ecology through design, a strategic approach was implemented. First, a thorough analysis of the existing functional brief was conducted to determine the underlying objectives and aspirations for the project in its present state. This in conjunction with the preliminary functional requirements, formulated a starting point for the return brief.

A research process was then commenced into the fields of biology, ecology, landscape urbanism and ecological urbanism to build a primary understanding of the relationship between human and natural functions via design. This research would later inform additional objectives and aspirations for the project, building in new ecological and biodiversity agendas into the return brief. This in turn influenced the functional requirements of the project to suit the new objectives.

Introduction

By integrating ecology into the very core of the brief, the design process and outcome can inherently consider both human and non-human functions as a collective and integrated design driver.

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Introduction

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01.05 Return Brief

Aspirations & Objectives Deriving from the project vision and analysis of the existing functional brief, the project has identified two new aspirations in addition to the nine defined in the existing brief. Given the limited time of this thesis project, the scope of focus will be largely centred around these new objectives, with the existing nine to be retained as a background considerations: 1. Educate and nurture an ecologically empathetic and sensitive generation of students & professionals At a high level, the project aspires to influence the discourse of future generations through the education and nurturing of ecologically sensitive students, propelling the importance of biodiversity and the need to integrate natural ecologies into the contemporary urban realm.

2. To create a thriving ecosystem on campus It wishes to foster a strong relationship between human and natural ecology through introducing a thriving human-natural ecosystem on campus. The project serves as a test pilot for various approaches towards achieving a unified natural and human-made architectural development. This will be done through a systems approach, where the processes of human and non-human systems are overlapped to develop the built form.

The existing aspirations as per the The University of Melbourne - STEMM Hub and Life Science Precinct Functional Brief, 2020.

Teaching & Learning 1.

Provide a transformative student experience

2.

Foster inspirational learning and teaching

3. Create a platform for curriculum delivery growth and innovation 4.

Manifest a sense of place and purpose

Research 1.

Bring together researchers to create a new home for Life Science research at Melbourne

2.

Create a highly collaborative environment to grow a culture of interdisciplinary and convergent research at Melbourne with a focus on the Life Science while maintaining disciplinary depth

3.

Enhance Life Science impact through the provision of high-quality research infreastructure

4.

Enhance opportunities for the Life Science to meaningfully engage with external stakeholders, industry and the public

Introduction

5. Make the Precinct an exemplar of sustainability through

both high level environmental and financial/operational performance

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Each of the preceding aspirations are broken down into key objectives that the project aims to achieve.

Objectives for Aspiration 1 - Ecologic Education

Objectives for Aspiration 2 - A Thriving Ecosystem

Combined Human & Non-Human Objectives

Non-Human/Ecological Objectives

- Ability to see tangible change in the greater urban context in terms of initiatives/projects that place more importance on biodiversity & ecology. Assessed at project milestones (1 year, 3 years, 5 years etc.).

- Focus on interspecies collaboration & research alongside interdisciplinary ones. Spatial planning of buildings

- Increase ratio of permeable to impermeable surfaces onsite to 60:40 over the next 30 years. Staged according to masterplan - Tree cover to make up at least 50% (subject to change) over the next 30 years - Increase biodiversity on site, biodiversity targets to be confirmed – should be in line with the masterplan. Success assessed via case study analysis of species pool below - Case Study Species Pool

- Native bird population (Urban Sensitive category)

- Native and introduced plant population to support resilience and biodiversity

Human Objectives - Functional spaces, based on Unimelb SOA prepared

by Hassell. Additional functional category added Natural Ecological Zones.

Introduction

- Create an industry-leading precinct that benchmarks the integration of ecology and pedagogy. The idea of the campus as a living laboratory and an educator in and of itself.

Facilitation of learning through day-to-day experience and interaction with the natural landscape.

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_Functional Requirements Programmatically, the project will house a variety of functions and faculties that have been based on the Schedule of Accommodation specified by Hassell. However, building upon the briefed requirements stipulated in the document, the proposal also aspires to promote biodiversity and ecological value of the site through the inclusion of a Natural Ecological Zone (NEZ). This is included as a separate line item in the schedule of accommodation and is viewed with the same importance as the remainder of the functional requirements.

Introduction

Split into two primary functions, the NEZ includes 10000 sqm of area as a shared natural/human ecological zone which aims to foster a strong relationship between both parties.

Additionally, 5000 sqm will be reserved as a segregated natural ecological zone, acting as a refuge for non-human inhabitants away from the activity of human-associated activity. This zone serves to promote the site as a viable habitat for potentially urban sensitive species.

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The diagram below illustrates how the functional requirements have been adjusted from Hassell's schedule of accommodation (left) to the proposed project (right)

sqm GFA PUBLIC/SHARED SPACE PUBLIC/SHARED5,800 SPACE

5,800 sqm GFA

EDU - 1ST YEAR STEMM EDU - 1ST YEAR 16,250 STEMMsqm GFA

16,250 sqm GFA

sqm GFA PUBLIC/SHARED SPACE PUBLIC/SHARED5,800 SPACE

5,800 sqm GFA

EDU - 1ST YEAR STEMM EDU - 1ST YEAR 16,250 STEMMsqm GFA

16,250 sqm GFA

2,110 sqm GFA EDU - 2nd YEAR BIOSCIENCES EDU - 2nd YEAR BIOSCIENCES

2,110 sqm GFA

1,985 sqm GFA EDU 2nd YEAR AGRICULTURE EDU 2nd YEAR AGRICULTURE

RESEARCH

2,110 sqm GFA EDU - 2nd YEAR BIOSCIENCES EDU - 2nd YEAR BIOSCIENCES

2,110 sqm GFA

1,985 sqm GFA EDU 2nd YEAR AGRICULTURE EDU 2nd YEAR AGRICULTURE

1,985 sqm GFA

1,985 sqm GFA

11,730 sqm GFA

11,730 sqm GFA

6,755 sqm GFA PLATFORM SPACES PLATFORM SPACES

6,755 sqm GFA

SUPPORT

4,345 sqm GFA

4,345 sqm GFA

10,000 sqm GFA SHARED NATURALSHARED NATURAL ECOLOGICAL ZONE ECOLOGICAL ZONE

10,000 sqm GFA

5,000 sqm GFA SECLUDED NATURAL SECLUDED NATURAL ECOLOGICAL ZONE ECOLOGICAL ZONE

5,000 sqm GFA

11,730 sqm GFA

6,755 sqm GFA PLATFORM SPACES PLATFORM SPACES

6,755 sqm GFA

SUPPORT

SUPPORT

4,345 sqm GFA

4,345 sqm GFA

TOTAL AREA

TOTAL AREA

48,975 sqm GFA

48,975 sqm GFA

TOTAL AREA

SUPPORT

TOTAL AREA

63,975 sqm GFA

63,975 sqm GFA

Introduction

11,730 sqm GFA

ADDITIONAL NATURAL ECOLOGICAL ZONE

RESEARCH

ADDITIONAL NATURAL ECOLOGICAL ZONE

RESEARCH

RESEARCH

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_Stakeholders/Agents The project aims to cater to three primary stakeholders as outlined below

Staff, students & visitors

Native Vegetation Species

Native Bird Population

The project’s base user group will be staff, students and visitors of the human-associated functions of the proposal. Their specific requirements vary based on programme which ranges from research labs to lecture theatres and shared public space.

