P O R T F O L I O V Y
L A N D S C A P E
N G U Y E N &
U R B A N
D E S I G N
Resume Name: Vicky Nguyen Mobile phone: (+61) 413 252 801 Email: vynguyenarchitect@gmail.com
V I C K Y
N G U Y E N
E D U C AT I O N
2016 - 2018: Master of Landscape Architecture - Deakin University - Victoria - Australia 2010 - 2015: Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture - Viet Nam W O R K
E X P E R I E N C E
2016 - 2018: Leader at Deakin University English Language Institute 2015 - 2016: Junior architect at Project management of Health Department, Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam A C H I E V E M E N T S
2018: Candidate of Robin Edmond Award Scholarship of Hassell, Australia 2018: Story of my study life in Study Geelong website 2017: Exhibition of Master Class project in Federation Square, Melbourne, Australia 2016: Flash of Brilliant Award of Green roof design competition of City of Greater Geelong, Australia 2015: Prize of scientific reserach Undergraduate level, topic: How to integrate water into urban landscape 2014: Certificate of participation on the topic “Public space� with Grenoble University of Architecture, France S K I L L
Able to work in group as well as individually Able to do landscape, regional & urban planning, architecture, urban design projects Leadership skill through 2 years experience in student committee & 2 years as a DUELI Leader AutoCad Sketchup Revit 3DSMax & Vray Photoshop InDesign Vectorworks Rhino
English French Vietnamese
Model making Hand drawings Photography
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My inspirations With an urban study background and landscape passion, my interest is landscape in urban contexts which prioritizes human experience. Below are my 3 favorite locations in the world. I believe that these places could tell you about myself.
Paley Park in Manhattan - New York, measuring just 390-meter square (13m x 27m), the park offers a quiet oasis in the midst of crowded space by using tree shade, green wall, movable furniture and a waterfall. The size and ambiance are perfect to give people a feeling of belonging and intimate in a busy lifestyle.
Small alleys in Paris are my second favorite places. I like their vibe: friendly, relax, peaceful, romantic. Life pace is slower, more peaceful, nothing is in rush. Sitting in a warm place with well-designed landscape, enjoy a cup of coffee and observe people, or walking around these small alleys looking small boutiques, surrounded by people and aroma of morning french bread are enjoyable experiences.
My third favorite place is Copenhagen. What I like about Copenhagen is a fusion of environmental, social and sustainable development. Biking is a culture in Copenhagen, that makes the city green and sustainable, 62% of inhabitants ride a bicycle to work or school. Besides that, 96% of Copenhageners can reach at least one of these green areas within 15 minutes of walking. The urban planning and landscape design encourage people going out and engaging with others, while the city develops in a sustainable way. It is the target of urban and landscape design from my point of view.
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2 P a g e
U R B A N
P O C K E T
PA R K
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I N T I M AT E
T O W N
S Q U A R E
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TA B L E
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O F
C O N T E N T
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T H E S I S B I G
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S M A L L
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3 P a g e
G M H B A
G R E E N
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R O O F
1. Urban pocket park - a transformation of Central Geelong
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2. Intimate town square - Belmont 3. GMHBA green roof - Geelong 4. Neverland resort - Mui Ne - VIet Nam 5. Pham Ngoc Thach streetscape - Ho Chi Minh city - Viet Nam 6. Big & small - a study about scale 7. Thesis - Prioritising the human experience through the design of new neighbourhoods 8. Town house N E V E R L A N D
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P a g e
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R E S O R T
P a g e
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S T R E E T S C A P E
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1 . U R B A N T H E
P O C K E T
T R A N S F O R M AT I O N
O F
C E N T R A L
M A S T E R
C L A S S
PA R K G E E L O N G P R O J E C T
When is a park is not just a green space? Can it be an inyimate gathering place that connects people and gives them a feeling of inclusion and belonging, in a bustling urban precinct. When can an abandoned spot in urbanity be more than just an inactive space? My project offers a revolution for small spaces between buildings which seem to be useless by introducing the “pocket park” as an intimate place for daily use. The project’s location is Central Geelong, Victoria. Most of public spaces in Geelong are large in terms of human scale, such as The Waterfront and the Geelong Botanic Garden. Sometimes in their daily life, the elder just want a cozy space to sit and talk, office workers wish for a small place for a quick smoke or coffee, but Geelong does not have these kinds of spaces. My project sought to locate potential spaces in Central Geelong, and to turn them into pocket parks. It included two stages: locating a system of 8 pocket parks in Central Geelong based upon on size, identity, distance, and accessibility; secondly, developing concept three of the eight of these as exemplars.
