The Melburbs Studio: Un-built

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Team Kim Vo Kishna Keerthi Tirumalachetty

Un-built

THE MELBURBS



UN-BUILT

A SEMESTER OF RESEARCH THROUGH STUDIO WORK

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THE MELBURBS

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UN-BUILT

viii The Melburbs

Un-built 002 Un-built Kim Vo Nina Tory-Henderson 006 Urban Life Kim Vo Kishna Keerthi Tirumalachetty 022 The Story of Fitzroy and Collingwood Kim Vo 028 The Australian Suburban Dream Kim Vo Nina Tory-Henderson

032 The Melburbs Kim Vo 034 Typical Blocks Kim Vo Kishna Keerthi Tirumalachetty 198 Fabric Kim Vo Kishna Keerthi Tirumalachetty 276 Building Typologies Kim Vo Nina Tory-Henderson Kishna Keerthi Tirumalachetty

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304 Site Implementation Kim Vo Kishna Keerthi Tirumalachetty 327 References


© Kim Vo. Un-Built



THE MELBURBS

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UN-BUILT MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY MELBOURNE SCHOOL OF DESIGN FACULTY

REVIEWERS

STUDIO LEADER Leire Asensio Villoria Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Urban Design

Nicole Allen,Lecturer in Architecture Gideon Aschwanden,Lecturer in Urban Analytics Donald Bates, Chair of Architectural Design Justyna Karakiewicz, Professor in Urban Design Paul Loh,Lecturer in Digital Architecture Design David Syn Chee Mah,Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Urban Design Alan Pert, Director, Melbourne School of Design Marcus White,Senior Lecturer in Digital Design in Architecture

MELBOURNE SCHOOL OF DESIGN Julie Willies, Dean Andrew Hutson, Deputy Dean Alan Pert, Director, Melbourne School of Design Donald Bates, Chair of Architectural Design Marcus White,Director of the Master of Urban Design

STUDENTS Rafael Parra MUD’17 Yiteng Chong MArch’17 Ivana Dancova MArch’18 Shiyu Gao MArch’17 Xiancheng Han MUD’17 Shirley Kwan MArch’17 Kishna Keerthi Tirmalachetty MUD’17 Haoyi Li MArch’18 Phuong Ngo MUD’17 Joy Qin MUD’17 Nina Tory-Henderson MArch’17 Kim Vo MArch’18 Yanjie Zhan MArch’17 Printed by MSD SPECIAL THANKS We would like to thank the following individuals, for without their efforts this publication wold not have been possible: Gideon Aschwanden, David Jones, Justyna Karakiewicz, David Mah, Alan Pert and Marcus White.

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Un-built


Un-built is an attempt to explore how we are going to live closer together in this ever increasingly crowded world. Un-built through its physical manifestation as streets, public parks, plazas, playgrounds, backyards, etc play a crucial role in to create a living style that inherit desire of Australian suburban dreams in a more compact landscape of the inner city. Throughout the work, we scrutinized the existing Melbourne’s city and suburbia to reconstruct a model for the Melburbs. We tried to infuse the idea of both city and suburb lifestyle through utilizing the un-built. The process began with creating a series of strategies allowing the generation of the unbuilt within a typical block of 100 by 200 meters. Each strategy also creates various iteration allowing different transformation and application of the models. These typical blocks were then combined into fabric of 9 by 9 blocks, subjected under different rules and scenarios. Through different hypothetical formations of the fabric, we observe how these fabrics can be incorporated into a particular situation. Despite focusing on the un-built, we did not ignore the built form and propose a series of building typologies responding to the ideas of the Melburbs established in this work. The implementation in the

end was an experiment on how these systems could be applied on a specific site within area of study. The working method follows a seemingly rigorous regime, following strictly rules, systems set out in the beginning. However, despite going through endless repetition, new discoveries unexpectedly emerged, creating new possibilities, even shifting our perception about the project. I would like to personally thank my family and friends for giving me their opinions and support, especially my wonderful friends from the Queen’s MCR for making this semester an enjoyable experience. I also want to express my gratitude for the academic support of the Queen’s College staffs and library, providing valuable materials and advices for this work. Moreover, I would like to acknowledge the insightful contribution of Nina Tory-Henderson to the work during her brief time with us. Most of all, this work is not possible without the dedicated guidance and relentless support from our studio leader, Leire Asensio-Villoria. Kim Vo Master of Architecture June 2017


THE MELBURBS Kim Vo Melbourne: Built vs. Un-built

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UN-BUILT

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THE MELBURBS Charles Nettleton Unidentified House, Victoria, late 1800s

Student Kim Vo Nina Tory-Henderson

Un-built “Where there is nothing, everything is possible. Where there is architecture, nothing (else) is possible.” Rem Koolhaas “Imagining Nothingness”, S, M, L, XL, The Monacelli Press, U.S.A, 1995, pp.199.

Since Modernism, multiple efforts have been made to create an “open” architecture through dematerialization of building envelope or use of open plan. However, architecture, no matter how “public” it declares it is, is itself an act of segregation, a division between outside and inside, between the open and controlled. A public architecture, despite its claim, operates under a certain of rules within a certain period of time which users are also subjected to.

Yet, when designing cities, we tend to mainly care about how many built floors we can fitted in per area, focus primarily on images of built forms. Moreover, as Albert Pope strongly stressed in his book, “an openness of architectural form does not guarantee the openness of urban form.” In an age when densification has become a must, the attention on built form simply address the superficial need to increase more living space, without asking the question of how we are

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going to live together in this ever increasingly crowded world. Since built form itself cannot fully embrace openness, the leftover space steps in, allowing a kind of ambiguity open for negotiation and transformation. The un-built exists in many forms: streets, parking lots, public parks, empty parcels, playgrounds, gardens, backyards. This vast potential field existing among built form is “so significant that any discussion of architecture is irrelevant before its terms are established.�

how we want to live together. The question will be explored not only in the form and organization of the unbuilt but also through the dialectic between built form and un-built. In thinking about the future model of densification, we refer back to the existing models in Melbourne: the urban and suburban, to interject another alternative, not dismissing what exists but restructuring from the existing conditions to a new model of urbanization.

In order to begin the process of restructuring these two binary conditions, an analysis of their exThe un-built for us (as a density isting qualities shall be undertaken. counterpart) takes the forefront as The qualities of the un-built from the primary question when thinking the city and suburbs are analyzed about densification: how will we live through the idea of streets, open closer together? This question will spaces and backyards. primarily be answered in the unbuilt, this is where we will explore 005


THE MELBURBS Student Kim Vo

Urban life

Vitality and street When experiencing Melbourne urban life, one cannot help to notice the surprising contrast between two characteristics of Melbourne city. On one hand, there is an extreme concentration of people, vehicles, buildings and activities. On the other, there is an idleness, emptiness, thinning out. The two states co-exist together without any transition in between, a dilema of Melbourne. The world most livable city is not all lively. When go to Melbourne, one only need to go to a certain place to know it all: CBD, St. Kilda, Fitzroy, Carlton, Richmond. For CBD, one only need to go to Swanston street, Bourke street mall, Royal Arcade, Flinders Lane, Centre Place. For Fitzroy, one only need to know where Brunswick, Gertrude, and Smith street. For Richmond, there are Victoria and Church street.

Knowing the right street, and you know the city. This is where the first question was posed. Why are some areas more livelier than others? For an overall homogeneous grid like the CBD, what exactly creates the vitality of the are? Following the clustering pattern of the activities in Melbourne CBD, one can notice there is a relationship between the public transport system and the vibrancy of the places, especially the impact of the tram system. Tracing the tram lines across the area even outside the CBD, there is a consistency between the path the tram line and the location of the most buoyant parts of the area. Is there any correlation between the type of transportation and the vitality of the block?

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UN-BUILT John Carney Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

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THE MELBURBS

Overall Zoning Plan

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UN-BUILT

Residential Zone

Public Zone

Commercial Zone

Industrial Zone

Mixed Use Zone

Capital City Zone

Park and Recreation

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THE MELBURBS

Tram and train lines overlay

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UN-BUILT

Residential Zone

Public Zone

Commercial Zone

Industrial Zone

Mixed Use Zone

Capital City Zone

Park and Recreation Tram line Train line

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THE MELBURBS Student Kim Vo Kishna Keerthi Tirumalachetty

Street anatomy When examining the type of transportation, one can also notice there is a missing idea. Victoria Parade, despite having the same type of transportation as Victoria Street, is hostile compared to its brother. The difference between them is their own structure. One is too wide with many lanes of traffic, the other is smaller and more tightly controlled. Smilar streets with similar anatomy tend to have akin characteristics, one can easily notice the parallel between Brunswick, Smith, Gertrude, and Victoria Street. The question arisen here is how big is enough and how small can it get? Current observation reveals that 3-4 metre wide is the

smallest possible street, mainly for pedestrians in the form of narrow laneways in the CBD like Centre Place or Degraves Street. Any street wider than 15 metre starts to create disconnection between two sides, however the higher the population in the area is, the less disruption is created by the wide street. Moreover, certain activities only appear in specific street typologies. Small streets tend to have more small-scale, pedestrian level activities like small shops, bars, and cafe. The anatomy of the street controls the speed and density rate of traffic passing through.

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UN-BUILT randomwilz Centre Place, Melbourne

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BOURKE STREET MALL

Melbourne CBD

LONSDALE STREET

Melbourne CBD

FLINDERS LANE

Melbourne CBD

THE MELBURBS

Tram lane 7m

Pedestrian 10m

Bus lane 3.5m

Car lane 3m

Car lane 3m

Pedestrian 1.2m

Pedestrian 2.5m

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Car lane 3.5m

Pedestrian 10m

Car lane 3m Green barrier 1.5m

Parking 2.5m

Car lane 3m

Bus lane 3.5m Pedestrian 1.2m

Pedestrian 2.5m


Tram lane 7m

Car lane 3m

Car lane 3m

Car lane 2.5m Bike lane 1m

Bike lane 1m

Pedestrian 1m

Cafe 2m

Pedestrian 1m

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Melbourne CBD

Landscape setback 10m

Pedestrian 6m

Melbourne CBD

Car lane 2.5m

Cycling path 2m

Melbourne CBD

Pedestrian 3.5m

Tram lane 7m

ELIZABETH STEET

Cycling path 2m

DEGRAVES STREET

Pedestrian 6m

SWANSTON STREET

UN-BUILT


ROYAL ARCADE

Melbourne CBD

ALBERT STREET

East Melbourne

VICTORIA PARADE

East Melbourne/Fitzroy/Collingwood

THE MELBURBS

Pedestrian 3m

Setback 1.5-6m

Padestrian 3.5m Cycling path 1.2m

Setback 6m

Parking 2.5m

Car lane 3.8m

Green barrier 6m

Car lane 3.8m

Safety distance 1m

Pedestrian 3.5m

Parking 2.5m Safety distance 1m

Parking 2.5m

Bus lane 3m

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Car lane (x3) 9m

Padestrian 3.5m

Setback 1.5-3m

Cycling path 1.2m

Green barrier 12m


Pedestrian 3m

Parking 2.5m

Car lane 3.5m

Car lane 3.5m Green barrier 1m

Tram & car lane 7m

Cycling path 1m

Tram line 7m

Green barrier 14m

Car lane 3.5m

Parking 2.5m

Parking 2.5m

Pedestrian 3m

Pedestrian 3.5m

Cycling path 1m

Car lane (x3) 9m

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Bus lane 3m

Parking 2.5m

Pedestrian 3.5m

Carlton

Car lane 3.5m

Fitzroy/Collingwood

Parking 2.5m

LYGON STREET

Pedestrian 3.5m

SMITH STREET

UN-BUILT


Pedestrian 2m

Parking 2.5m

Car lane 3.5m

Pedestrian 2m Setback 1-2m

Fitzroy

Setback 1-2m

Richmond

Pedestrian 3m

Parking 2.5m

Tram & car lane 7m

Bike lane 1m

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Parking 2.5m Bike lane 1m

Car lane 4.6m

Richmond

LITTLE BUTLER STREET

VICTORIA STREET

YOUNG STREET

THE MELBURBS

Pedestrian 3m


Pedestrian 2m

Mixed lane 5m Pedestrian 1.2m

Through our observation, wide streets, such as Victoria Parade, with multiple traffic lanes tend to discourage human interaction, rendering the un-built space hostile. Streets with multiple vegetation layers and setback allows greater level of privacy which make them more suitable to residential area. However, they

Pedestrian 1.2m

Collingwood

Bike park 1.2m Pedestrian 1.2m

Parking 2.5m

Abbotsford

Car lane 3.5m

RUPERT STREET

Pedestrian 2m

SHAMROCK STREET

UN-BUILT

don’t encourage further interaction between two sides of the road. Medium size streets with trams and no setback encourage commercial activities and interaction between people in the area. Small size streets slow down vehicular traffic, allowing pedestrians at a certain degree to enter the traffic, creating a “grey” zone between buildings. 019


THE MELBURBS Student Kim Vo

Street pattern Besides structure and type of traffic, one apparent element playing a huge role in the life of a block is the street pattern. How streets physically cut into one block. The subsequent effect created by the interaction between the block and the street determine the buildings’ size, possible future functions, activities and living conditions for the inhabitants of the block. An open-end street generates a completely distinctive set of activities from a cul-de-sac. On the other hand, not all cul-de-

sacs behave the same. The length, the direction and even correlation between each one create different morphologies with their own characteristics. These sets of functions, however, are not fixed in stone. They changes over the time, depending on the current economy, politics and social perception. In the end, throughout many precedents, it is undeniable that these patterns determine the potentials one block can achieve.