Envisioned as part of the proposal’s non-human & ecological aspirations, the project considers native vegetation species as a key stakeholder. Its requirements will depend on the specific species selected

To increase biodiversity on site, the local native bird population will also be considered as a key stakeholder to the project. Studies have shown that large areas of vegetation have proven to have a positive impact on the population of the native bird species 9, tying this agent in closely with the success of the vegetation species. Additionally, the consideration of birds as a stakeholder will be closely related the general biodiversity population as they have proven to be accurate biodiversity indicators in the urban realm 10.

Introduction

Photo credit: Unimelb

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To be successfully integrated, appropriate planting substrates, soil conditions, nutrition and solar access will be required. This user group includes ground layers, shrub layers, understorey vegetation and overstorey vegetation. Importance will be placed on understorey growth given its significant impact on biodiversity 8.

Photo credit: Rick Dawson

Photo credit: Reddit 8. Caragh G. Threlfall et al., ‘Increasing Biodiversity in Urban Green Spaces through Simple Vegetation Interventions’, Journal of Applied Ecology 54, no. 6 (2017): 1874–83, https://doi. org/10/gck9sd.

9. White et al., ‘Surviving Urbanisation: Maintaining Bird Species Diversity in Urban Melbourne’.

10. Threlfall et al., ‘Increasing Biodiversity in Urban Green Spaces through Simple Vegetation Interventions’.

Introduction

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01.06 Precedents

James Corner Field Operations (JFCO) – Freshkills Park (Staten Island, New York)

Diller Scofidio+Renfro / JFCO – The High Line (New York)

JFCO proposes to turn a former landfill into a thriving parkland through a 30-year masterplan that encapsulates seeding and the growth of the natural landscape within a dilapidated environment. Its staging strategy is a useful precedent in how to plan natural landscapes over time.

However, the site exists outside of the dense urban fabric, therefore its execution may need to be adjusted to suit the context of The University of Melbourne

The project is a useful precedent in illustrating strategies to bring the natural landscape into a dense urban environment.

However, its biodiversity contribution may be limited, and the project has led to the gentrification of its surrounding suburbs, effectively putting a price on the natural landscape.

The thesis project seeks to make the natural landscape accessible to all.

Introduction

Photo Credit: James Corner Field Operations

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Photo Credit: Diller Scofidio+Renfro

Reiser Umemoto – Kansai National Diet Library (Kyoto, Japan)

This project is an exemplar for the development of a public building that encapsulates the existing urban infrastructure, breathing new life into an industrial area of the city. The landform building includes a museum, exhibition and education spaces. However, despite being green, it does not seem to contribute to ecological processes or increasing biodiversity in the greater urban context.

This proposal for the Kansai National Diet Library by RUR illustrates a systems-based project that overlaps the two typologies of smooth (fluid) and striated (delimited) space 11.

It is a great example of how two entirely different Deleuzian systems can be incorporated into a project, this could extend to this project through the overlapping of natural and humanmade systems.

Photo Credit: Weiss/Mandfredi

Photo Credit: Reiser Umemoto

11. Brett Steele, ‘Smoothly Striated: Reiser + Umemoto’s Kansai Library’, AA Files, no. 36 (1998): 14.

Introduction

Weiss/Manfredi – Seattle Olympic Sculpture Park (Seattle)

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02

_Site Overview

The Site

_The Subject Site

02.01 Site Overview

Located on the Northern outskirts of the Melbourne CBD, the site is situated at the centre of The University of Melbourne’s Parkville Campus. With Royal Park residing to its NorthEast and a series of parks on its Southern edge, the site is uniquely positioned to potentially capitalise upon these environmental connections.

From an urban perspective, the subject site is well connected with multiple tram routes flanking the university on Royal Parade and Swanston Street. A new metro railway station is also under construction at the heart of the campus, solidifying the site’s connection back to the CBD. Currently, there are multiple frameworks and strategies in place promoting sustainability and biodiversity on site. The project seeks to build upon these documents to deliver a proposal that is true to the ecological aspirations of Parkville.

The relevant frameworks are: - The University of Melbourne Biodiversity Plan - The City of Melbourne Parkville Urban Forest Precinct Strategy (2015 2025) - The City of Melbourne Nature in the City: Thriving Biodiversity and Healthy Ecosystems (2017)

The Site

Right: Map of Parkville.

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Credit: Nearmaps

25

The Site

_Existing Urban Network

The Site

To analyse the urban context from both a human and ecological lens, two maps have been produced to illustrate the differences in their respective networks on site.

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The map above illustrates the existing urban network for the site, highlighting building footprints as well as the pedestrian and vehicular network.

_Existing Natural Network

The Site

The map above illustrates the existing tree canopy cover on site as well we the geological ground condition, different shades of grey in the background represents differing ground types

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02.02 The Subject Site

The Site

Situated at the heart of Unimelb’s Parkville campus, the subject site is located at the existing Union House building, highlighted in dark grey in the adjacent map.

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UNIVERSI TY OVAL

ROYAL PA

RADE

BEAUREP AIRE CENTRE UNIVERIS TY HOUSE

TIN ALL

BALDWIN SPENCE R

MSD

OLD PHYSIC S

RAYMO N PRIEST D LEY

BALLIEU LIBRARY

OLD ARTS

SOUTH LA

WN

SWANS

NATURA PHILOS L OPHY

TON ST

REET

EY

_The Subject Site

The Site

Given the site is not constrained by any formal parcel boundaries, a radius of 100m from the centre of Union House was used as an area for preliminary analysis.

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SITE BOUNDARY 31,415 sqm 100%

BUILDING FOOTPRINT 7,278 sqm 23.2%

IMPERMEABLE SURFACES 26,586 sqm 84.7%

PERMEABLE SURFACES 4,822 sqm 15.3%

TREE COVER 7,593 sqm 24.2%

NET VEGETATION AREA 9,471 sqm 30.1%

The Site

Given the project’s aspiration to include a Natural Ecological Zone, a study of permeable vs impermeable surfaces is important for water runoff & potential nutritional zones for vegetation. The diagrams on the adjacent page illustrate the proportion of site taken up by previous and impervious areas. Unsurprisingly, much of the subject site is covered with area that disallows water penetration (84.7%), leaving only 15.3% to be potentially adequate for planting. This severely limits the ability to create a thriving ecological zone with an abundance of vegetation. Increasing surface permeability will be a key driver for the project.