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The playfulness of space surrounded by restaurants, cafes and bars. Target people and activities that are different between day and night. Same furnitures will be used with different purposes according to the time of day. All are movable because this place has a high land value enabling use for other purposes in future.
The site is located in the middle of 3 office buildings and is surrounded by many different offices. It is deÂsigned to be a place for quick breaks from work. It targets business people. Different needs require different spaces. The design will have 2 spaces; one for smokers with a dense foliage green wall to absorb smoke; another space with a flower pergola to create shade for relaxation.
It is currently a parking area on Little Ryrie Street offering an atmosphere that is very calm and peaceful. It is surrounded by shops, cafes which use organic homemade ingredients to make food, and a yogis community. With all the characteristics of above, this place is perfect for an urban pocket farm managed by GeeÂlong volunteers and in providing fresh green ingredients for residents.
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The chosen location is Central of Greater Geelong where I have a lot of observation in around 2 years living here. Analysis of Central Geelong: _ Road system could affect walking time and distance. _ Parking spaces scattering around centre city could be potential spaces for pocket parks. _ Lack of green space in the inner part of the city. _ Centre city has 2 main different zones: commercial and residential that will affect the characteristics of the pocket park.
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W H AT
I S
A
P O C K E T
PA R K ?
A vest pocket is a small pocket of a vest. It is a place where we feel warm and comfortable when we put our hands in. A pocket park gives us the same feeling. it is a small area for relaxation and play where people have a feeling of belonging.
H O W
D O
W E
U S E
A
P O C K E T
PA R K ?
There is not a clear definition of the function of a pocket park because it will be unique according to the surrounded people and context. But the primary function of Pocket park is to be a place where people can relax, play and meet people.
H O W
C A N
T H E Y
C O N N E C T ?
While some pocket spaces are formed at the foot of buildings in urban space like New York or Tokyo, some are linked together like in Italy or Spain. Mesh arrangement is the most popular type in urban env ironment as space is divided by road system.
H O W
D O
T H E Y
M A K E
Y O U
F E E L ?
A person has 4 zones called “reaction bubbles� (Procemics study of Edward T.Hall). Two important zones are social distance zone and public space. This is also the reason for the size of my pocket park design where people still have the feeling of inclusion.
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D E S I G N S I Z E
I D E N T I T Y
ACCESSIBILITY
P R I N C I P L E S
D I S TA N C E
4 main criteria are finalized after analysis and research. _ The best size for a pocket park is around 225-meter square. _ Each park is unique because of surrounded people and context. _ Pedestrian and bike accessibility is very important. _ The best walking distance is 500m (5 to 10 minutes walking) from civic buildings.
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System of pocket park in Central Geelong
My project sought to locate potential spaces in Central Geelong, and turn them into pocket parks. It includes two stages: locating a system of 8 pocket parks in Central Geelong based upon size, identity, distance, and accessibility; secondly, developing concept three of the eight of these as exemplars.
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24 hour playground
Image: Existing condition
The playfulness of space on Little Malop street surrounded by restaurants, cafes and bars. Target people and activities that are different between day and night. Same furniture will be used with different purposes according to the time of day. All are movable because this place has a high land value enabling use for other purposes in future.
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Before
After
After
Outdoor alfresco no.8 on master plan
Children playground Morning activities
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Dennys Place
Lt Malop street
Proposed pedestrian movement
Proposed area division
Sketches and some ideas at the beginning
Based on the movement of people, different areas are proposed. The area near main entrance will be an attractive design and has a lot of space to sit. The area near restaurants and cafes are outdoor alfresco. Shadown study of the site
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Before
Section position Master plan
Section
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Before
The same furniture will be used with different purposes according to the time of day. All are movable because this place has a high land value enabling use for other purposes in future.