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UN-BUILT Kim Vo The basic vocabulary of street patterns

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THE MELBURBS Student Kim Vo

The Story of Fitzroy and Collingwood In 1838, after three years since the establishment of Melbourne city, the authorities in Sydney decided to auction a tract of nearby Crown land. The land was divided into 88 portions, each about 25 acres. Since then, the urban development of Fitzroy and Collingwood has been the work of “countless amateurs”. The original Crown portions were subdivided by the owners’ peculiarity, then sold in parcels to others; the successors then repeated the process at smaller scales regardless of the precedents’ planning logic or the parcels nearby theirs, then these partials were again sold to other buyers. In this arbitrary process, the gridiron plan was eventually adapted as it allowed standardization and future speculation. The first subdivision began near the Hill in portion 49. As the area was perceived to be a more attractive site than Melbourne

“A large suburb called Newtown [is] now springing up to the eastward of the town, and [it has] long since [become] the chosen resort of the principal inhabitants, whose residence are dispersed throughout the many lovely spots with which it abounds.”

R. D. Murray A Summer at Port Phillip, cited in J Grant & G Serle (eds), The Melbourne Scene 1803-1956, Melbounre University Press, VIC, 1957, pp.38

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Bernard Barrett, The Inner Suburbs Melbourne and environs as sold by the Crown in 1830s

itself, the area around Brunswick Street nowadays, became Newtown (Fitzroy nowadays) the first suburb of Melbourne. Newtown was occupied by the “gentlemen” from Melbourne and known as the most desirable resort in “shadow of giant forest trees” for those who were ready to pay “no small price”. Meanwhile, the suburb of Collingwood was considered as a no man land. It was colloquially known as the Flat, a swampy area, full of boulders and receptacle to storm-water from the Hill, an inevitable cesspool.

The Gold Rush in 1850s brought in an influx of immigrants, within months, Melbourne’s population doubled. Collingwood’s proximity to the city was exploited. The area was advertised for its cheapness of land. Moreover, the fact that Collingwood was beyond Melbourne City boundary allowed its exemption from the Building Act encouraging small and wooden houses. Collingwood was ideal for “those who, unable to obtain lodgings, may wish to pitch tents where the Crown Land Commissioner dare not molest them”. Another advertisement

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THE MELBURBS

Bernard Barrett, The Inner Suburbs Stages in the subdivision of Fitzroy and Collingwood, 1838 - 1854 Stage 1: The Government’s sale 1838-9 Stage 2: Subdivision of Portion 49 by Brunswick Street and Gertrude Street, creating Newtown Stage 3: Extension of Brunswick Street Stage 4: Extension of Gertrude Street and creation of Wellington Street Stage 5: Further subdivision of Fitzroy along Johnston Street and Collingwood along Victoria Parade. Stage 6: Further subdivision during the Gold Rush era, far into the remote areas of the Flat, aiming to accomodate new gold immigrants. Old subdivisions were cut up further

at the time also stated that: “We cannot build fast enough with brick or stone. The only alternative appears to be… the immediate erection of wooden buildings… just outside the boundaries indicated by the Building Act.” To further maximize the profits, Collingwood was divided into small plots (inevitably tiny backyards) with smaller than usual thoroughfares in between. Within a few years, Collingwood’s population surpassed Fitzroy’s, becoming

the most populous suburb. With its depressed topography, its commercialized planning, its location beyond the city boundary and its exemption from the building regulation, Collingwood was blight from the start. The physical living condition in Collingwood Flat was considered undesirable and unhealthy. It eventually became the only choice for the underprivileged, fatherless families in search of low rent. The

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Collingwood City Council (Top) View from Collingwood Town Hall, 1885 (Below) View from Collingwood Town Hall, 1955

concentration of cheap labor, the cheapness of the land, and its proximity to the Yarra river led to its subsequent industrialization. Around that time, there were discussions about turning Collingwood into Manchester of the Southern Hemisphere. Thus, Collingwood’s population was regarded as “mostly employed in the factories”, whereas Fitzroy was described as “middle-class or bourgeois suburbs’. However, the industrialization of the area

further deteriorated the local living condition. The Yarra river was heavily polluted, together with lack of proper sewage created major health issues. The process in turn, took toll on Fitzroy, leading to its declination. From the most desirable suburb, Fitzroy became one of the worst. In the 1970s, the Victorian State Government tried to address the living condition issues in the area through slum clearance and 025


THE MELBURBS

Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Fitzroy and Collingwood 1897

Nearmap.com Satellite image of Fitzroy and Collingwood, 2017

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“In Melbourne, the lowest-ranking suburbs are the old ones, forming a ring within two miles or so of the General Post Office North Melbourne, Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Richmond, South Melbounre, Port Melbourne.” Bernard Barrett “Suburbia in Australia”, The Inner Suburbs, Melbourne University Press, VIC, 1971, pp.6.

building series of state-owned housing, including high-rise apartment blocks in the area. After 1990s, Melbourne’s urban sprawl has spread far beyond the city center, thus it became increasingly difficult to travel to the city. The outer suburbs became centers of manufacturing, retailing, administration, leading to the de-industrialization of the inner suburbs. Moreover, the overall shift from manufacturing to services subsequently created waves of gentrification to these inner suburbs. Since then Fitzroy and Collingwood has been heavily gentrified, changing the faces of the area. However, one can still recognize a significant difference

between Fitzroy and Collingwood. Fitzroy is extremely lively, the “hipster” capital of Melbourne, full of art and commercial activities. Collingwood is changing but at a slower rate, and not as bustling as Fitzroy despite their proximity. The differences influencing the development of the two suburbs can be speculated as results in their urban structure specifically their un-built condition. Fitzroy was developed first as a suburb for the “gentlemen” of Melbourne, with Brunswick Street and Gertrude street as the starting point. Collingwood was sold as cheaply as possible to as many as the owner could, maximizing the profit to make up for its unfortunate geographic condition. Thus, in Collingwood urban fabric, the streets are smaller, with no designated town center. This has taken many tolls on later development of the suburb. One notable example was the lack of a commercial center, creating the fractionated merchants of Collingwood, subsequently leading to the disagreement on urban development decision as each fraction would try to increase their own land value regardless of the overall development of the town, whereas in Fitzroy, Brunswick Street and Smith Street are the commercial center of the area, with trams helping bring more people to the area.

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THE MELBURBS Student Kim Vo Nina Tory-Henderson

The Australian Suburban Dream When discussing about densification, the images of the city come to our mind. Unconsciously, the new town is remade into an extension of the city, as the transformation of a suburb into the metropolis seems to be inevitable. However, this dualism is, at the same time, narrow-minded. Suburbs are ingrained deeply in the minds of the Australians. Robin Boyd once wrote that ‘the suburb was the major element of Australian society’. The House Commission Apartment around the city were attempts to resolve housing crisis and introduce a new way of life. However, the preemptive perception of the suburb life has made it hard for Australians to accept the projects. In order to understand what the suburbs should become, we traced back to why there is a suburb in the first place and the appeal of suburban living. The modern suburbs sprung up when cities were experiencing tremendous growth. Industrialization contributed

greatly to the modern urban expansion but at the same time, without proper planning, city living condition was squalid, full of noise and dirt. The suburbs were born out of the idea of providing an escape from the ‘hurly-burly of commercial life’ and ‘invoke the fanciful pleasures of a life amid nature’. Despite having the highest percentage of urbanized population, the ‘Australian urban house remained essentially, in European sense, a country house’. The Australian perception of the suburbs as Robin Boyd and many observed has distinctive features compared to other suburbs around the world. The most distinctive feature of Australian suburbs is the extreme demand for privacy, which was acquired from the English taste of privacy. This sense was further heightened by the abundance of land in Australia, where each family can afford a “quarter acre” plot, for which they could have “isolation

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“The nation was built on the principle that for every family there should be a separate house and for every person there should be a separate room.” Robin Boyd “Survey and Sketch Plan”, Australia’s Home, Melbourne University Press, VIC, 1952, pp.10.

from the next family.” As Boyd stated in his book: “The nation was built on the principle that for every family there should be a separate house and for every person there should be a separate room.” It is not a crime to dream of a place where one can enjoy the mundanity of everyday life. The suburban dreams sprang from the need to escape from the bustle of city, a retreat from the business. The Australian dreams of suburban lifestyle also manifest themselves in the form of a singlestory house, with its front porch and private backyard. It is also an expression of individualism through the architectural styles,

GREEN AMENITY

PRIVACY AND SOLITUDE

ANARCHY OF STYLE

COMMUNITY FEELING

Nina Tory-Henderson Dreams: The desirable suburban characteristics in Australian sense

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THE MELBURBS Nina Tory-Henderson Nightmare: The reality of suburbs

h da d ran ve yar nt fro ce trip fen es tur na

OVER-PROTECTIONISM

REDUNDANT AMENITIES

CAR BARRIER

PLAINNESS & INFLEXIBILITY

ELITISM

• • • • •

Privacy becomes an obsession; the multiple layer of front porch, fence and “nature strip” wards off any attempt to engage with the residents, too much for a sense of “neighborliness”. The overflow of redundant amenities creates an idleness in the community and a burden for maintenance the un-necessity. Extensive space reserved for cars also creates another layer of barrier; the suburbs are simply swallowed by cars. Architectural anarchy resorts into a paint-job on the shell, while the floor-plans remain unchanged over the last 50 years, inflexible for the different ways of livings. Certain suburbs associate with certain stereotypes and income group , a hidden division of the society manifested in urban form.

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“The real threat is not the Balkanization but Brazilianization of America, not fragmentation along the racial lines but fissioning along class lines. Brazilianization is symbolized by the increasing withdrawal of the white American overclass into its own barricaded nation-within-a nation, a world of private neighborhoods, private schools, private police, private health care, and even private roads, walled off from the spreading squalor beyond.” Michael Lind The Next American Nation: The New Nationalism and the Fourth American Revolution

the decoration, the front hedges. It is also the dream of living among a community where one can rely on. However, dreams can turn into nightmares. The reality of suburban life is harsh especially with the current rise of inequality. The need of privacy becomes an obsession; the multiple layer of front porch, fence and “nature strip” wards off any attempt to engage with the residents, too much for a sense of “neighborliness”. The overflow of redundant amenities creates an idleness in the community and a burden for maintenance the unnecessity. Extensive space reserved for cars also creates another layer of barrier; the suburbs are simply swallowed by cars. Architectural anarchy resorts into a paint-job

on the shell, while the floor-plans remain unchanged over the last 50 years, inflexible for the different ways of livings. And most of all, the gated community, the elitism created in the suburbs. Certain suburbs associates with certain income group, class, “a postcode to envy”, a hidden division line of the society. When writing about America, a country with a similar suburban sprawl like Australia, Michael Lim remarked the division of classes through the formation of the overclass suburbs. The class division in Australia might not be as strong as in America, but it does exist, especially in 21st century world where comfort, security and sustainability has “replaced” the traditional European values of liberty, equality and fraternity.

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THE MELBURBS Student Kim Vo

The Melburbs

From our observation, the city offers spaces for various economic activities, as well as an abundance of public amenities. The higher density of urban living allows more chance for interaction between strangers, fostering more diverse communities. On the other hand, the suburbs offer better landscape than the city. Suburbs also ensure the need for privacy, solitude and individual expression. Despite its relatively isolation, the suburbs also provide a better sense of community where one can rely on. The Melburbs is an effort to restructure a thirding based on the two existing models of city and traditional suburbs in Melbourne. As state in the beginning, we

believe that the un-built play a key role in solving the subsequent question arisen from the densification process: “How will we live closer together in this ever increasingly crowded world?� Through observation of the streets, the primary manifested form of the un-built in the city and the analysis of Fitzroy and Collingwood development, the unbuilt influences our lives through its structure, form and function, as well as its interaction with the built form. The following explorations and experiments are our attempt to create the Melburbs through generation of the un-built.