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_The Natural Network _Reimagining the Brief _Spatial Typologies _A New Typology

Concept Response

03

03.01 Concept Drivers

To respond to the overarching brief and project aspirations, establishing an understanding of the definition of ecology is essential. Whilst Oxford definition defines it as a “branch of biology that deals with organisms to one another and their physical surroundings�, in a contemporary context within design and beyond, the definition has expanded to encapsulate a plethora of fields and disciplines. These range from landscape ecology to human ecology, deep ecology and beyond 12. Understanding the plurality of the word is an important starting point for engagement.

Drawing from the three parallel genealogies of ecology defined by Chris Reed and Nina-Marie Lister, humanities, natural sciences and design 13, the project utilises these core disciplines as its foundational base. Adapted to suit the overarching aspirations of the project, the project’s conceptual response to the brief seeks to investigate the confluence of Human Culture (Humanities) and Natural Ecology (Natural Sciences) through the vehicle of Architecture and Landscape (Design). It is the convergence of these three disciplines which will be the fundamental driver to the project.

Human Culture speaks to the overarching programme and functions of human-based behaviour. Within the project, this encapsulates quantifiable components such as the functional programming of the building (ie research laboratories, formal teaching spaces, public spaces etc.), as well as social behaviours, both collective and individual. This includes the relationship between people, public space and the natural environment.

Natural Ecology represents the flourishment of biodiversity, vegetation and their associated ecological processes. It captures the ecological aspirations and objectives of the overall project and serves to represent a fundamental driver that is often overlooked in contemporary projects.

Concept Response

Architecture & Landscape will act as the medium and organising device in which the Human Culture and Natural Ecology will meet.

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12. Chris Reed and Nina-Marie E. Lister, Projective Ecologies (Harvard University Graduate School of Design, 2020).

13. Reed and Lister.

HUMAN CULTURE

NATURAL ECOLOGY

HUMANITIES*

NATURAL SCIENCES*

ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPE DESIGN*

* = Parallel Genealogies of Ecology as defined by Chris Reed & Nina-Marie Lister

Concept Response

Above. The project's fundamental driver is the convergence of Human Culture, Natural Ecology and Architecture & Landscape.

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03.02 The Urban Response - An Ecological Stepping Stone

The map on the adjacent page illustrates the currently proposed biodiversity corridors for the Parkville 14 and Carlton 15 precincts as per the City of Melbourne Urban Forest Strategy. It proposes to connect Royal Park in the North West to the Carlton Gardens in the South-East via an East-West connection that runs through University Square, Lincoln Square and Argyle Square respectively.

Concept Response

Unfortunately, these documents do not consider the UoM’s campus as a contributing opportunity (potentially due to its private ownership). This thesis project proposes to address this, envisioning the subject site of the existing UoM Union House as part of this biodiversity network. Creating an ecological stepping stone for the safe movement of fauna from Royal Park through the heart of the university and connecting to University Square.

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12. City of Melbourne, ‘Parkville Urban Forest: Precinct Plan 2015-2025’ (Melbourne: City of Melbourne, 2015).

13. City of Melbourne, ‘Carlton Urban Forest Precinct Plan 2013-2023’, 2013.

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Concept Response

Upon closer examination of the potential biological corridor opportunities, a significant existing ecological network can be seen. The map on the left illustrates the 5 closest connections between areas of vegetation within a 20m radius of one another, giving rise to a vegetation network shown with the pink lines.

Concept Response

Similarly, when inspecting the subject site with this network strategy, it is possible to see existing ecological flows. The plan above illustrates how a strong continuous flow can be drawn through the existing vegetation from Systems Garden (West of the plan) to the MSD Forecourt (East of the plan). This existing ecological connective route forms a pseudo site boundary for the project, aspiring to retain and enhance this network through a built proposal.

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03.02 Reimagining the Brief

Earlier in the report, a more traditional breakdown of educational programme was proposed, with the new ecological functions of site incorporated as a separate line item and seemingly independent of the human educational programme.

With the project seeking to combine human function with natural ecological ones, it is important to challenge this notion of a traditionally segregated programming strategy.

Instead of separating the briefed programme into its relevant faculties, this proposal maps specific spatial typologies and characteristics into a gradient between human and ecological function. It recognises briefed programme do not exist solely to serve human or ecological function, but there are opportunities for overlap and the relevance to both parties.

Concept Response

This gradient approach facilitates richer and more diverse interactions between not only disciplines but species pools.

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PUBLIC/SHARED SPACE

HUMAN PROGRAMMING

WET LABS FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

EDU - 1ST YEAR STEMM

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

COMPUTER LABS WORKPLACE MULTIONICS LABS FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

EDU 2nd YEAR BIOSCIENCES EDU 2nd YEAR AGRICULTURE

DRY LABS

RESEARCH

LECTURE THEATRES PUBLIC SPACE (CONDITIONED) INFORMAL STUDY INFORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

RETAIL FOOD & BEVERAGE

PLATFORM SPACES

PUBLIC SPACE (UNCONDITIONED) SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

GREENHOUSES / CONTROLLED NEZ

SUPPORT

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

ANIMAL HOUSE INSECTARY TrACEES PLATFORM

AQUATIC ZONE GROUND COVER SECLUDED NATURAL ECOLOGICAL ZONE

SHRUB LAYER UNDERSTOREY GROWTH CANOPY ZONE ECOLOGICAL PROGRAMMING

SECLUDED WILDING ZONES

Above: Diagram illustrating the shift from a traditional strategy of segregated programming to one based on a gradient of relationships

Concept Response

ADDITIONAL NATURAL ECOLOGICAL ZONE

AGRICULTURAL ZONE SHARED NATURAL ECOLOGICAL ZONE

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Below: Diagram illustrating the briefed programme in a gradient of function from Human (pink) to ecological (green)

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES TrACEES PLATFORM

BOH

WET LABS

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES MULTIONICS LABS MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

Concept Response

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

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FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

WORKPLACE

COMPUTER LABS

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

DRY LABS

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

RETAIL + F&B

GLASSHOUSE

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

AQUATIC HABITAT

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

Concept Response

LECTURE THEATRES

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Food & Beverage / Public Plaza

Lecture / Public / Learning

125 m

150 m

Research / Agriculture / Workplace 75 m

Research / Public Plaza

Professor's Walk 50 m

100 m

Existing 25 m

Existing

Below: The diagram below illustrates a vision for diverse human & ecological planning in the project, It maps out proposed functions in section between Systems Garden and the Melbourne School of Design. A single coloured line for both human and natural function, is traced laterally to highlight the continuous nature of the programming of both parties. Together, these lines show an intermingling and entwining of function, giving rise to a rich and diverse functional experience for both humans and non-humans

Natural Human

44

Systems Garden

0m

Concept Response

West

Melbourne School of Design

Concept Response

325 m

300 m

275 m

250 m

225 m

200 m

175 m

Natural Human

East

45

Existing

Existing

Natural Habitat

Natural Habitat

Natural Habitat

Public / Learning / Roosting

03.03 Spatial Analysis

SPATIAL TYPOLOGY ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONING

Building upon the notion of gradient based programming, further analysis was conducted to examine the spatial typologies of each of the programmes in relation to a set of criteria. The following set of diagrams contain two sets of information. First, the coloured diagram indicates the relationship of the function to human or ecological requirements. The second grey scale diagram indicates closedness of built volume from strictly sealed (black) to completely open (light grey). This is useful in understanding how built architectural form can respond to the changing analysis criteria. The size of the bubbles are closely related to their respective area requirements in the brief.