After
Outdoor seating - morning cafe no.3 on master plan
After
Outdoor seating - night bar
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Before
After
After
Outdoor seating - cafe, playground Morning activities
Outdoor seating - live music Night time activities
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Suit + Tie
Existing condition
The site is located in the middle of 3 office buildings and is surrounded by many different offices. It is deÂsigned to be a place for quick breaks from work. It targets business people. Different needs require different spaces. The design will have 2 spaces; one for smokers with a dense foliage green wall to absorb smoke; another space with a flower pergola to create shade for relaxation.
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Before
After
View from inside to the pergola
Before
After
View to smoking area
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Proposed spatial diagram
Shadown study of the site
Proposed movement diagram
Proposed area division diagram
Sketches of ideas
Research proved that continuous line and curve will give people a calm and relax feeling, so I will create 2 curves at 2 entrances to welcome people Different areas will be created to serve different needs. There are relax area and smoking area with different designs to suit.
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Section position Mater plan
Section
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Pocket farm
Existing condition
It is currently a parking area on Little Ryrie Street offering an atmosphere that is very calm and peaceful. It is surrounded by shops, cafes which use organic homemade ingredients to make food, and a yogis community. With all the characteristics of above, this place is perfect for an urban pocket farm managed by GeeÂlong volunteers and in providing fresh green ingredients for residents.
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Proposed pocket farm and existing condition surrounding
Shadown study of the site
Proposed movement diagram
Most of the buildings surrounding are shops and cafes. Proposed design keeps traffic movement as normal on Little Ryrie, and propose a special type of tile to reduce vehicle speed. This pocket farm Includes garden beds, vegetable fields, garden beds for disabled people, chicken coop & composting, fruit garden, herb garden, climbing garden, bee hives in the middle of the fruit garden
Proposed area diagram
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Plants diagram
Proposed plants for pocket farm
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Master plan
Section
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View from Lt Ryrie street
After: Green element can be viewed from far
Vegetable garden
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Before
Outdoor yoga in pavilion
Perspective view
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2 . I N T I M AT E
T O W N
B E L M O N T
-
S Q U A R E
G E E L O N G U R B A N
-
V I C T O R I A
D E S I G N
S T U D I O
The aim of this project is to design a gathering place for Belmont residents. Based on analysis and existing contexts as well as the location of Belmont, the design is not a huge square like Federation square in Melbourne, but a small intimate one. This area of Belmont is the heart which can foster future development.
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The project is located in the town center of Belmont, Geelong. This local centre serves local residents with their daily needs. So the public square should be an intimate space where people of all ages can gather. The project developed one side of the green space as the other side is the garden of the library.
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Above are 8 different ways to divide zones of the area. Each method has different pros and cons. My project chose method no.2 because it retains existed buildings while creating interesting facades to divide the space and to interact with. People might feel lost in a large space. So no.2 is the most appropriate to establish an intimate town square.
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Existing situation Function diagram
Step 1: Connection
Zoning diagram
Step 2: Divide function areas
Circulation diagram Step 3: Add trees
Based on analysis diagrams, different functions and areas are established.
Step 4: Add materials
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Master plan
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Activities diagram
Night light diagram
Plants diagram
Section
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Relax area and herb green wall
Shopping corridor
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3 . G M H B A
G R E E N
C I T Y G R E E N
R O O F
O F
G R E AT E R
D E S I G N
R O O F G E E L O N G
C O M P E T I T I O N
It is a project to rejuvenate the city’s landscape to make it more livable, sustainable and more productive. This transformation is at GMHBA building, an office in Central Geelong. Staffs of GMHBA have had some planter boxes to grow vegetables. Its vision is to provide the harvest to people in need. They donate the vegetables to the Christ Church Community Meal program to support the 250 dinners it serves every week. The design aims to increase the productivity and aesthetic of this green roof garden, while dealing with strong wind, sunlight and birds eating crops.
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Inside the vegetable house
Outdoor space for multi purposes
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E X I S T I N G
C O N D I T I O N
S I T E
A N A LY S I S
The site is located on the corner of Moorabool and Corio street. The rooftop is 17.5mx11m and is accessible from the second level of the building. Western side is the location of generators and air conditioners. There are 10 existed vegetable beds 1 x2m. Water and drainage are provided.