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UN-BUILT Kim Vo Un-built

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THE MELBURBS Kim Vo Collection of typical blocks

Student Kim Vo Kishna Keerthi Tirumalachetty

The Typical Blocks

In this part, we set out five different strategies. Each strategies reflects an aspect of the urban condition. They are the creation of the inner realm, the shortcut, the meandering path, the parallel bands, and the cul-de-sac. Each strategy is governed by the rules of slicer and corroder. Buildings have to stay aligned along the slicer with minimum setback, whereas they can have wider setback along the corroder

depending on the overall ground coverage. Within each strategy, we explore how one single governing rule can generate different configurations based on different number of slicers and corroders. The result here is a collection of the repetitive exploration following the rules set out above.

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SLICER

CORRODER

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THE MELBURBS

Strategy 01 Inner Realm Strategy 01 is based on the idea of creating an inner life within a block. The vehicle streets cut through the short side of the block, divide the block into smaller parts, allowing service to be delivered deep into the original block. One corroder follows the long edge of the block, creating a chain of activities at street level, attempting to maintain the connection within the original block. This is served as the central of public life in the block. In this strategy, we explore three major configurations. First, strategy 01.A employs multiple straight splicers cutting through the block, while having one straight corroder line. On the other hand, strategy 01.B explores the possibility where we have curved

corroder cutting through. Within each strategy we have worked on multiple variations with change in the number of slicers cutting through the block. The range varies from no slicer cut through to an extreme case where the minimum building width is maintained at 5m(the smallest building width one can find in the area of study). The effect created by wavy corroder line is worth considering separately, as the connectivity created by wavy road is completely different from a straight line. With the straight line, one can see from one exit to another, whereas with the wavy road, this might not achievable.

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UN-BUILT

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Strategy 01.A.1

No vehicular road cut through the block, one staight pedestrian street cut through the long side of the block

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 8%

OPEN SPACE: 28%

OPEN SPACE: 50%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The pedestrian street has it clear shape, but is it viable? Or should it become an arcade? - Shopping center - Cinema - Art gallery - Warehouse

The pedestrian street is turned into two open courtyards.A thematic courtyard? - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Festive yard

The pedestrian street is not clearly defined, disolved into a wide open space between two rows of buildings. - Medium-scale residential - Education - Parkland - Office

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 01.A.2a

One tram line cut through the short side of the block, one staight pedestrian street cut through the long side of the block

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UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 10%

OPEN SPACE: 31%

OPEN SPACE: 54%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The pedestrian street has it clear shape, but is it viable? Or should it become an arcade? The tram line divide the block into two seperate parts. - Shopping center - Cinema - Art gallery - Warehouse

The pedestrian street is turned into two open courtyards. The tram line clearly seperate the block into two realms, each contain it own activities. A thematic courtyard? - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Festive yard

The pedestrian street is not clearly defined, disolved into a wide open space between two rows of buildings. The tram line run pass a vast landscape, a phantom of the garden city. - Medium-scale residential - Education - Parkland - Office

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 01.A.2b

One two-way traffic cut through the short side of the block, one straight pedestrian street cut through the long side of the block

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UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 8%

OPEN SPACE: 29%

OPEN SPACE: 53%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Without the tram, the buildings lose it value, the streets are clearly defined, but is it inviting? Should all become a big building with an arcade and a drive-in? - Shopping center - Cinema - Warehouse

Seperation between the two courtyards is still there, but somewhat less clear. Is there a possible connection between them? - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

Driving car through the block, passing wall of buildings, one can briefly perceive a completely diffrent landscape from outside. - Medium-scale residential - Education - Office

043


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 01.A.2c

One mixed traffic cut through the short side of the block, one straight pedestrian street cut through the long side of the block

044


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 5%

OPEN SPACE: 26%

OPEN SPACE: 52%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Clearly defined street shape, but so claustrophobic the feeling is. The block gives the sense of one big entity of architecture. - Shopping center - Warehouse - Slum?

The pedestrian street become a chain of courtyard. From outside, one can hardly expect the openness the block contains. - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Collective festive yards

The block is turned into an obscure typology. On the long edge, there is this seemingly impregnable wall of concrete, in contrast to the shortside, complete openness of endless landscape. - Medium-scale residential - Education - Office - Parkland

045


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 01.A.3a

Two or more two-way traffics cut through the short side of the block, one straight pedestrian street cut through the long side of the block

046


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 13%

OPEN SPACE: 34%

OPEN SPACE: 55%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The streets cut the block into seperate islands, too deep, but not large enough. The pedestrian road is well defined, not too long for a stroll betwwen the window shop. - Promenade, shopping street - Convenient store, supermarket - Warehouse

The pedestrian street goes through a series of small to medium scale courtyards. Each courtyard is an independent entity. There is a nocticeable rhythm in movement. - Small shops - Medium-scale residential - Education - Office - Festive yard - Walled garden

The pedestrian street disappears completely, only a park left. But the landscape is not vast anymore, cut by stream of cars. - Medium-scale residential - Education - Office - Small park

047


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 01.A.3b

Two or more mixed traffics cut through the short side of the block, one straight pedestrian street cut through the long side of the block

048


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 8%

OPEN SPACE: 29%

OPEN SPACE: 52%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The same street pattern, but with different hierarchy completely changed the nature of the block. This is now become one big entity, with arcade inside. - Shopping center - Warehouse

The block has it own inner live, only known to a few. A small surprise in the endless city. - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Collective festive yards - Secret cafe/restaurant - Walled garden

Despite the apparent wall, one can easily got a glimpse inside the green land. - Medium-scale residential - Education - Office - Parkland

049


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 01.A.4

Multiple mixed traffic cut through the short side of the block, as long as the building is at least 5m wide, one straight pedestrian street cut through the long side of the block

050


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 8 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 12 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 41%

OPEN SPACE: 64%

OPEN SPACE: 76%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Despite large percent of open space, the block is hardly percieved as open. It is a striated landscape. - Town house(?)

Tall town houses, nothing but tall town houses. At least you got a backyard. The rhymth is strong, but what for? - Tall town house(?)

The block can be easily penetrated. But, the landscape is surreal, vast open space, lined up with repetitive building(?) that can hardly be used. - Monument - Cemetery - Mutant residential tower(?)

051


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Strategy 01.B.1 No vehicular road cut through, one wavy pedestrian street cut through the long side of the block

052


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 10%

OPEN SPACE: 31%

OPEN SPACE: 54%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The pedestrian road has a defined shape, unexpected, unpredictable, inviting? - Shopping center - Art gallery - Cinema - Warehouse

Each courtyard is a isolated one. The wavy pedestrian street leaves you little clue where the exit might be. - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Festive yard - Walled garden

The idea of a wavy road completely disolves into the vast landscape. - Medium-scale residential - Education - Parkland

053


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 01.B.2a

One tram line cut through the short side of the block, one wavy pedestrian street cut through the long side of the block

054


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 10%

OPEN SPACE: 31%

OPEN SPACE: 54%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The pedestrian road has a defined shape, unexpected, unpredictable, inviting? At least the sound from the tram let you know where the exit. - Shopping center - Art gallery - Cinema - Warehouse

Each courtyard is a isolated one. The wavy pedestrian street leaves you little clue where the exit might be. - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Festive yard - Walled garden

The idea of a wavy road completely disolves into the vast landscape. - Medium-scale residential - Education - Parkland

055


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 01.B.2b

One two-way traffic cut through the short side of the block, one wavy pedestrian street cut through the long side of the block

056


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 9%

OPEN SPACE: 29%

OPEN SPACE: 53%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The curvy road seem inviting? But the block is too deep, and the exit cannot be seen, and one might not want to end up in a dead end. The tension one has to endure is too much. Deep, large buildings - Shopping center - Cinema - Warehouse

The wavy road is unclear, enter one and you wonder where you are next. But at least their a courtyard, a little surprise. - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Festive yards - Walled garden

The idea of a wavy road completely disolves into the vast landscape. - Medium-scale residential - Education - Parkland - Office

057


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 01.B.2c

One mixed traffic cut through the short side of the block, one wavy pedestrian street cut through the long side of the block

058


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 6%

OPEN SPACE: 27%

OPEN SPACE: 52%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Wavy road penetrates deep into the block. One cannot see the other side of it. Even if one gets to the end, all one finds is a narrow street. This is disorientated. - Shopping center - Cinema - Warehouse - Slum

Standing in one courtyard, one can barely be aware of the existence of the other courtyard, even though they are close to each other. - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Secret cafe/restaurant - Walled garden

The idea of a wavy road completely disolves into the vast landscape. - Medium-scale residential - Education - Parkland - Office

059


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 01.B.3a

Two or more two-way traffic cut through the short side of the block, one wavy pedestrian street cut through the long side of the block

060


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 13%

OPEN SPACE: 34%

OPEN SPACE: 55%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The curved road is cut into short part. It has a certain charm, inviting, suitable for a casual meandering. - Shopping center - Shopping promenade - Cinema - Warehouse

The stroll along the short pedestrian path allow some surprises from the courtyards. Each courtyard is quite seperated from another. - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Office - Festive yards - Walled garden

The idea of a wavy road completely disolves into the vast landscape. - Medium-scale residential - Education - Parkland - Office

061


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 01.B.3b

Two or more two-way traffic cut through the short side of the block, one wavy pedestrian street cut through the long side of the block

062


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 8%

OPEN SPACE: 30%

OPEN SPACE: 53%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The pedestrian road is short, but when one exits it, one gets into another narrow street. The tension never seems to end. - Shopping center - Cinema - Warehouse - Slum

The series of courtyards connected by the wavy road creates an inner world, unknown from outside. - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Collective yard - Walled garden - Secret shop/cafe/restaurant

The idea of a wavy road completely disolves into the vast landscape. - Medium-scale residential - Education - Parkland - Office

063


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 01.B.4

Multiple mixed traffic cut through the short side of the block, as long as the building is at least 5m wide, one wavy pedestrian street cut through the long side of the block

064


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 52%

OPEN SPACE: 64%

OPEN SPACE: 75%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Despite large percent of open space, the block is hardly percieved as open. It is a striated landscape, penetrated by a seemingly endless curved road. - Town house(?)

The wavy road, together with the thin buildings creates a strange rhymth. An unreal landscape. - Tall town house(?) - Disney land(?)

The block can be easily penetrated. But, the landscape is surreal, vast open space, lined up with repetitive building(?) that can hardly be used. - Monument - Cemetery - Mutant residential tower(?)

065


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 02 Shortcut This strategy is the reverse of strategy 01. The idea is to create “shortcut� through the block, breaking up the large block. One or two slicer line penetrate along the long side of the block, allowing service distribution directly to the buildings. The corroder line is not as long as the first strategy, a short walk with activities along.

goes through one single block. For strategy 02.A, 02.B and 02.C, each experiments with one single corroder, two and more, and multiple corroders as long as the plot left is no smaller than 5 metre, respectively. Within each substrategy, we also explore different variation of the number of slicers and level of street hierarchy.

Strategy 02 explores three configurations. Each configuration play with how many corroder line 066


UN-BUILT

067


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Strategy 02.A.1

No vehicular road cut through, one straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

068


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 16%

OPEN SPACE: 37%

OPEN SPACE: 58%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Just a single pedestrian road cutting through the block creating a dense broad block. - Shopping strip - Mixed use

The arrangement of the buildings become disconnected. The trip is disrupted with the open landscape. - Short shopping strip - Convenience store - Mixed used - Medium scale residential

The open landscape become dominant, the built program is scattered across the site. - Medium-scale residential - Shopping store

069


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 02.A.2a

One tram line cut through the long side of the block, one straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

070


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 16%

OPEN SPACE: 37%

OPEN SPACE: 58%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Though the tram line divides the block into halves, the area has the potential of becoming another high street, lively, burstling. - Shopping strip - Mixed use

The arrangement of the buildings become disconnected. The trip is disrupted with the open landscape. - Short shopping strip - Convenience store - Mixed used - Medium scale residential

The open landscape become dominant, the built program is scattered across the site. - Medium-scale residential - Shopping store

071


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 02.A.2b

One two-way traffic cut through the long side of the block, one straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

072


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 14%

OPEN SPACE: 35%

OPEN SPACE: 57%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

WIthout the tram, the block might not be as bustling, the street might be quiet, The pedestrian road is just the back road access. - Small shop - Small residential - Warehouse

The line of building is disrupted by open space, potentially becomes pocket park between buildings. The block, however is divided. - Medium-scale residential - Convenience store - Education

The open landscape become dominant, the built program is scattered across the site. - Medium-scale residential - Shopping store

073


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 02.A.2c

One mixed traffic cut through the long side of the block, one straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

074


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 8%

OPEN SPACE: 31%

OPEN SPACE: 54%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The block is claustrophobic, dense and dark. The building migh have to be turned into one big giant building. - Warehouse - Carpark

The line of building is disrupted by open space, potentially becomes pocket park between buildings. - Convenience store - Medium scale residential - Playground

The open landscape become dominant, the built program is scattered across the site. - Medium-scale residential - Shopping store - Parkland

075


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 02.A.3

Two mixed traffic cut through the long side of the block, one straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block.