STRICTLY CONTROLLED MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

WET LABS

TrACEES PLATFORM MULTIONICS LABS

GLASSHOUSE

CLOSED/CONDITIONED DRY LABS COMPUTER LABS FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

WORKPLACE

BOH

LECTURE THEATRES

SEMI - OPEN/CONTROLLED

_Criteria 1: Spatial Conditioning

Concept Response

When examining the programme through the lens of spatial conditioning, it is apparent that research labs are required to be sealed off with its environmental condition closely monitored and managed. Moving further down the chart, formal learning & teaching spaces along with workplace are typically required to be conditioned whilst public spaces & informal study may exist in a semi opened format. At the open and uncontrolled end of the spectrum lies most of the ecological programme which resides completely open to air.

46

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

RETAIL + F&B

OPEN TO AIR GLASSHOUSE

AGRICULTURAL ZONE SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

AQUATIC HABITAT

The built volume colouring of this diagram (opposing page) illustrates a 1:1 relationship with the spatial conditioning requirements.

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

UNCONTROLLED

SPATIAL TYPOLOGY ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONING

STRICTLY CONTROLLED MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

WET LABS

TrACEES PLATFORM MULTIONICS LABS

GLASSHOUSE

CLOSED/CONDITIONED DRY LABS COMPUTER LABS FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

WORKPLACE

BOH

LECTURE THEATRES

SEMI - OPEN/CONTROLLED

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

RETAIL + F&B

OPEN TO AIR GLASSHOUSE

AGRICULTURAL ZONE SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

UNCONTROLLED

Concept Response

AQUATIC HABITAT

47

SPATIAL TYPOLOGY NATURAL LIGHT REQUIREMENTS

_Criteria 2: Natural Light

MAXIMUM NATURAL LIGHT REQUIRED

From the perspective of natural light requirements, the diagram seems almost flipped from the spatial conditioning series. With labs and extremely closed off programme also not requiring much natural light given their strict environmental requirements.

Again, teaching & learning spaces live close to the middle of the gradient requiring a moderate amount of natural light. Though, from a physiological perspective, the more the better. At the top end of the chart lives most of the ecological programme, with many requiring an adequate amount of light to facilitate ecological processes.

Built volume is also inversely proportional to the spatial conditioning analysis.

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATIC HABITAT

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

RETAIL + F&B

MEDIUM NATURAL LIGHT

FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

WORKPLACE

DRY LABS

GLASSHOUSE

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

LECTURE THEATRES

COMPUTER LABS

MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

TrACEES PLATFORM

Concept Response

MULTIONICS LABS

48

WET LABS BOH

MINIMAL NATURAL LIGHT

SPATIAL TYPOLOGY NATURAL LIGHT REQUIREMENTS

MAXIMUM NATURAL LIGHT REQUIRED AGRICULTURAL ZONE

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATIC HABITAT

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

RETAIL + F&B

MEDIUM NATURAL LIGHT

FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

WORKPLACE

DRY LABS

GLASSHOUSE

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

LECTURE THEATRES

COMPUTER LABS

MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

TrACEES PLATFORM

WET LABS BOH

MINIMAL NATURAL LIGHT

Concept Response

MULTIONICS LABS

49

SPATIAL TYPOLOGY VIEWS FROM REQUIREMENTS

_Criteria 3: Views

VIEWS REQUIRED

When examining the requirements for views to and from the programme, the diagram begins to exhibit some interesting changes. Labs & research spaces remain relatively unchanged due to the nature of the programme.

However, a shift is observed between the ecological functions and the teaching & learning + workplace. Whilst requiring the most natural light, much of the ecological programme does not require views given the nature of the stakeholders that it services, with priority being given to connectivity and an minimisation of disturbances.

Being a more human oriented criteria, workplace, teaching & learning spaces as well as public spaces would require the most views to and from.

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY RETAIL + F&B

WORKPLACE FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

LECTURE THEATRES

AQUATIC HABITAT DRY LABS COMPUTER LABS

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

GLASSHOUSE

TrACEES PLATFORM

Concept Response

MULTIONICS LABS

50

WET LABS BOH

VIEWS NOT REQUIRED

SPATIAL TYPOLOGY VIEWS FROM REQUIREMENTS

VIEWS REQUIRED

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY RETAIL + F&B

WORKPLACE FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

LECTURE THEATRES

AQUATIC HABITAT DRY LABS COMPUTER LABS

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

GLASSHOUSE

TrACEES PLATFORM

WET LABS BOH

VIEWS NOT REQUIRED

Concept Response

MULTIONICS LABS

51

SPATIAL TYPOLOGY EXTERNAL DISTURBANCE SENSISTIVITY

_Criteria 4: External Disturbance Sensitivity

EXTERNALLY SENSITIVE

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

The final criteria for analysis investigates a programme’s tolerance to external disturbances. Unsurprisingly, labs and their associated spaces can be considered as sensitive to external factors, thus potentially requiring them to be in zones that would minimise external influence. The Secluded Ecological Refuge Zone is also equally, if not more, sensitive to disturbances.

As its function is to primarily create a zone for ecological wilding and refuge away from human activity, its tolerance for disturbances is low, meaning careful design around this will be required.

MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

WET LABS

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

GLASSHOUSE

TrACEES PLATFORM MULTIONICS LABS

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

Further down the chart the bulk of the programming adapts well to activity and disturbances, allowing them to be located more freely than the aforementioned functions.

AQUATIC HABITAT

COMPUTER LABS

DRY LABS

BOH

LECTURE THEATRES FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

WORKPLACE

RETAIL + F&B

Concept Response

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

52

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

EXTERNALLY TOLERANT

SPATIAL TYPOLOGY EXTERNAL DISTURBANCE SENSISTIVITY

EXTERNALLY SENSITIVE

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

WET LABS

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

GLASSHOUSE

TrACEES PLATFORM MULTIONICS LABS

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

AQUATIC HABITAT

COMPUTER LABS

DRY LABS

BOH

LECTURE THEATRES FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

WORKPLACE

RETAIL + F&B

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

EXTERNALLY TOLERANT

Concept Response

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

53

03.04 A New Typology

Traditionally, universities have gravitated toward the segregation of faculties into multiple medium-low rise buildings spread across the campus. This sprawled typology of planning fragments and divides the natural landscape and social networks between human and non-human users alike.

It is dated and not conducive to facilitating strong ecological or learning environments.

This project proposes to reimagine approaches of planning to the education typology, one that capable of fostering a thriving ecological landscape within it. To do this, the previous programmatic analysis in section 03.04 will be used to explore spatial arrangements in section. The following set of diagrams illustrate potential layouts, outlining their opportunities and limitations. Similar to the previous section, the coloured diagram illustrates the programme’s relationship to the human-ecological spectrum, whilst the greyscale version represents sealed building volume.

Concept Response

The diagram on the opposing page illustrates a more typical approach to university buildings, whereby programme is clustered distinctly separated from the natural/ecological environment. A relevant example of this is South Lawn on the ground of the university. Despite its size, it does not integrate with surrounding educational functions, serving only as a destination separate from human programming.

54

WORKPLACE

DRY LABS

MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES WET LABS

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES WET LABS

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

LECTURE THEATRES

WORKPLACE

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

DRY LABS

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

RETAIL + F&B

COMPUTER LABS

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

GLASSHOUSE

AQUATIC HABITAT

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

BOH

TrACEES PLATFORM MULTIONICS LABS

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

BOH

TrACEES PLATFORM MULTIONICS LABS

GROUND PLANE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

LECTURE THEATRES

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

RETAIL + F&B

COMPUTER LABS

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

GLASSHOUSE

AQUATIC HABITAT

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

GROUND PLANE

WORKPLACE

DRY LABS

MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES WET LABS

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES WET LABS

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

RETAIL + F&B

COMPUTER LABS

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

GLASSHOUSE

AQUATIC HABITAT

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

BOH

TrACEES PLATFORM MULTIONICS LABS

LECTURE THEATRES

WORKPLACE

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

DRY LABS

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

BOH

TrACEES PLATFORM MULTIONICS LABS

GROUND PLANE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

LECTURE THEATRES COMPUTER LABS

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

RETAIL + F&B

GLASSHOUSE

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

AQUATIC HABITAT

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

Concept Response

GROUND PLANE

55

WORKPLACE

WORKPLACE FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE RETAIL + F&B

GLASSHOUSE

FORMAL TEACHING PUBLIC SPACE AND LEARNING + INFORMAL STUDY

AGRICULTURAL ZONE WET LABS MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

GROUND PLANE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

DRY LABS

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

COMPUTER LABS

TrACEES PLATFORM MULTIONICS LABS

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

LECTURE THEATRES

AQUATIC HABITAT

BOH RETAIL + F&B

GLASSHOUSE

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

AGRICULTURAL ZONE WET LABS MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

GROUND PLANE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

DRY LABS

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

COMPUTER LABS

LECTURE THEATRES

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATIC HABITAT

BOH

TrACEES PLATFORM MULTIONICS LABS

WORKPLACE

WORKPLACE FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE RETAIL + F&B

GLASSHOUSE

FORMAL TEACHING PUBLIC SPACE AND LEARNING + INFORMAL STUDY

AGRICULTURAL ZONE WET LABS MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

GROUND PLANE

DRY LABS

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

COMPUTER LABS

TrACEES PLATFORM MULTIONICS LABS

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

LECTURE THEATRES

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATIC HABITAT

BOH RETAIL + F&B

GLASSHOUSE

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

AGRICULTURAL ZONE WET LABS MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

GROUND PLANE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

TrACEES PLATFORM

DRY LABS

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

COMPUTER LABS

LECTURE THEATRES

BOH

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATIC HABITAT

MULTIONICS LABS

_Option 1 Using the results of the spatial typology analysis in section 03.03, the ability for labs and their associated functions to operate without much natural light nor views, means that they can be encased in landscaping. In this option, the ground plane thickens to enclose these functions with the remainder of the human programming stacked above ground elsewhere. Their position above ground aligns closely with the need to service them with views and adequate solar amenity.

Concept Response

However, in this option, much of the ecological programme is concentrated in one area, which does not facilitate strong interactions between human and natural functions.

56

WORKPLACE SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

GLASSHOUSE AGRICULTURAL ZONE

FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY RETAIL + F&B

WET LABS

WORKPLACE MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES GLASSHOUSE

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

GROUND PLANE

DRY LABS

TrACEES PLATFORM MULTIONICS LABS

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

GROUND PLANE

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

COMPUTER LABS

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

LECTURE THEATRES

FORMAL TEACHING BOH AND LEARNING

AQUATIC HABITAT

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY RETAIL + F&B

WET LABS MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES DRY LABS

TrACEES PLATFORM

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

COMPUTER LABS

LECTURE THEATRES

BOH

AQUATIC HABITAT

MULTIONICS LABS

WORKPLACE SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

GLASSHOUSE AGRICULTURAL ZONE

FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY RETAIL + F&B

WET LABS

WORKPLACE MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES GLASSHOUSE

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

GROUND PLANE

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

COMPUTER LABS

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

LECTURE THEATRES

FORMAL TEACHING BOH AND LEARNING

AQUATIC HABITAT

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY RETAIL + F&B

WET LABS

GROUND PLANE

DRY LABS

TrACEES PLATFORM MULTIONICS LABS

MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

TrACEES PLATFORM

DRY LABS

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

COMPUTER LABS

LECTURE THEATRES

BOH

AQUATIC HABITAT

MULTIONICS LABS

_Option 2

Concept Response

This option explores a lower building with human functions dispersed more evenly across the thickened landscape. However, there may be a missed opportunity to spread the ecological programme out even further along the ground.

57

WORKPLACE

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

AQUATICS SHARED ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH FACILITIES ZONE PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

DRY LABS COMPUTER LABS

TrACEES PLATFORM MULTIONICS LABS

BOH

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

LECTURE THEATRES FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

GLASSHOUSE

RETAIL + F&B AQUATIC HABITAT

WET LABS MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

GROUND PLANE

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES DRY LABS COMPUTER LABS

TrACEES PLATFORM

BOH

LECTURE THEATRES

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

MULTIONICS LABS

WORKPLACE

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

GLASSHOUSE

RETAIL + F&B AQUATIC HABITAT

WORKPLACE WET LABS MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

AQUATICS SHARED ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH FACILITIES ZONE PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

GROUND PLANE

FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

DRY LABS COMPUTER LABS

TrACEES PLATFORM MULTIONICS LABS

BOH

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

LECTURE THEATRES FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

GLASSHOUSE

RETAIL + F&B AQUATIC HABITAT

WET LABS MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

GROUND PLANE

GLASSHOUSE

RETAIL + F&B AQUATIC HABITAT

WORKPLACE WET LABS

GROUND PLANE

FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

TrACEES PLATFORM

DRY LABS COMPUTER LABS

BOH

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

LECTURE THEATRES

MULTIONICS LABS

_Option 3

Concept Response

This option shifts the aquatic ecological zone closer to the centre of the human programming, effectively splitting its function into two separate masses. This option seems to be slightly ecologically concentrated in the centre of site, and misses the opportunity to connect across the entire extent of site.