076


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 12%

OPEN SPACE: 34%

OPEN SPACE: 56%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Same size large, dense blocks with no open space. Medium depth long buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

Open space concentrated in the center, unequal access to the open apaces. Medium depth buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

Open space concentrated in the center, unequal access to the open apaces. How much of if will be used efficiently? Medium depth buildings - Commercial frontages - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

077


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Strategy 02.B.1

No vehicular road cut through, three straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block, as long as the building is at least 5m wide

078


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 15%

OPEN SPACE: 32%

OPEN SPACE: 55%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The block might potentially be filled with activies, with multiple laneways in between, where there are small cafe, bars, and restaurant. - Shopping street - Hidden bar, cafe, restaurant - Small residential - Market place - Mixed use

Small open space in between, potentially become places for small events and gatherings. - Shopping street - Medium-scale residential - Office - Outdoor restaurant, cafe, bar - Small playground

The block contains large open space. The built programs are placed apart from each other. The pedestrian street is disolved into small pocket parks. - Large-scale residential - Office - Hotel

079


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 02.B.2a

One tram line cut through the long side of the block, three straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

080


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 19%

OPEN SPACE: 39%

OPEN SPACE: 59%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The block might potentially be filled with activies, with multiple laneways in between, where there are small cafe, bars, and restaurant. - Shopping street - Hidden bar, cafe, restaurant - Small residential - Market place - Mixed use

There might be some activities on along the tram line, though not as dense. With small open space in between, potentially become places for small events and gatherings. - Shopping street - Medium-scale residential - Office - Outdoor restaurant, cafe, bar - Small playground

The block contains large open space. The built programs are placed apart from each other. The pedestrian street is disolved into small pocket parks. - Large-scale residential - Office - Hotel

081


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 02.B.2b

One two-way traffic cut through the long side of the block, three straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

082


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 13%

OPEN SPACE: 46%

OPEN SPACE: 57%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The street is narrow, the buildings are close together. There can be potential of mixed use activities. - Small shop - Cafe, bar, restaurant - Small-scale residential - Small warehouse

Small open spaces are placed in between buildings. The block is divided into two halves. - Medium-scale residential - Playground - Office - Warehouse

The block contains large open space. The built programs are placed apart from each other. The pedestrian street is disolved into small pocket parks. - Large-scale residential - Office - Hotel

083


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 02.B.2c

One mixed traffic cut through the long side of the block, three pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

084


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 8%

OPEN SPACE: 29%

OPEN SPACE: 53%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The block is dense and dark, There can hardly be activities in the typology. - Warehouse - Carpark

The block is penetrated with small open space. With a controlled traffic, two sides of the block could be united, create a longer strip of buildings - large-scale residential - Education - Office

The block contains large open space. The built programs are placed apart from each other. The pedestrian street is disolved into small pocket parks. - Large-scale residential - Office - Hotel

085


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 03.B.3

Two mixed traffic cut through the long side of the block, 2-4 straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block.

086


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 15%

OPEN SPACE: 36%

OPEN SPACE: 57%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Creating of similar sized grid buildings, creating a miniature model of the existing large blocks. Medium depth buildings - Commercial frontages - Education - Medium-scale mixed use - Commercial frontages

Creating of similar sized grid buildings attached with green spaces, creating a miniature model of the existing large blocks. Medium depth small buildings - Residential - Small scale mixed use - Commercial frontages

Creating of similar sized grid buildings attached with green spaces.How effective is this for densification and character of the block? Medium depth small buildings - Residential - Education - Small scale commercial

087


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Strategy 02.C.1 No vehicular road through the block, multiple straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block, as long as the building is at least 5m wide

088


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 19%

OPEN SPACE: 39%

OPEN SPACE: 59%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The block might potentially be filled with activies, with multiple laneways in between, where there are small cafe, bars, and restaurant. - Shopping street - Hidden bar, cafe, restaurant - Small residential - Market place - Mixed use

There might be some activities on along the tram line, though not as dense. With small open space in between, potentially become places for small events and gatherings. - Shopping street - Medium-scale residential - Office - Outdoor restaurant, cafe, bar - Small playground

The block contains large open space. The built programs are placed apart from each other. The pedestrian street is disolved into small pocket parks. - Large-scale residential - Office - Hotel

089


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 02.C.2a

One tram line cut through the long side of the block, multiple straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block, as long as the building is at least 5m wide

090


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 11 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 47%

OPEN SPACE: 59%

OPEN SPACE: 73%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The stripped landscape penetrated between buildings. Every house has it own public garden! - Tall town house

The rhymth is strong, the landscape become momumental, the function is questionable. - Tall thin house?

The tram line moves bwtwwen the surreal landscape, monumental, but quite. Strong rhymth, but hardly useful. - Monument

091


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 02.C.2b

One two-way traffic cut through the long side of the block, multiple straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block, as long as the building is at least 5m wide

092


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 10 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 44%

OPEN SPACE: 58%

OPEN SPACE: 72%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The stripped landscape penetrated between buildings. Every house has it own public garden! - Tall town house

The rhymth is strong, the landscape become momumental, the function is questionable. - Tall thin house?

One find himself driving bwtwwen the surreal landscape, monumental, but quite. Strong rhymth, but hardly useful. - Monument

093


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 02.C.3c

One mixed traffic cut through the long side of the block, multiple straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block, as long as the building is at least 5m wide

094


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 10 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 41%

OPEN SPACE: 56%

OPEN SPACE: 70%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The stripped landscape penetrated between buildings. Every house has it own public garden! - Tall town house

The rhymth is strong, the landscape become momumental, the function is questionable. - Tall thin house?

Monumental, unreal - Monument

095


THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 02.C.3

Two mixed traffic cut through the long side of the block, multiple straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block, as long as the building is at least 5m wide

096


UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 8 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 11 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 48%

OPEN SPACE: 61%

OPEN SPACE: 74%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Despite large percent of open space, the block is hardly percieved as open. It is a striated landscape, penetrated by a long straight roads. 5m narrow, medium buildings - Small scale residential - Small scale commercial

Despite large percent of open space, the block is hardly percieved as open. It is a striated landscape, penetrated by a long straight roads with landscaping along, which make the block look more open. 5m narrow,small buildings - Small scale residential

The block can be easily penetrated. But, the landscape is surreal, vast open space, lined up with repetitive building(?) that can hardly be used. 5m narrow,small buildings - Small scale residential and single houses

097


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 03 Meander This strategy is a variation of strategy 02. Instead of having shortcuts, we have meander paths. Though based on the same principle, this strategy creates different block configuration, urban spatial space and built forms. Strategy 02 explores three configurations, all of them is cut through by one and two slicers of different levels. Each configuration play with how many corroder lines going through the block. For

strategy 03.A, 03.B and 03.C, each experiments with one corroder line, two and more, and multiple corroder lines as long as the plot left is no smaller than 5 metre, respectively. Within these sub-strategies, the difference created by different number of traffic passing through is also explored at different level of hierarchy.

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Strategy 03.A.1 No vehicular road cut through,one wavy pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 16%

OPEN SPACE: 39%

OPEN SPACE: 58%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The curved pedestrian road divides the block into 2 halves and adds a twisted touch to the area - Shopping strip - Hidden cafe, bar

The pedestrian street turns into a small square between the buildings, allowing gatherings and events - Medium shopping center - Supermarket - Art gallery - Square

Buildings are distributed to the edges of the site with a large open space in between. - Medium-scale residential - Parkland

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 03.A.2a

One tram line cut through the long side of the block, one wavy pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 16%

OPEN SPACE: 39%

OPEN SPACE: 58%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Though the tram line divides the block into halves, the area has the potential of becoming another high street, lively, burstling. The curved pedestrian road at a twisted touch to the area - Shopping strip - Hidden cafe, bar

The pedestrian street turns into a small square between the buildings, allowing gatherings and events - Medium shopping center - Supermarket - Art gallery - Square

Large open space divided by the tram line. Buildings are distributed to the four corners of the site. - Medium-scale residential - Parkland

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 03.A.2b

One two-way traffic cut through the long side of the block, one wavy pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 14%

OPEN SPACE: 37%

OPEN SPACE: 57%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Some activities might happen, clustering around the pedestrian street. The building is long strip, can be lined up with stores facing the street. - Shopping strip - Cafe, restaurant - Warehouse

A medium open space formed between buildings, is divided by the car street. - Medium shopping center

Large open space divided by the car traffice. Buildings are distributed to the four corners of the site. - Medium-scale residential - Parkland

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 03.A.2c

One mixed traffic cut through the long side of the block, one wavy pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 8%

OPEN SPACE: 29%

OPEN SPACE: 53%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The block is claustrophobic, dense and dark. The building migh have to be turned into one big giant building. - Warehouse - Carpark

With controlled traffic, the pedestrian street turns into a small square between the buildings, allowing gatherings and events - Medium shopping center - Supermarket - Art gallery - Square

Large open space semi-divided by the car traffice. Buildings are distributed to the four corners of the site. - Medium-scale residential - Parkland

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 03.A.3

Two mixed traffic cut through the long side of the block, one curved pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block.

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 12%

OPEN SPACE: 34%

OPEN SPACE: 56%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Wavy pedestrian road penetrates deep into the block. One cannot see the other side of it. Even if one gets to the end, all one finds is a narrow street. Medium depth long buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

The idea of a wavy pedestrian road disolves into the landscape. Medium depth buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

The idea of a wavy pedestrian road completely disolves into the vast landscape. - Commercial frontages - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Strategy 03.B.1

No vehicular road cut through, two or more wavy pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 19%

OPEN SPACE: 38%

OPEN SPACE: 61%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The curved pedestrian road at a twisted touch to the area, though they break the built fabric into smaller bits. - Shopping strip - Hidden cafe, bar

The pedestrian roads permeate through the block in unexpected fashion, allowing a short stroll between building canyon. - Medium-scale residential - Office - Small gallery - Disneyland?

The block is cut into a mixture of different building shapes and open spaces. - Large-scale residential - Education - Office

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 03.B.2a

One tram line cut through the long side of the block, two or more wavy pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 19%

OPEN SPACE: 38%

OPEN SPACE: 61%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Though the tram line divides the block into halves, the area has the potential of becoming another high street, lively, burstling. The curved pedestrian road at a twisted touch to the area, though they break the built fabric into smaller bits. - Shopping strip - Hidden cafe, bar

The pedestrian roads permeate through the block in unexpected fashion, allowng a short stroll between building canyon. - Medium-scale residential - Office - Small gallery - Disneyland?

The block is cut into a mixture of different building shapes and open spaces. They are divided by the tram line. - Large-scale residential - Education - Office

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 03.B.2b

One two-way traffic cut through the long side of the block, two or more wavy pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 15%

OPEN SPACE: 35%

OPEN SPACE: 58%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Though the tram line divides the block into halves, the area has the potential of becoming another high street, lively, burstling. The curved pedestrian road at a twisted touch to the area, though they break the built fabric into smaller bits. - Shopping strip - Hidden cafe, bar

The pedestrial roads become more prominent, but is still interrupted by the car traffic. - Medium-scale residential - Disneyland?

The block is cut into a mixture of different building shapes and open spaces. They are divided by the car traffic. - Large-scale residential - Education - Office

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 03.B.2c

One mixed traffic cut through the long side of the block, two or more wavy pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 10%

OPEN SPACE: 31%

OPEN SPACE: 56%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The block is dense, the pedestrian roads are not long, but without any openning, one rarely want to venture inside, unless there’s a certain business inside. - Shopping center - Secret business - Slum?

The direction of the pedestrian is clearly dominant, running through the block, between these building canyons. - Medium-scale residential - Art gallery

The block is cut into a mixture of different building shapes and open spaces. - Large-scale residential - Education - Office

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 03.B.3

Two mixed traffic cut through the long side of the block, 2-4 curved pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block.

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 15%

OPEN SPACE: 36%

OPEN SPACE: 57%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The pedestrian road is short, but when one exits it, one gets into another narrow street. The tension never seems to end. Medium depth buildings - Commercial frontages - Education - Medium-scale mixed use - Commercial frontages

The series of courtyards connected by the wavy pedestrian road creates an inner world, unknown from outside. Medium depth small buildings - Residential - Small scale mixed use - Commercial frontages

The idea of a wavy road completely disolves into the vast landscape. Medium depth small buildings - Residential - Education - Small scale commercial

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 03.C.1

No vehicular road through the block, multiple curved pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block, as long as the building is at least 5m wide.