58

WORKPLACE

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

GLASSHOUSE

RETAIL + F&B AGRICULTURAL ZONE AQUATIC HABITAT

GROUND PLANE

WET LABS MICRO PLANT GROWTHWORKPLACE GROWTH FACILITIES FACILITIES BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES DRY LABS

TrACEES PLATFORM

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

COMPUTER LABS

BOH

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

MULTIONICS LABS

LECTURE THEATRES FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

GLASSHOUSE

RETAIL + F&B

AGRICULTURAL ZONE

AQUATIC HABITAT

WET LABS MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

GROUND PLANE

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES DRY LABS

TrACEES PLATFORM

COMPUTER LABS

BOH

LECTURE THEATRES

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

MULTIONICS LABS

WORKPLACE

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

GLASSHOUSE

RETAIL + F&B AGRICULTURAL ZONE AQUATIC HABITAT

GROUND PLANE AQUATIC HABITAT

GROUND PLANE

WET LABS MICRO PLANT GROWTHWORKPLACE GROWTH FACILITIES FACILITIES BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES DRY LABS

TrACEES PLATFORM

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

COMPUTER LABS

BOH

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

MULTIONICS LABS

LECTURE THEATRES FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

GLASSHOUSE

RETAIL + F&B

AGRICULTURAL ZONE WET LABS MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

TrACEES PLATFORM

DRY LABS

COMPUTER LABS

BOH

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

LECTURE THEATRES

MULTIONICS LABS

_Option 4

Concept Response

This option is the preferred arrangement for the project. It bookends the human programming whilst still being present in the interstitial space. By placing the labs and research function below ground, this allows a continuous plane to stitch together both human and ecological function across the full extent of the site.

59

_Concept Drivers _Planning _Massing Response _The Vision

Architectural Response

04

04.01 Concept Drivers

Functional Integration

Architectural Response

To integrate human and ecological programming into a single integrated outcome, the traditional notion of the two functions being separated changes toward one where the human function is fragmented and connected by the ecological one, forming a cohesive outcome that is the resulting product of their respective synergies.

62

A Vertical Landscape

Architectural Response

The idea of carving human programme is also carried through in section, whereby an internal vertical landscape can continue the landscape up and through the architectural mass.

63

04.02 Planning

The adjacent diagram illustrates the project programme as defined within the initial briefing documents & proposed ecological functions.

These form the basis of mapping out the spatial arrangements for the project. The subsequent pages will further diagram the functional planning for the project.

WORK

WET LABS

BOH

TrACEES PLATFORM AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

Architectural Response

MULTIONICS LABS

64

KPLACE

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE

COMPUTER LABS

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

DRY LABS LECTURE THEATRES

AQUATIC HABITAT

RETAIL + F&B

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE

AGRICULTURAL ZONE GLASSHOUSE

G

Architectural Response

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

65

LECTURE THEATRE

WET LABS

WET LABS BOH

LEVEL B2 - 1:250 @A1

Floor Plan – Level B2

Architectural Response

The majority of the wet research labs will be located in the second basement level. Their internally focused nature and requirement for controlled environmental conditions makes them suitable to be placed underground. Back of house areas will also be located here to serve the labs. The triple height lecture theatre also extends to this level.

66

LECTURE THEATRE

WET LABS

COMPUTER LABS

BOH WET LABS

LEVEL B1 - 1:250 @A1

Floor Plan – Level B1

Architectural Response

The remaining research wet labs and all of the teaching wet labs are placed in the first basement level along with a significant area for loading & BOH. Concentrating the loading and labs on one side of the site allows for efficient provision of the high servicing requirements for this programme. Its location on the western side of site also minimises disturbances to the ecological zones on the East. A small public plaza will also be located here, providing access to the three lecture theatres within the project. The plaza will be seamlessly connected to the ground plane via a series of ramps.

67

FORMAL EXHIBITION SPACE MULTIONICS LABS BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

BOH

MICRO GROWTH FACILITIES

PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

TrACEES PLATFORM

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL REFUGE ZONE

LEVEL 00 - 1:250 @A1

Floor Plan – Level 00

Architectural Response

At ground level, the secluded ecological zone is located on the Eastern edge of the site, benefitting from the already establish zone of vegetation in front of the MSD Building. Specialised research facilities will be located on the Western edge of this level and is covered by the above landscaping.

68

GLASSHOUSE RETAIL + F&B AGRICULTURAL ZONE

WORKPLACE

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

SHARED ECOLOGICAL ZONE FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

LEVEL 01 - 1:250 @A1

Floor Plan – Level 01

Architectural Response

Level 01 functions as the public ground level, with public entries to the workplace and teaching & learning buildings residing at this level. Public programme such as retail, food & beverage as well as informal study spaces are dispersed on top of and above the landscape. A plaza public shared ecological zone will be located between the two hard programmed masses with retail & F&B serving it.

69

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

WORKPLACE FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

LEVEL 02 - 1:250 @A1

Floor Plan – Level 02 to 05

Architectural Response

Level 02 to 05 are typically comprised of the workplace building and the formal teaching and learning building with the inclusion of public space/informal learning areas.

70

PUBLIC SPACE + INFORMAL STUDY

SECLUDED ECOLOGICAL ZONE FORMAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

LEVEL 05 - 1:250 @A1

Floor Plan – Level 06 to 11

Architectural Response

Level 06 to 11 are typically comprised of the formal teaching & learning building scattered with informal learning. The workplace building at this level becomes a secluded ecological zone for the local bird population, this starts from level 06 but extends to the top of the building.

71

Architectural Response

04.03 Massing Response

72

01_The Site

02_The Existing Vegetation Network

Taking the full extent of the site to the existing buildings as the preliminary working boundary.

Plotting the existing vegetation network and tree locations.

04_The Masses

Informed by the existing vegetation network, preliminary functional zones are established. A green arc of ecological programme (green) encapsulates a large zone of human function (pink).

The human function is extruded into two distinct masses representing their respective functions of learning and workplace. Each are uniquely shaped to provide identity to the programme in which they house. Ecological zoning remains untouched.

Architectural Response

03_Zoning

73

Architectural Response 74

05_Landscape Carve I

06_Landscape Carve II

From the ecological zones a network is carved under and through the human programme, both horizontally and vertically, creating a continuous landscaped network that extends across the full extent of the site.

A second series of landscape moves carves into the ground to provide access basement access to the human functions via another continuous landscape network. Above ground, the landscape is thickened to capture the labs located at ground level and create a seamless landscaped ground plane that stretches the full extent of the site.

08_Proliferation

The facades of each building are articulated to reflect their internal programme and strengthen the identity of each.

The landscaping network is extended to connect the project to the adjoining buildings, nesting it within its context and facilitating new and diverse movement opportunities to and from the existing campus to the proposed project.