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 15%

OPEN SPACE: 36%

OPEN SPACE: 57%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The pedestrian road is short,the tension never seems to end. Medium depth buildings - Commercial frontages - Education - Medium-scale mixed use - Commercial frontages

The series of courtyards connected by the wavy pedestrian road creates an inner world, unknown from outside. Medium depth small buildings - Residential - Small scale mixed use - Commercial frontages

The idea of a wavy road completely disolves into the vast landscape. Medium depth small buildings - Residential - Education - Small scale commercial

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 03.C.2

Two mixed traffic cut through the long side of the block, multiple curved pedestrian streets cut through the short side of the block, as long as the building is at least 5m wide.

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 15%

OPEN SPACE: 36%

OPEN SPACE: 57%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The pedestrian road is short, but when one exits it, one gets into another narrow street. The tension never seems to end. Medium depth buildings - Commercial frontages - Education - Medium-scale mixed use - Commercial frontages

The series of courtyards connected by the wavy pedestrian road creates an inner world, unknown from outside. Medium depth small buildings - Residential - Small scale mixed use - Commercial frontages

The idea of a wavy road completely disolves into the vast landscape. Medium depth small buildings - Residential - Education - Small scale commercial

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 03.C.3

Two mixed traffic cut through the long side of the block, 2-4 curved pedestrian streets cut through the short side of the block, as long as the building is at least 5m wide.

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 15%

OPEN SPACE: 36%

OPEN SPACE: 57%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The pedestrian road is short, but when one exits it, one gets into another narrow street. The tension never seems to end. Medium depth buildings - Commercial frontages - Education - Medium-scale mixed use - Commercial frontages

The series of courtyards connected by the wavy pedestrian road creates an inner world, unknown from outside. Medium depth small buildings - Residential - Small scale mixed use - Commercial frontages

The idea of a wavy road completely disolves into the vast landscape. Medium depth small buildings - Residential - Education - Small scale commercial

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THE MELBURBS

Strategy 04 Parallel Strategy 04 is based on the idea of creating linear parallel blocks within a block. This strategy cuts the block along the shorter side, with both corroder line and slicer line going parallel to each other. The corroder and slicer never meet within the block. This divides the block into a series of function band. In this strategy, we explore four major configurations. First, strategy 03.A is when no slicer

cutting through the block. Strategy 03.B is when one slicer cutting through, followed by 03.C and 03.D having multiple slicers running through. The range varies from no slicer cutting through to an extreme case where the minimum building width is maintained at 5m(the smallest building width one can find in the area of study).

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Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 04.A.1

No vehicular road through the block, two pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 10%

OPEN SPACE: 32%

OPEN SPACE: 55%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Deep, large buildings - Shopping center - Cinema - Art gallery - Warehouse

Varying depth, large buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

Small depth buildings - Small-scale residential - Commercial frontages

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 04.A.2a

One tram line cut through the short side of the block, two pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 10%

OPEN SPACE: 32%

OPEN SPACE: 55%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Deep, large buildings - Shopping center - Cinema - Art gallery - Warehouse

Varying depth, large buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

Small depth buildings - Small-scale residential - Commercial frontages

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 04.A.2b

One two-way traffic cut through the short side of the block,two pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 9 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 8%

OPEN SPACE: 31%

OPEN SPACE: 66%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Deep, large buildings - Shopping center - Cinema - Art gallery - Warehouse

Varying depth, large buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

Small depth buildings - Small-scale residential - Commercial frontages

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 04.A.3

2-4 mixed traffic cut through the short side of the block, 2-4 straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block.

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UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 14%

OPEN SPACE: 35%

OPEN SPACE: 57%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Parallel buildings with increased block permeability. Medium depth, large buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

Parallel buildings with increased block permeability and green strips along streets. Varying depth, large buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

Parallel narrow buildings with increased block permeability and green strips along streets. Small depth buildings - Small-scale residential - Commercial frontages

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 04.A.4

Multiple mixed traffic cut through the long side of the block, multiple straight pedestrian street cut through the short side of the block, as long as the building is at least 5m wide

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 43%

FUNCTION SPECULATION Breaking the block into narrow building, making the open spaces equivalent the building area.How efficient is this strategy?? 5m narrow, long buildings - Small scale residential - Small scale commercial

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THE MELBURBS

Strategy 05 Cul-de-sac This strategy deals with the use of cul-de-sac’s to penetrate into the block. These corroder networks do not completely penetrate the block. This is a complex strategy with an unexpected number of options which could be generated with the idea. Cul-de-sac systems create a mix of interest and confusion. They help reduce the traffic flow within the blocks, but can be more susceptible to crime and urban degradation. Strategy 05.A and 05.B explore the possibilities of parallel straight cul-de-sacs along the shorter and

longer side respectively. Strategy 05.C ,05.D and 05.E explore the “fish-spine” typology of cul-desac. Lastly strategy 05.F explores random cul-de-sac formations. Compared to other strategies, the possibilities of configurations generated cul-de-sac strategy is most diverse, thus, making it difficult to properly sort them into different groups. On the other hand, the cul-de-sac systems can create an urban spatial field with an unmatched degree of control.

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 05.A.1 Single mixed traffic cul-de-sac along the short side of the block

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 2%

OPEN SPACE: 26%

OPEN SPACE: 51%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Extremly large building size with no means of complete penetration. Very deep, large buildings - Shopping center - Cinema - Art gallery - Warehouse - Large Mixed-use

Large building size and some open space, with no means of penetration through the block. Deep, large buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

Almost dividing the block into two halves without actual breakage of the block.Courtyard style plan. Deep buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 05.A.2 2-4 mixed traffic cul-de-sac along the short side of the block

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UN-BUILT

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 6%

OPEN SPACE: 29%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Deep buildings along narrow streets.This creates a dense and dark building environment. Deep, large buildings - Shopping center - Cinema - Art gallery - Warehouse - Medium-scale mixed use

Narrow buildings along large open spaces, How effective is it in terms for densification? Narrow buildings - Small-scale residential - Commercial frontages

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 05.A.3 multiple mixed traffic cul-de-sac along the short side of the block, as long as the building is at least 5m wide.

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 36%

FUNCTION SPECULATION Streets penetrating into the block without cutting through. Is this a form of Increasing of decreasing safety?? 5m narrow, long buildings - Small scale residential - Small scale commercial

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 05.B.1 Single mixed traffic cul-de-sac along the long side of the block

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 6 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 4%

OPEN SPACE: 28%

OPEN SPACE: 54%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

One narrow street along the longer side making the block almost non penetrable. Very deep, large buildings - Shopping center - Cinema - Art gallery - Warehouse - Large Mixed-use

One narrow street with open space along the longer side creating a U shaped block. Deep, large buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

One narrow street with largestrips of open space on either sides. Deep buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 05.B.2 2-4 mixed traffic cul-de-sac along the long side of the block.

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 11%

OPEN SPACE: 33%

OPEN SPACE: 56%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The whole block is physically connected with few streets running in between. Deep, large buildings - Shopping center - Cinema - Art gallery - Warehouse - Medium-scale mixed use

The whole block is physically connected with few streets and green strips running in between. Medium depth,long buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

The whole block is physically connected with streets going almost the full length of the block, along with some open spaces. Narrow,long buildings - Small-scale residential - Commercial frontages

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 05.B.3 Multiple mixed traffic cul-de-sac along the long side of the block, as long as the building is at least 5m wide.

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 34%

FUNCTION SPECULATION Streets penetrating deep into the block without cutting through.Is this a form of Increasing of decreasing safety?? 5m Narrow,long buildings - Small-scale residential

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 05.C.1 2-4 mixed traffic cul-de-sac exiting on the longer side.

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 11%

OPEN SPACE: 33%

OPEN SPACE: 56%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The whole block is physically connected with few streets running in between. Deep, large buildings - Shopping center - Cinema - Art gallery - Warehouse - Medium-scale mixed use

The whole block is physically connected with few streets and green strips running in between.Series of linear open spaces appear Medium depth,long buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

The whole block is physically connected with streets going almost the full length of the block, along with some open spaces.A large central open space is created Narrow,long buildings - Small-scale residential - Commercial frontages

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 05.D.1 2-4 mixed traffic cul-de-sac multiple exits on the longer side.

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 11%

OPEN SPACE: 33%

OPEN SPACE: 56%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The whole block is physically connected with few streets running in between. Deep, large buildings - Shopping center - Cinema - Art gallery - Warehouse - Medium-scale mixed use

The whole block is physically connected with few streets and green strips running in between. Medium depth,long buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

The whole block is physically connected with streets going almost the full length of the block, along with some open spaces. Narrow,long buildings - Small-scale residential - Commercial frontages

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 05.E.1 2-4 mixed traffic cul-de-sac exiting on the shorter side.

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 75%

GROUND COVERAGE: 50%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 3 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 7 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 11%

OPEN SPACE: 33%

OPEN SPACE: 56%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

The whole block is physically connected with few streets running in between. Deep, large buildings - Shopping center - Cinema - Art gallery - Warehouse - Medium-scale mixed use

The whole block is physically connected with few streets and green strips running in between. Medium depth,long buildings - Medium shopping center - Medium-scale residential - Education - Medium-scale mixed use

The whole block is physically connected with streets going almost the full length of the block, along with some open spaces. Narrow,long buildings - Small-scale residential - Commercial frontages

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THE MELBURBS

Suggested pedestrian street typologies

Suggested vehical street typology

Strategy 05.F.1 Multiple mixed traffic cul-de-sac.

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GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

GROUND COVERAGE: 100%

BUILDING HEIGHT: 5 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

BUILDING HEIGHT: 4 STORIES

OPEN SPACE: 24%

OPEN SPACE: 21%

OPEN SPACE: 25%

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

FUNCTION SPECULATION

Placing Cul-de-sac’s at random. This creates a mix of interest and confusion. Varying building sizes - Large scale Mixed-use - Industrial use - Residential

Placing Cul-de-sac’s at mid-poits.A very systematic arrangement of streets resulting in symmetrical blocks. Varying building sizes - Large scale Mixed-use - Industrial use - Residential

Placing Cul-de-sac’s at 3/4th distances.This penetrates deep into the block without actually crossing the block over. Varying building sizes - Mixed-use - Industrial use - Residential

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THE MELBURBS Kim Vo A collection of typical blocks

Assessment As an attempt to understand the urban attributes created by these blocks, we create different series of matrices. Each series addresses one aspect of the urban spatial condition. The five series are: Accessibility, Vision, Movement/ Speed, Civic and Greenery. Within each series, there are multiple subcategories, describing different nature of the overall series.

When sorting into these matrices, some blocks can have attain many attributes, even within one series, depending on how they will be applied in the context. To simplify the process, we deliberately ignore the street hierarchy and focus only the block morphology.

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THE MELBURBS

OVERALL MATRIX All OVERALL MATRIX - Overview

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THE MELBURBS

ACCESSIBILITY/LAYER Penetrating ACCESSIBILITY - Penetrating

164


UN-BUILT

Penetrating is the attribute that allow traffic to pass through the block easily. Penetrating blocks allow permeability, encourage movement between different urban area. Blocks with medium to low degree of ground coverage tend to have this attribute, with the exception of block generated through the use of cul-de-sac strategy. However the penetrating effect tend to decrease when there are too many pathways to go through the block. Despite its high degree of permeability, it tends to discourage traffic flow due to the narrowness of the pathways and the confusion of too many available pathways.

165


THE MELBURBS

ACCESSIBILITY/LAYER Filtering ACCESSIBILITY - Filtering

166


UN-BUILT

Filtering is the ability to partially contain traffic, noise, movement. Blocks with closed courtyard, weaving structure or multiple layers can achieve filtering effect. These blocks can act as buffer between public and private parts of the area. The blocks generated by the meander strategy offer great filtering effect. Blocks with courtyard formation can also achieve filtering effect.

167


THE MELBURBS

ACCESSIBILITY/LAYER Blocking ACCESSIBILITY - Blocking

168


UN-BUILT

Blocking is the attribute to completely stop a certain type of traffic from one direction. Cul-de-sac type blocks can easily achieve this characteristic. Blocks without any slicer running through can have blocking effect to a certain degree. Parallel blocks can block traffic from one side but not on the other.

169


THE MELBURBS

VISION Directional VISION - Directional

170


UN-BUILT

Directional is the situation where anyone at one point can have a clear vision toward to the end of the road. The directional vision encourage clear focused narrow visual field that can be utilized for high street area. Blocks generating straight un-buit space can achieve this effect. Meander blocks, however, do not allow directional vision.

171


THE MELBURBS

VISION Centric VISION - Centric

172


UN-BUILT

Centric is when the main point interest can be put in the center of the un-built. This characteristic allows events to take center place in the un-built, commanding the attention from all viewers at the street level. Centric characteristic can be achieve by using strategies with low percentage of ground coverage or using specific formation that create a courtyard form of the un-built space.

173


THE MELBURBS

? VISION Suggestive VISION - Suggestive

174


UN-BUILT

Suggestive is the attribute where one can not identify the exit of the path, as they can only see certain part of it. The opening only gives a small hint of what coming. Meander blocks can easily possess the suggestive characteristic as they can generate wavy paths. Cul-de-sac blocks also have suggestive aspects as they can reveal more pathways if one ventures in deep enough.

175


THE MELBURBS

! VISION Sequential VISION - Sequential

176


UN-BUILT

Sequential is the effect of opening up to different fields of vision along the path. A typical case is where one is moving along a narrow pathway, suddenly come across a big wide open space. This characteristic can be achieve through a succession of thematic courtyard blocks. Or through moving from a wall of building into an open field.

177


THE MELBURBS

MOVEMENT SPEED Fast MOVEMENT/SPEED - Directional/Fast

178


UN-BUILT

Directional/Fast is the situation where traffic can passing through in relatively fast manner. The effect can be achieved through the generation of straight and directional un-built form.

179


THE MELBURBS

MOVEMENT SPEED Wandering MOVEMENT/SPEED - Meandering/Slow

180


UN-BUILT

Meander/Slow is when traffic moving through a block in relatively slow speed. This is when the pathways are curvy or in a system of cul-de-sac where one cannot easily predict the exit what might be encountered along the way.

181


THE MELBURBS

MOVEMENT SPEED Contained MOVEMENT/SPEED - Containing/Stop

182


UN-BUILT

Containing/Stop is the situation where traffic moving through the un-built tends to be halted due to either a large space where there can potentially be a congestion or simply being blocked by a building.

183


THE MELBURBS

CIVIC Enclosed Public CIVIC - Defined Space

184


UN-BUILT

Defined Space is an attribute of having the un-built strongly defined by the built form. These types of space create a heightened sense of civic activities. Defined Space can be achieved through low level of ground coverage and clearly defined built form surrounding an accumulation of un-built. However, to maintain a feeling of publicity, the un-built space need to remain fairly “open� to public.

185


THE MELBURBS

CIVIC Semi-Public CIVIC - Semi-Private

186


UN-BUILT

Semi-Private is the type of un-built that can be closed off, reserved exclusively to the community living within the block. The un-built space like this type allow certain degree of shared amenity within a limited community, fostering interaction between residents without being disturbed by strangers and privy public. The Semi-Private can be achieved through court-yard formation or cul-de-sac blocks where the entrance can be controlled easily.

187


THE MELBURBS

CIVIC Informal/Frontal CIVIC - Storefront/Informal

188


UN-BUILT

Storefront/Informal is a characteristic that allow random encounter between people. The attribute has long exposure for storefront display, allowing lingering and meandering and chance to strike up random conversation. Blocks with linear un-built space can achieve this effect, especially with strategies that can generate large storefront surface.

189


THE MELBURBS

GREENERY Parkland GREENERY - Parkland

190


UN-BUILT

Parkland is an attribute where there is a large amount of un-built space that can be utilized as parkland. The parkland space need to be publicly accessible to all potential users. The characteristic can be attained through the use of low percentage ground coverage blocks.

191


THE MELBURBS

GREENERY Pocket GREENERY - Pocket, patch

192


UN-BUILT

Pocket/Patch greenery is a characteristic having smaller un-built space that can be reserved for greenery between built forms. Pocket/Patch characteristic has to be open to general public, but at an intimate scale. Blocks with large un-built space will not be included in this category due to the differences in scale can lead to different degree of publicity.

193


THE MELBURBS

GREENERY Finger/Corridor GREENERY - Finger, corridor

194


UN-BUILT

Finger/Corridor is a characteristic in which the un-built is created in corridor form. This attribute allow species to transverse between urban blocks. Blocks that can achieve this attribute have particular form of the un-built that can either allow delivery of vegetation deep into the blocks or together with other blocks create a greenery network.

195


THE MELBURBS

GREENERY Walled GREENERY - Walled

196


UN-BUILT

Walled green space is the characteristic in which the greenery can be closed off and reserved for residents living within the block. This creates a more personal semi-public space within a particular community. The characteristic can be attained through the use of courtyard form blocks or the cul-de-sac blocks.

197


THE MELBURBS Kim Vo A snapshot of fabric created to respond to certain conditions in the studied area.

Student Kim Vo Kishna Keerthi Tirumalachetty

Fabric Each block created earlier possess within itself many distinctive characteristics. However, no matter how strategic and efficient they are, their influence on certain urban condition is limited. To be able to radically address the context, we need to understand the coordination between these blocks. The blocks provide the vocabulary for the Melburbs, the fabrics here are an attempt to build the grammatic structures that govern them. Within the studio requirements, we put these blocks together, creating a fabric of 9 by 9 blocks in the process. These fabrics are subjected under different conditions and certain hypothetical scenarios. First, we created fabrics by using one single strategy, applying it to generic condition or certain scenarios. Despite

the tabular rasa nature of these fabrics, we consciously selected certain scenarios that partially reflect the existing condition of the studied area. The rigorous process generated a set of monostrategic fabrics, revealing what we could achieve with just one strategy. Moreover, we also created the same experiments by using different strategies, a patchwork fabric. Through the creation of these tabula rasa fabrics, the relationship between the typical blocks are better understood in term of unbuilt distribution and built-form height. These are the catalogue of reference when considering future implementation as the condition in reality might be more complex and require the combination of multiple fabrics.

198


UN-BUILT

199


THE MELBURBS Kim Vo Un-built

Fabric(1): Mono-spectrum In a hypothetical condition, what would happen if one fabric is generated by a single strategy, ranging from one extreme to another? What we have is a fabric that can reflect the full spectrum of what one strategy can generate and the transformation of the spaces between the void and built forms.

In these cases, we can generate five different fabrics based on the strategies we created earlier. This will reveal the transitional effect between these spaces.

200


UN-BUILT

201


THE MELBURBS 0

1

2

3

4

5

50%

75%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

75%

50%

Strategy 01

202

10

15

20


UN-BUILT

203


THE MELBURBS 1

0

100%

0

75%

0

50%

0

50%

1

75%

1

100%

2

100%

2

75%

2

50%

2

3

4

5

6

Strategy 02

204

10

15

24


UN-BUILT

205


THE MELBURBS 1

0

100%

0

75%

0

50%

0

50%

1

75%

1

100%

2

100%

2

75%

2

50%

2

3

4

5

6

Strategy 03

206

7

8

13


UN-BUILT

207


THE MELBURBS 100%

0

2

1

2

3

4

5

6

11

10

5

6

3

4

1

2

0

2

75%

50%

30%

10%

30%

Strategy 04

208

50%

75%

100%


UN-BUILT

209


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 05

210


UN-BUILT

211


THE MELBURBS Kim Vo The four generic scenarios drawing from site observation.

Fabric(2): Transitional scenario While using the same materials in the mono-strategic fabrics, we rearrange these blocks in response to the four scenarios: Axis, Checker, Center, and Stripe. Each scenario reflects different aspects of the existing condition around the Victoria Parade and Victoria Street. These are the impact of tram lines, or high street; the lack of open space among the block; the

occasional appearance of a single large open space; and the layering effect of the overall fabric. In each scenario, we attempt to use one single strategy to create an urban fabric in respond to one the conditions set out. This allows us to understand the practicality of one strategy in different situations

212


UN-BUILT

AXIS The prominent influence of tram and train line, especially with the creation of high street along the tram line.

CHECKER An attempt to address the lack of green amenity and open space by injecting pocket parks in between higher density blocks.

CENTER This condition reflects the existing of large site such as parks, gardens and House Commission site in the area.

STRIPE This scenario tries to address the co-existence of different layers of activities by arranging them into series of function bands

213


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 01 - Scenario I

Axis

214


UN-BUILT

215


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 01 - Scenario II

Checker

216


UN-BUILT

217


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 01 - Scenario III

Center

218


UN-BUILT

219


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 01 - Scenario III

The fabric prominent attribute is its ability to create a transition of density, from large scale buildings breaking down to smaller scale ones. The degree of publicity and privacy also varies accordingly. This fabric offers the ability of not only densification but also de-densification. As we can densify certain areas and de-densify others while still allowing a smooth transition from one condition to another. Even though only one strategy is used in this formation, the variation of built-form arisen from the fabric is diverse, fostering different lifestyles.

220


UN-BUILT

221


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 01 - Scenario IV

Stripe

222


UN-BUILT

223


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 02 - Scenario I

Axis

224


UN-BUILT

225


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 02 - Scenario II

Checker

226


UN-BUILT

227


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 02 - Scenario III

Center

228


UN-BUILT

229


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 02 - Scenario IV

Stripe

230


UN-BUILT

231


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 03 - Scenario I

Axis

232


UN-BUILT

233


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 03 - Scenario II

Checker

234


UN-BUILT

235


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 03 - Scenario III

Center

236


UN-BUILT

237


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 03 - Scenario IV

Stripe

238


UN-BUILT

239


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 04 - Scenario I

Axis

240


UN-BUILT

241


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 04 - Scenario II

Checker

242


UN-BUILT

243


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 04 - Scenario III

Center

244


UN-BUILT

245


THE MELBURBS

Strategy 04 - Scenario IV

Stripe

246


UN-BUILT

247


THE MELBURBS

Fabric(3): Patchworks The patchworks are attempts to create the previous scenarios using different strategies within one fabric. What kind of space, relationship can be created by combining different strategies while try to address a certain condition. After all, patchworks is the natural condition of the urban fabric. 248


UN-BUILT

249


THE MELBURBS

Patchwork I

Axis

250


UN-BUILT

251


THE MELBURBS

Patchwork II

Checker

252


UN-BUILT

253


THE MELBURBS

Patchwork II

This fabric showcase the diverse un-built. Different building typologies of various height can be arranged next to each other. Blocks with drastic difference in ground coverage can simply exist side by side. The fabric created, despite not being a smooth transitional pattern, allows certain characteristics to be injected into an existing condition. The use of patchwork shows its advantage in cases where there is not enough space for transitional pattern or the existing condition is so complex that an overall development seems to be too radical. In other words, patchwork is suitable for infill development.

254


UN-BUILT

255


THE MELBURBS

Patchwork III

Center

256


UN-BUILT

257


THE MELBURBS

Patchwork IV

Stripe

258


UN-BUILT

259


THE MELBURBS

Patchwork IV

The fabric allows different lifestyles co-exist side by side. Each band foster a theme, a way of activities, actions. Some open up with the un-built transversing from one block to another. Some collect the un-built into close community, reserved for local residents. The fabric is suitable for linear development or when there is a need for layering, for instance, development along highway.

260


UN-BUILT

261


THE MELBURBS

STRATEGY 01: INNER REALM

STRATEGY 03: MEANDER

Each fabric has its own characteristics and advantages when being implemented in a certain condition. The monofabrics are more suitable when there is a need to create transition between high and low-density area, allowing us to develop highdensity area without too much disruption to the existing lowdense surroundings. Mono-fabrics

in centric scenario is capable of consolidating un-built in response to a central parkland and gradually dispense the un-built as it gets further away from the center or vice versa. Patchwork fabrics can be applied for infill development where total erasures seem too extreme, or there is a need for heritage preservation. 262


UN-BUILT

STRATEGY 02: SHORTCUT

STRATEGY 04: PARALLEL

PATCHWORKS

263


THE MELBURBS Kim Vo & Kishna Keerthi Tirumalachetty The three scenarios

The three scenarios In this section, three scenarios are tested. Each one establishes a set of conditions closely resembling the studied area. The fabrics created in each scenario are still comprised of collection of typical blocks of 100 by 200 meters. These experiments will provide case studies for the actual site implementation. 264


UN-BUILT

265


THE MELBURBS

Scenario I This scenario tries to replicate the condition of the studied area, where there is an existing large unbuilt space, such as, public park or reserve and a prominent tram line. The overall densification strategy is to densify around the tram route and the existing public amenity, dedensify as it gets further away from these points. Since transition is the key here, mono-fabric formation is applied. Strategy 01: Inner Realm is chosen for this case, since they can create different un-built space of different level of openness, allowing us flexibility when determine the function of the un-built space here. This strategy also allows different type of built-form varying in scale, height and demographic

266

TRIGGERS Two main trigger elements in this scenario are the tram line and the existing large open space (public park, reserve or empty site). The overall scheme is to increase density along the tram route and around the open space. The density gradually decreases until it match the existing surroundings.