Architectural Response

07_Articulation

75

04.04 The Vision

View of project from South Lawn

Overview

Architectural Response

Right: Site Plan NTS

78

Site Plan - 1:500 @ A1

79

Architectural Response

North-Western view of project with the public plaza & agricultural zone in the foreground

Architectural Response 84

01_Back of House & Cores

02_Research

Back of house areas will be located primarily on the basement levels with B1 being the most significant as it includes the project’s loading dock. Each building is served by a single side core.

Research wet labs are located on B2 where external disturbances can be minimised allowing for an environment that is much more easily controlled. Being underground also means there is greater real estate and flexibility for lab modules and ease of servicing. Other specialist research spaces are located at ground level.

04_Workplace

Similar to the research wet labs, the teaching wet labs are also located underground. However, due to the nature of the activities undertaken within them, they can be exposed more readily, providing visual access to the public realm at B1.

The workplace offices are located solely within the Western building

Architectural Response

03_Teaching Labs

85

Architectural Response 86

05_Lecture Theatres

06_Formal Teaching

The three lecture theatres and their prefunctions are located on B1, opening up to the lower landscaped plaza at the same level. The larger 500 pax theatre extends down to B2 and can be accessed from both levels.

Formal teaching areas are located in the Eastern Teaching and Learning building. Their position within the building is influenced by the internal landscaped atrium.

08_Landscape Network

Residing mainly the Ground and Level 01 levels for ease of access, public functions are dispersed evenly across the ground plane. Within the Teaching & Learning building, however, a public access and informal learning flanks both sides of the internal atrium, creating an activated internal landscape.

Covering almost the full extent of the site, the landscape network sprawls across multiple ground levels as well as extending through to the tops of both buildings as ecological refuge zones.

Architectural Response

07_Public Space and Informal Learning

87

Level B1 B1 houses a variety of both public, private and BOH programmes. A ramp aligning with the existing road at ground level enters B1 from the Western edge and into the loading dock. This contains the primary BOH area for the project, with the cores to both building able to be served without crossing over to the FOH. Teaching labs are mainly located close to the loading dock on the West for ease of servicing.

This level also contains the lecture theatres for the project, with the larger 500 pax one located along the Northern edge.

Each of their prefunctions open to the sunken landscaped plaza and can be doubled as event indoor/outdoor event spaces or exhibitions.

TEACHING LABS

BOH

Architectural Response

LOADING

88

NTS

LEVEL B1 - 1:250 @A1

TEACHING LABS

PREFUNCTION/ INFORMAL GALLERY

PREFUNCTION/ INFORMAL GALLERY

COMPUTER LABS

Architectural Response

TEACHING LABS

89

Level 00 – Ground Level The ground level contains most of the landscaping of the project, most notably the secluded ecological refuge zone to the East, which is intended to be inaccessible to the majority of human function. This area is to be used for nurturing of a strong population of flora and fauna away from the major effects of human activities. It is in hopes that it is able to attract more urban sensitive species to a dense urban area. To the North is the shared ecological zone, which includes relatively large landscaping with retail and F&B pods scattered within it. Here one of the landscaped arms is habitable with a gallery inside.

To the West, a host of specialist research spaces are housed.

These are placed here for ease of service from the BOH zone below. It is landscaped over at the upper levels. Primary building access to the Teaching and Learning building is also located at this level.

AQUATICS RESEARCH FACILITIES

M

BOH

Architectural Response

MICRO GROWTH FACIL

90

NTS

LEVEL 00 - 1:250 @A1

MULTIONICS LAB

PAVILION

FOOD & BEVERAGE

GALLERY

FOOD & BEVERAGE

BIOLOGICAL IMAGING

VOID

LITIES PLANT GROWTH FACILITIES

Architectural Response

TrACEES PLATFORM

91

Level 01 This acts as the primary public ground level, with public access to the Workplace building at this level. A public plaza is located between the workplace building and the Western arm. Here, a cafĂŠ serves both the amphitheatre and the plaza.

To the immediate North of the workplace building, resides the projects community farming zone, where crops grown here are used within the cafĂŠ and adjoining plant growth research facility. Its relationship to the plaza and public realm help to strengthen the relationship between people and urban farming. To the East, the landscaping ramps continue from the ground floor to tuck under the building envelope.

COMMUNITY GARDENS

WORKPLACE FOYER

PLAZA

Architectural Response

CORE/INFORMAL

92

NTS

LEVEL 01 - 1:250 @A1

GREENHOUSE/ OPEN GROWTH AREA

CAFE

AMPHITHEATRE

VOID

VOID

VOID

Architectural Response

STAIR/VOID

93

Level 05 This plan serves as an example of a typical level illustrating the spatial planning for both buildings. Each building’s planning will be detailed later in the report.

WORKPLACE

TERRACE

Architectural Response

LOBBY

94

NTS

LEVEL 05 - 1:250 @A1

TEACHING & LEARNING

STORE

THE TERRACES

INFORMAL LEARNING

SKY BRIDGE INFORMAL LEARNING

LIFT LOBBY

Architectural Response

TEACHING & LEARNING

95

Landscape & Public Realm

Amphitheatre Aerial View

Approach to project from North with retail pod on the left

The adjacent drawing illustrates an indicative landscape planting schedule for the project. Three distinct zones are established, the Union Farms, The Parklands and Union Forest. Each of these contain distinct characteristics which assist in serving its function.

In line with the guiding principles of the Parkville Urban Forest Precinct Plan 2015-2025 by the City of Melbourne, a diverse range of species were selected to ensure that the collective vegetation network is resilient to climactic changes and anomalies. As a result, common genus’s and families to the overall context of Parkville were actively avoided. These include Elms, Corymbia, Lophostemon, Angophora and Eucalypts 16.

Union Farms contains a species pool of crops that can be cultivated through urban farming. These range from microgreens to seasonal produce.

The Parklands contain a series of species with a useful life expectancy of 11-30 years, allowing for the observation of how the natural environment responds to site on a shorter timescale. This also allows species to be removed and replaced fairly easily if needed.

100

UNION FARMS Campus Agriculture

Architectural Response

Species selected in these areas are indicative only, a true planting schedule will likely contain significantly more species to ensure collective resilience and diversity.

16. City of Melbourne, ‘Parkville Urban Forest: Precinct Plan 2015-2025’.

Seasonal Fruit Seasonal Vegetables Mushrooms Microgreens Agricultural Experiments

13. City of Melbourne, ‘Carlton Urban Forest Precinct Plan 2013-2023’, 2013.

THE PARKLANDS Shared Ecological Zone

Union Forest is the designated secluded ecological zone. Thus, species selected in this area have a much longer useful life expectancy 3160 years, allowing for the environment to be undisturbed by external intervention for greater periods of time.