UN-BUILT

SLICERS & CORRODERS

THE BLOCKS

UN-BUILT

Using Strategy 01: Inner Realm as the guidance in this scenario. The single corroder transversing within the block allow the consolidation of un-built space. The slicer breaking down the block into smaller groups.

The ground coverage near the park are lowered to maximize the possible un-built, allowing functional activities attach to the existing park. As moving further away, ground coverage are increased, breaking up the un-built into smaller parts that can be reserved for certain group. Blocks around tram route have higher ground coverage, with the exception the tram stops. This allow maximization of the storefront area, increasing commercial activities.

Large group of un-built are consolidated around the existing open space, allowing higher degree of permeability and creating new functions nearby this open space. The un-built space tend to breaking into smaller portion when moving further away from the park. Un-built along the tram line is walled, allowing semi-private functions to happen.

267


THE MELBURBS Kim Vo Isometric view of fabric generated in the first scenario.

268


UN-BUILT

269


THE MELBURBS

Scenario II The studied area has a rich history with many houses are considered heritage. This scenario plays on with the idea of preserving these blocks of heritage buildings. The heritage blocks are usually lowrise, crowded group of buildings with little or no open space among them. As a result, the overall strategy is to inject more public or shared space in between these block, increasing meaningful green amenities. Within this scheme, the possibility of densification is also considered. Due to the inconsistency of the heritage block location, patchwork fabric is utilized in this scenario, as they can effectively inject new infill development in between these blocks. In response to the heritage blocks, all newly-developed blocks nearby are restricted to certain height. The further away from these heritage area, the higher the built-form can be allowed.

270

TRIGGERS The trigger elements in this scenario are the tram route and the existing heritage blocks. The heritage blocks puts constrain on the height of their surrounding buildings.


UN-BUILT

SLICERS & CORRODERS

THE BLOCKS

UN-BUILT

As the heritage blocks are often overly built up. The idea is utilizing the corroders near the heritage blocks to open up open space, potentially green amenities.

Building height is kept in proportion with the nearby heritage blocks. The further away from the heritage blocks, the higher the height can be.

The un-built in this scenario acts locally and responds specifically to the area surrounding them. The overall rule is to maintain a certain amount of public space and gradually transfer to semi-public and more private un-built type. However, due to the location of the heritage blocks, the transitional effect is not as smooth as the first scenario.

271


THE MELBURBS

Scenario III This Scenario considers the intersection of multiple tram lines as they exist in the study area. The strategy focuses on densification along tram lines by providing variations in the building types. This variation will result in mixed land use development. There are patches of open spaces between densified blocks to retain some buffer spaces within dense blocks. There is also a gradual decrease in the densification from the points of intersection of tram lines to the blocks along the tram lines. This further reduces as we move away from the tram lines.

TRIGGERS The major trigger points in this scenario are the intersecting tram lines as close proximity with each other. The junction of intersection of tram lines can develop into a dense mixed-use development.

Multiple strategies have been applied to create a mixed-use development area. This will result is development of blocks of different building sizes to accommodate different functions.

272


UN-BUILT

SLICERS & CORRODERS

THE BLOCKS

UN-BUILT

Making use of multiple strategies to create pocket parks all around the area in order to reduce or nullify the effects of densification along tram lines and interesting junctions.

Higher ground coverages are used at interesting junctions. As we move away from the tram lines the ground coverage reduces to suit the needs of Suburban residential population.

Although there is similar degree of permeability among the blocks, there is a variation in the area of un-built spaces available closer or away from tram lines. There is an increase in the un-built area as we move away from the intersections of tram lines.

273


THE MELBURBS Kishna Keerthi Tirumalachetty Isometric view of fabric generated in the third scenario

274


UN-BUILT

275


THE MELBURBS Kim Vo Snapshot of built forms in the fabric

Student Kim Vo Nina Tory-Henderson Kishna Keerthi Tirumalachetty

Building typologies

If the current suburban architecture cannot maintain the Australian suburban dreams, then it surely cannot keep up with the need for densification in the future. In an attempt to provide an alternative solution, we creates here a series of building typologies. Each addresses the need for densification at different scales and the suburban desire. The current survey shows that Australian has the highest living area per person in the world: 89 sqm per person. However, this is not a surprising fact when most

family living in a typical fivebedroom suburban house. The actual occupancy of a typical house rarely reaches it full capacity, especially true for families with independent children and the mentality that every member in the house eventually buy one for their own. Compared to the rest of the world, the ratio of 89 sqm per person is too high and unnecessary. We proposed a ratio of maximum 50 sqm per person for the Melburbs model here. The following is a series of building typologies generated on that criteria.

276


UN-BUILT

277


THE MELBURBS

SINGLE FAMILY

PLOT SIZE: 5 XFAMILY 30m FAMILY SINGLE E 5X30M PLOTSIZE 5X30M

person 2M 50M2: 1 person

5M 125M2: 2-3 people 5M 125M2: 2-3 people

-2 people 3M 75M2: 1-2 people

6M 150M2: 3 people 6M 150M2: 3 people

2 people 4M 100M2: 2 people

7M 175M2 7M 175M2 3-4 people 3-4 people 1 shop + 2 people 1 shop + 2 people

SINGLE FAMILY FAMILY SINGLE FAMILY PLOT SIZE: 10 X 30m E 10X30M PLOTSIZE 10X30M

7M 175M2 3-4 people people 1 shop + 2 people

8M 200M2 4-5 people -3 people 1 shop + 2-3 people

9M 225M2 9M 225M2 4-5 people 4-5 people 1 shop + 3 people 1 shop + 3 people

10M 250M2 10M 250M2 5-6 people 5-6 people 1 shop + 3-4 people 1 shop + 3-4 people

278


UN-BUILT

Low rise: Modular terrace

8M 200M2 4-5 people 1 shop + 2-3 people

9M 225M2 4-5 people 1 shop + 3 people

10M 250M2 5-6 people 1 shop + 3-4 people

11M 275M2 5-6 people 1 shop + 3-4 people

12M 300M2 6 people 1 shop + 4 people

The modular terrace typology tries to address the inflexibility of the traditional suburban terrace houses. Among the typologies created, this housing type is the closest resemblance of the traditional suburban lifestyle. However, the traditional terrace house is inflexible and difficult for extension. This typology instead explores the framework within which various alterations can arise. The basic module is a unit of 5 by 5 meters. To ensure natural daylight and ventilation, no more than 3 modules can be connected and if so open floor plan is a must. Thus, a patio is required if more modules are added. Three types of housing can be created using the modular terrace: town house, mansion and apartment. The town house and the mansion are reserved for single family, with possibility of a shop on ground floor. Their difference is due to the size of their plot 5x30 and 10x30 meters respectively. The apartment is built on a plot of 10x30 meters or larger, housing multiple different families. In the town house and the mansion type, a backyard is required. These two types are more suitable for upper middle-income group with excessively high demand of privacy. 279


THE MELBURBS

MULTIPLE FAMILIES PLOT SIZE: 10 X 30m

PLE FAMILY IZE 10X30M

20M 500M2 5 people1 shop + 4 people + 4-5 people

22M 550M2 22M 550M2 1 shop + 3 people + 3 people +1 4shop people + 3 people + 3 people

20M 500M2 people +1 3shop people + 2 people + 3 people + 3 people

24M 600M2 24M 600M2 1 shop + 2-3 people + 3-4 people + 3-4 people 1 shop + 2-3 people + 3-4 pe

20M 500M2 people +1 3shop people + 2 people + 3 people + 3 people

23M 575M2 23M 575M2 1 shop + 2 people + 3-4 people1 +shop 2-3 +people 2 people + 3-4 peop

280


people + 3 people

UN-BUILT

23M 575M2 1 shop + 2 people + 3-4

ARRANGEMENT people +TYPICAL 3 people

Patio

24M 600M2 1 shop + 2-3 people + 3-

Shared open space

Backyard

Frontyard

Backyard

281


THE MELBURBS

Low rise: Rotated block

The rotated block tries to address the repetition of the suburban houses and the lack of open space in the area. By rotating the modular terrace, the plot size can vary, allowing different housing size. When put together, the rotation of houses creates inner pocket that can be used as open shared space these houses. Moreover, IC between MODULES the rotated block has the potential to respond to variety of solar orientations.

The rotated block can be easily adjusted, creating different variation in size and shape of the pocket space. Most of the buildings in the scheme is modular town house with different front yard, back yard formation, however, in some cases bigger apartment block can be placed in between these houses.

BASIC MODULES

25m

25m

Rotatation angle: 15

Rotation Rotation angle: 30 15m 15 Mininum plotangle: depth: Maximum plot depth: 24.3m mMinimum Minimum plot plot depth: depth: 15m 15m .3m Maximum Maximum plotplot depth: depth: 23.6m 24.3m

25m

Rotatation angle: 30 Rotation angle: Mininum plot depth: 15m 30 Maximum plot plot depth: depth: 23.6m Minimum

25m

Rotatation angle: 45 Rotation Rotation angle: angle: 30 Mininum plot depth: 15m45 Maximum plot plot depth:depth: 30m Minimum Minimum plot depth:

15m 15m 15m Maximum plot depth: 23.6m Maximum Maximum plot plot depth: depth: 30m 23.6m

282

R M M


TYPICAL TYPICAL BLOCK BLOCK 100x200m 100x200m

UN-BUILT 25m 25m 25m 25m 25m 25m 25m 25m

Rotatation angle: 15

25m 25m 25m 25m 25m 25m 25m 25m

Rotatation angle: 30

Rotation Rotation angle: angle: 45 45 25m

25m

25m

Rotation angle: 15 Rotatation angle: 45

Rotation Rotation angle: angle: 30 30 25m

APPLICATION ON A TYPICAL BLOCK OF 100 x 200m

283


THE MELBURBS

VARIATION

VARIATION 25m

25m

25m

25m

25m

Terrace houses with shops

Houses with private backyards

Terrace houses with shops

Multi-residential apartments

25m

Rotation angle: 45 25m

25m

25m

Houses with front yards Terrace houses with shops Terrace houses no yards

Houses with private backyards

Shared playground garden

Terrace houses with shops Houses with front yards

Multi-residential apartments

Rotation angle: 45 Variation

284

Rotation an


UN-BUILT

Houses with front yards

Terrace houses with shops

Shared playground

Houses with private backyards

285

Houses with front yards

Multi-residential apartment


THE MELBURBS

ULES MODULES MODULES MODULES BASIC MODULES

10m DEEP APARTMENT

5M2 3M 3M 75M2 3M 75M2 75M2 people 1-21-2 1-2 people people people

4M 100M2 4M 4M 100M2 4M 100M2 100M2 2 people 2 people 22 people people

4M 100M2 4M 4M 100M2 4M 100M2 100M2 2 people 2 people 22 people people

8M 200M2 8M 8M 200M2 8M 200M2 200M2 4 people 4 people 44 people people

50M2 6M 6M 150M2 6M 150M2 150M2 ople 3 people 33 people people

7M 175M2 175M2 7M 175M2 7M 7M 175M2 3-4 people people 3-4 people 3-43-4 people

12M12M 12M 300M2 300M2 300M2 12M 300M2 6 people 66 people people 6 people

11M 275M2 11M11M 11M 275M2 275M2 275M2 5-6 people 5-65-6 5-6 people people people

15m DEEP APARTMENT

4M 4M 100M2 00M2 4M 100M2 100M2 2 people 22 people ople people

6M 6M 150M2 6M 150M2 6M 150M2 150M2 3 people 3 people 33 people people

8M 200M2 8M 8M 200M2 8M 200M2 200M2 4 people 4 people 44 people people

8M 200M2 8M 8M 200M2 8M 200M2 200M2 4 people 4 people 44 people people

25M2 9M 9M 225M2 9M 225M2 225M2 people 4-54-5 4-5 people people people

9M 225M2 9M 9M 225M2 9M 225M2 225M2 4-5 people 4-54-5 4-5 people people people

10M 250M2 10M10M 10M 250M2 250M2 250M2 5 people 5 people 55 people people

16M 400M2 16M16M 16M 400M2 400M2 400M2 8 people 8 people 88 people people

286


UN-BUILT

Medium rise: Stacked terrace The stacked terrace typology plays with the idea of maintaining the backyard in high-density living apartment. In this typology, the backyard is re-interpreted in form of over-size open terrace. Unlike traditional apartment, the apartment in this typology has two to three levels, giving a sense of a house with backyard.

8M 200M2 8M 200M2 4 people 4 people

12M 300M2 12M 300M2 6 people 6 people

15M 375M2 15M 375M2 7-8 people 7-8 people

12M 300M2 12M 300M2 6 people 6 people

The typical module is 5x5 meters. Two types of apartments are created from these modules: 10 meters deep and 15 meters deep. The apartment can house family ranging from two up to eight members. The 15 meters deep apartment is used when creating single corridor block, whereas the 10 meters deep apartment can be used in double corridor block. Each apartment can have different faรงade design, expressing individuality of the owners. This typology is suitable in higherdensity development, or when there is a lack of available land. The typology offers a suburban lifestyle to people in area closer to town center which usually has higher density.

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TYPE 1: SINGLE CORRIDOR

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TYPE 2: DOUBLE CORRIDOR

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SINGDWELLING MODULES MODULES

GLE BASIC STOREY SINGLE DOUBLE STOREY STOREYDOUBLE STOREY DOUBLE STOREY MODULES

le

le

50M2 1 person

50M2 1 person

75M2 75M2 1-2 people 1-2 people

100M2 2 people

100M2 2 people

125M2 125M2 2-3 people 2-3 people

150M2 3 people

150M2 3 people

50M2 1 person

75M2 1-2 people

100M2 2 people

125M2 2-3 people

150M2 3 people

SINGLE STOREYSINGLE STORE SIN

50M2 1 person 175M2 3-4 people

175M2 3-4 people

175M2 3-4 peopl

200M2 4 people

200M2 4 people

200M2 4 people

225M2 4-5 people

225M2 4-5 people

225M2 4-5 peopl

275M2 5-6 people

275M2 5-6 people

275M2 5-6 peopl

75M2 1-2 people

100M2 2 people

125M2 2-3 people

150M2 3 people

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Medium rise: Clustered apartment DOUBLE STOREY

175M2 3-4 people

200M2 4 people

225M2 4-5 people

275M2 5-6 people

Clustered apartment typology is a combination of apartments and suburb living conditions. There are provisions of shared open spaces between and within each block that helps retain the concept of backyard and frontyard spaces in sururban living. A series of block types have been developed to accomodate a single person to a family size of 6-5 people. We proposed a ratio of a maximum of 50sqm per person for the development of the dwelling modules. Each module comes with a single storey and a double storey option to accomodate the same number of residents. Starting with the smallest plot size of 10x15 m dwelling, we gradually go upto a maximum of 20x20 m plot sizes. All terrace spaces are either used as shared open spaces between dwellings or as private yard spaces within the dwelling. This typology can be used in areas to transistion from high density blocks to low ensity suburban blocks. The flexibility in the level of stacking makes it suitable to be used as a low, medium or high rise development.

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FORMATION 1: COMMON WALL

FORMATION 2: CIRCULATION SPACE

FORMATION 3: OPEN SPACE

The edge conditions used to separate adjacent dwellings here are; formation 1 where the adjacent dwellings are joined by a common wall, formation 2 where the dwellings are joined by a common circulation/services core, formation 3 where they are separated by an shared open space. In the third formation the circulation core is not shared between the adjacent dwelling.

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CUTOUT BLOCK

TYPE 1: COURTYARD STYLE

TYPE 2: CUTOUT STYLE

TYPE 1: COURTYARD TYPE CUTOUT 1: STYLE COURTYARD CUTOUT STYLE

This style of building type accommodates for a shared community semi public/semi private courtyard space on the ground level of the building. This space can be made accessible by the nearby buildings as well which makes this building easily penetrable.

TYPE 2: CENTRAL CUTOUT TYPE 2: STYLE CENTRAL CU

This style of building type has a cutout through the building a few storeys above the ground. The open spaces generated through the cutout is more private to the building users. it can be used as a shared community area within the building.

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THE MELBURBS SINGLE LOADED Arrangement 01: Adjacent Dwellings

Arrangement 02: Staggered Dwellings

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Arrangement 03: Rotated Dwellings

This building type can be used to create dense medium-rise buildings. The stacking of single-storey and double-storey dwellings with different edge conditions generates multiple terraces and shared spaces with the building. Three forms of arrangements of placing the dwellings followed here are; having dwelling adjacent to each other, having them staggered and having them rotated at an angle.

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THE MELBURBS DOUBLE LOADED

Arrangement 01: Adjacent Dwellings

Arrangement 02: Staggered Dwellings

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Arrangement 03: Rotated Dwellings

This building type can be used in areas that need to be permeable to the public. The shared open space between the two side of the buildings can be used as a semi public/semi private open space. Three forms of arrangements of placing the dwellings followed here are; having dwelling adjacent to each other, having them staggered and having them rotated at an angle.

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High rise: Cutout tower SEGMENT/COMMUNITY BASIC COMMUNITY/ SEGMENT

Studio apartments

Shared facilities

Shared garden

25m

25m

Commercial/Office

Student/Shared Living

Commercial/Office

Student/Shared Living

The segment can be used as commercial space without any cutout part, maximizing the potential leasing space.

The segment is suitable for students or young single professionals. Each dweller has their own bedroom and bathroom, but shares the kitchen, dinning, living hall and potentially garden space (cutout part).

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Private “backyard”

Private “terrace” house Corridor Shared corridor

Apartments Private “front yard”

Shared garden

Appartment with terraces

Terrace houses

Apartment with double terraces

Town house in the sky

This double terraces apartment reflects the Australian suburban house in a compressed apartment. With “front yard” acts as a layer for privacy. The sense of community is encouraged by locating the circulation around the cutout part.

Town house in the sky offers a more lavish lifestyle in the tower. The houses all shared a corridor which acts as street in the sky.

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TOWER FORMATION

Spiral

Spiral Corner cutout

Corner cutout

Cross configuration

Corner cutout

The cutout tower is the typology with the highest density. To reflect the suburban desire, especially a sense of community which usually lack in high-rise towers, the tower is divided into multiple segments. Each segment is a small community, containing a shared space. This shared space can take on various functions depending on

Corner Cross configuration cutout

the need of residents living within the segments. Potential functions include garden, kindergarten, gym, etc. Not all segments are the same. Each segment is specifically designed in response to certain lifestyle, function and demographic groups, ranging from co-living 300

Cross co


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SLAB FORMATION

Adjoining space

Alternating space

Adjoining space

for young city dwellers, student accommodation, to typical terrace apartment with shared corridors, and town houses in the sky. The tower is formed by stacking up these segments in different formation, responding to a certain pattern or specific conditions of the site. The tower can be

Alternating space

connected to create an apartment slab in which cutout space can be joined together, allowing more flexibility for various activities. The proportion of specific segment type can be adjusted according to the need or demographic group of the area.

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Application

Cutout Tower Slab

Stacked Terrace Double Corridor

Modular Terrace Rotated block

Modular Terrace Normal Arrangement

Kim Vo Application of building typologies into a fabric

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Stacked Terrace Single Corridor

Anarchy of style

Backyards and shared space in the sky

Traditional terrace house with a twist

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THE MELBURBS Kim Vo Snapshot of fabric created in response to certain conditions of the studied area.

Student Kim Vo Kishna Keerthi Tirumalachetty

Site Implementation Site implementation is the culmination of our previous research, to apply our understanding of the typical block, the fabric, the building types into an actual site. The site chosen is in Fitzroy, limited by Albert St., Nicholson St., Johnston St., and George St. In 1960s, the House Commission was built in Fitzroy, as an attempt to clear slums and introduce new lifestyle. Despite providing better living condition for residents, the House Commission was not received warmly due to the perception of traditional suburb deeply rooted in Australian mind. Since then, the area with its proximity to the city has experienced strong wave of gentrification. With the current social and economic situation, it

might be the time to introduce new mode of living that can address both the need for densification and dream of suburban lifestyle. Although the site was originally planned as Melbourne’s first suburb, it soon suffered from the poor planning of “countless amateurs”, subdivided the land without any regard to the surroundings. The implementation allows us a glimpse to another possibility of what the site could be. Moreover, the area is located on the Victoria Parade, allowing us to experiment with the overall strategy proposed by the studio: densifying around the tram and train route.

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THE MELBURBS

Nearmap Satellite images of the studied area.

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THE MELBURBS Kim Vo Existing fabric. Data provided through AURIN

EXISTING CONDITION

Existing Site Plan

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IMPLEMENTATION

Implementation Blocks

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ng Layout Existing Layout EXISTING CONDITION

Existing Trigger Existing PointsTrigger Points TRIGGERS

Due to previous informal planning, the blocks in the area have different shapes and sizes, without any governing rules. The streets are misaligned, irrational. Planning was commercial driven, savaging every inches of available land. The area is crowded with low-rise houses, with little open space left. Due to recent gentrification and its status as the “hipster” capital of Melbourne, many buildings are put up for rent, regardless of their deteriorated condition. While it is known a cultural hub, a “hip” town, bustling with activities, each building inside is slowly rotted. “Vintage” looking shops and bars mask the cracked wall and molded paint. It is the glorification of the derelict.

Two main trigger elements are the tram line on Victoria Parade, and the existing site of the House Commission. The overall strategy is to increase density around the two main trigger elements. Other minor trigger elements are the existing surrounding streets and the tram route on Nicholson, Brunswick and Gertrude Street. These will be taken into consideration during the block subdivision and un-built formation. The surrounding suburban houses and Carlton Garden are also taken into account. Carlton Garden is an Australian UNESCO Heritage Site with height restriction imposing on the surroundings. The suburban houses around are just one to two-storey high.

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Strategy Implementation Strategy &Implementation SLICERS CORRODERS

ImplementationImplementation Layout Layout IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

As noted in previous exploration, a mono strategy fabric can easily create transitional effect from high to low density area. Strategy 01: Inner Realm is specifically chosen for its ability to generate relatively large un-built portion.

The implementation plan is the result of the system created by the slicers and corroders formation, subjected under their relationship to the House Commission site and Victoria Parade.

Due to its size and existing green amenity, the House Commission is considered as the central un -built space. However, it was designed without any specific function except providing the need of green space. The main idea is to further extend this public amenity by attaching more functional un-built to the House Commission Site.

As mentioned earlier, the idea is to attach more functional un-built to the existing House Commission site, thus ground coverage around the area is minimized. The blocks surrounding the Victoria Parade, however, have higher percentage of ground coverage, pushing density ratio of the area to the highest possible.

The slicers are arranged in according to the existing surrounding streets. Permeability is also considered, allowing access to the House Commission site.

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VEHICULAR NETWORK

Accordingly, the un-built is consolidated around the House Commission site, breaking up as it gets further away from the site. Occasionally, there is a larger un-built area situated among the denser area.

Area around the House Commission site is pedestrianized, maximizing permeability and encouraging human interaction.

The un-built around Victoria Parrade is distributed sparingly between buildings.

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PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE

LEGEND Private Semi Private/Public LEGEND Semi Public Private Public Semi Private/Public Semi Public Public

Un-built surrounding the House Commission site is open to public, as it gets further away it breaks into smaller portion, and becomes more private, limited to residents living in the blocks. Un-built around Victoria Parade is more semi-private, suitable for the need of privacy or demand for commercial activities.

BUILT HEIGHTS

LEGEND 75-90m 25-30m 21-25m 10-20m 3-9m

In response to the existing apartments on the House Commission site, the buildings’ height around the site is maximized. Taller buildings are also situated around Victoria Parade. As it gets away from the two main trigger elements, building height gradually decreases, blending into the existing surroundings.

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THE MELBURBS Kim Vo Overall isometric view of the implemented scheme.

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Š Kim Vo. Un-Built. Isometric view of implemented scheme



Š Kim Vo. Un-Built. Isometric view of low rise area.



Š Kim Vo. Un-Built. Iso metric view of courtyard area.



Š Kim Vo. Un-Built. Isometric view of high rise area.



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References Barrett, B 1971, The Inner Suburbs, Melbourne University Press, Victoria. Boyd, R. 1952, Australia’s Home, Melbourne University Press, Victoria. Cutten History Committee of the Fitzroy History Society 1991, Fitzroy Melbourne’s First Suburb, Melbourne University Press, Victoria. Koolhaas, R, Mau, B and the Office for Metropolitan Architecture 1995, Small, Medium, Large, Extra-Large, Monacelli Press, New York. Murray, R.D. 1957, “A Summer at Port Phillip”, cited in J. Grant & G. Serle (eds), The Melbourne Scene 1803-1956, Melbourne University Press, Victoria. Pope, A 1996, Ladder, Princeton Architectural Press, New York. Timms, P 2006, Australia’s Quarter Acre: The Story of the Ordinary Suburban Garden, Miegunyah Press, Carlton, Victoria. Image references Barrett, B 1971, The Inner Suburbs, Melbourne University Press, Victoria. Carney, J n.d., Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, photograph. Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, Fitzroy and Collingwood 1897, map, State Library Victoria. Satellite image of Fitzroy and Collingwood 2017, satellite photograph, Nearmap. Nettleton, C c1800s, Unidentified House, Victoria, photograph, State Library Victoria. randomwilz, Centre Place, Melbourne, photograph.

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