Common Nam

Willow Bottlebr River Sheoak Firewheel Tree Lilly Pilly Simon Poplar

e

Genus

Family

Useful Life

Callistemon Casuarina Stenocarpus Syzygium Populus

Myrtaceae Casuarinaceae Proteaceae Myrtaceae Salicaceae

11-20 years 11-20 years 21-30 years 21-30 years 21-30 years

Common Name

Genus

Family

Useful Life

Weeping Bottlebrush Kanooka Green Honey Locust Moreton Bay Fig Japanese Zelkova

Callistemon Tristaniopsis Gleditsia Ficus Zelkova

Myrtaceae Myrtaceae Fabaceae Moraceae Ulmaceae

31-60 years 31-60 years 31-60 years 31-60 years 31-60 years

Architectural Response

rush

UNION FOREST Secluded Ecological Zone

me

101

Level B1 plaza looking West towards the lab programme

Approach to project from the North East

B1 public ramp looking North with labs to the left and lecture prefunction on the right

The Buildings

Building 1 - Workplace

Architectural Response

Building 1 houses all of the workplace functional requirements for the project. With 5 levels of workplace, the top portion of the building is dedicated to an inaccessible rooftop forest that serves as a nesting and roosting area for the local bird population. An internal cut runs the full length of the building with vertical vegetation within it.

108

Architectural Response

View of Building 1 looking West over the Level 01 Plaza

109

COMMUNITY GARDENS

GREENHOUSE/ OPEN GROWTH AREA

CAFE

WORKPLACE FOYER

PLAZA

AMPHITHEATRE

CORE/INFORMAL

Above: Level 01 - public entry

Architectural Response

Far Right: Level 05 - typical floor plan

LEVEL 01 - 1:250 @A1

110

From a planning perspective, the internal carve divides the building into two. The southern portion is reserved for the core, BOH and support functions. The level 01 public entry opens into a lobby before an internal stair connects to the first level of offices.

Typically, the workplace levels will be connected by a skybridge and an external stair, to the core fragment. Entry from the bridge to the Northeast will lead to a wintergarden entry, before moving into the adjoining conditioned workspace.

WORKPLACE

TERRACE

Architectural Response

LOBBY

111

Amphitheatre looking West at Building 1

Building 2 - Teaching & Learning

Architectural Response

Building 2 contains all of the formal and informal Teaching & Learning spaces. Whilst looking seemingly like a large and impermeable volume from the outside, a large internal atrium helps provide internal relief and functions as a vertical landscape. Expressed on the faรงade are large rectangular cuts that reflect the internal circulation and informal terraces on the interior. The faรงade itself is comprised of perforated copper panels, which also serve as a climbing surface for the proliferation of a vertical landscape.

114

Architectural Response

View of Building 2 looking East over the Level 01 Plaza

115

TEACHING & LEARNING

STORE

THE TERRACES

INFORMAL LEARNING

SKY BRIDGE

INFORMAL LEARNING

LIFT LOBBY

TEACHING & LEARNING

Above: Level 05 - typical plan

Architectural Response

Far Right: View of the informal learning terraces from level 07 looking down to Level 05

116

Similar to Building 1, a full length atrium divides the building into two fragments. The Level 05 plan above illustrates the southern portion containing the main core as well as formal teaching and learning classrooms. Along the atrium on both fragments are informal study spaces open to air. These are enclosed by a mesh structure that also functions as a climbing surface for the internal landscape. The Northern portion of the building also houses formal and informal teaching spaces. This level also shows the bottom of the informal terraces and adjoining lift connecting to level 02.

117

Architectural Response

Architectural Response 118

The section above illustrates how the building works vertically as well as capturing elements of both the public and ecological realms. The 500 pax lecture theatre can be seen residing under a landscaped ramp that runs deep into the building. At level B1 the public plaza can be seen adjoining the lecture prefunction whilst another landscaped ramp runs above it. BOH of the building above is consolidated on the right side whilst the main Teaching & Learning functions are on the leftmost portion.

LEVEL 11

4200

3000

LEVEL ROOF

4200

LEVEL 10

4200

LEVEL 09

4200

LEVEL 08

4200

LEVEL 07

4200

LEVEL 06

4200

LEVEL 05

4200

LEVEL 04

4200

LEVEL 03

4200

LEVEL 02

6000

LEVEL 01

4200

LEVEL 00

4200

LEVEL B1

Architectural Response

LEVEL B2

119

View of the internal terraces looking East from Level 08

Approach to B1 entry from South-East at Ground Level

Overall view of project looking South

View of public realm from ground level looking South

_Conclusion & Contributions

Concluding Remarks

05

05.01 Conclusion & Contributions

Through the integration of natural ecological factors into what is essentially a traditional design brief, the project represents a new approach to architecture that has yet to gain significant traction within the building industry. It is a project that hopes not only to uncover the opportunities to this approach but also to highlight the potential viability of the human and natural worlds residing alongside one another.

Concluding Remarks

However, beyond the technicalities lies a greater motive. This thesis aims to give a glimpse into what might be the future of architecture, one that illustrates that it is only through experimentation and pushing the boundaries, can paradigms be shifted. This project is a manifesto for the future, aspiring to be a catalyst for change in a world ravaged by urbanisation ecological fragmentation and misunderstanding. It is a call to change, bringing to light the radical approaches that are needed to address critical issues today, for the betterment of tomorrow.

130

Concluding Remarks View of public realm from B1 looking North 131

Overall view of project looking South

Appendix A - Bibliography

Brett Steele. ‘Smoothly Striated: Reiser + Umemoto’s Kansai Library’. AA Files, no. 36 (1998): 14.

City of Melbourne. ‘Carlton Urban Forest Precinct Plan 20132023’, 2013.

City of Melbourne. ‘Parkville Urban Forest: Precinct Plan 2015-2025’. Melbourne: City of Melbourne, 2015.

Hassell. ‘The University of Melbourne - STEMM Hub and Life Science Precinct - Functional Brief’, 25 February 2020.

Heymans, Angela, Jessica Breadsell, Gregory Morrison, Joshua Byrne, and Christine Eon. ‘Ecological Urban Planning and Design: A Systematic Literature Review’. Sustainability 11, no. 13 (8 July 2019): 3723. https://doi.org/10/gg87q6.

McHarg, Ian L. Design with Nature. J. Wiley, 1992.

Reed, Chris, and Nina-Marie E. Lister. Projective Ecologies.

Harvard University Graduate School of Design, 2014.

Threlfall, Caragh G., Luis Mata, Jessica A. Mackie, Amy K. Hahs, Nigel E. Stork, Nicholas S. G. Williams, and Stephen J. Livesley. ‘Increasing Biodiversity in Urban Green Spaces through Simple Vegetation Interventions’. Journal of Applied Ecology 54, no. 6 (2017): 1874–83. https://doi. org/10/gck9sd.

White, John G, James A Fitzsimons, Grant C Palmer, and Mark J Antos. ‘Surviving Urbanisation: Maintaining Bird Species Diversity in Urban Melbourne’. The Victorian Naturalist 126 (2009): 7.