S U N
W I N D
PAT H
A N D
S H A D O W
Northern side receives full sun, almost 14 hours in summer and 9 hours in winter which is suitable for veggies.
D I R E C T I O N
There are 2 main wind directions: south (spring & summer) & east (autumn, winter & spring). Knowing wind direction is important to locate veggies in order to avoid damage from strong wind.
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A I M
Concept 1 . O P T I M I Z E T H E P R O D U C T I V I T Y O F V E G E TA B L E P L A N T I N G
_Plant all vegetation on the north side because it receives full sun _ Retain and exploit 10 existed planting boxes on the rooftop to save money _ Instead of spreading and add more planting boxes on the ground, develop following vertical axis to liberate space on the ground _ Instead of using a cover for every planting boxes to block wind and avoid birds, why we don’t use a larger cover for every plant to save space? _ Different sizes of planting boxes would be used to optimize the angle of sunlight _ Total planting area if we have 1 level of boxes: 25 sqm, if we have 2 levels: 42.5 sqm, 3 levels: 60 sqm. 2 . C R E AT E A L A R G E , F L E X I B L E A N D A E S T H E T I C A R E A F O R S TA F F S
_ A flexible space for multi-purpose uses: meeting, outdoor lunch, and BBQ, etc. _ Rosemarinus Officinalis Chef’s Choice will provide an aroma for this space _ Pandorea Jasminoides is an evergreen climber which provides shade through a pergola.
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2nd and 3rd level Pandora Jasminoides
1st level Hedera Felix: 8
Vegetable house 2 x 1m planter box: 11 1 x 1m planter box: 3 2 x 0.7m planter box: 22 1 x 0.7m planter box: 6
Staff area: L shape planter box: 1 5 x 0.5m planter box: 1 2 x 0.5m planter box: 2 4.5 x 0.5m planter box: 1
Hedera Felix
Pandora Jasminoides: 6 Rosemarinus officinalis chef’s choice: 6
Rosemarinus officinalis chef’s choice
Master plan
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The design includes 2 areas: vegetable house for vegetable planting and staff area for outdoor activities such as lunch, bbq, morning cafe, break, etc. This solution ensures the highest productivity while providing an aesthetic outdoor space for gathering.
Section A-A’
Section B - B’
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4 . N E V E R L A N D M U I
N E - P H A N
R E S O R T T H I E T-
U N D E R G R A D U AT E
F I N A L
V I E T
N A M
P R O J E C T
Neverland resort is my undergraduate final project which was an entertainment resort in Mui Ne, Phan Thiet city, Viet Nam. Its area is 48.78 ha. It is a 1/500 scale landscape design project. The aim of this project is to rejuvenate the city’s landscape to make it more livable, and to create a place for locals and tourists to engage with. Phan Thiet is a seaside city that attracts many investments, showing by many resorts for tourists. However, these places are relaxed places and are not for locals. All beautiful places are reserved for tourism purpose that leads to a lack of recreation place and in turn, a lack of connection between people. This is the first theme park in Mui Ne, with the theme astronomy to celebrate 10 years of the first eclipse in Mui Ne which was the development motivation of this place.
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Entrance to the adventure park
Entrance to the bungalows Deep Ocean
Deep Ocean bungalow
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Mui Ne is located in Phan Thiet city, 22km from the city centre. It is connected by Nguyen Dinh Chieu street, an important street for tourism. Phan Thiet has 8 bus lines, one of them leads to Mui Ne. Therefore, Mui Ne has a great connection for tourism. The chosen site is planned as a tourism landuse purpose. Its area is 48.78 ha. Existing site does not have entrances and roads as it is still in natural conditions. With the location, the site can be accessed from the sea and also from the mainland.
Topographic diagram
Land selection for construction diagram
Existing land use diagram
Existing landscape and natural condition diagram
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Because of typography condition, the flat area is suitable for multi-storey buildings such as hotel, this area is designed as a quiet zone for relaxing. The coastal steep slope is suitable for a high stanfdard resort with special build form, so it is the quiet zone. the middle area has different levels that is appropriate for the theme park. Each zone has a landmark to specialize the area.
Planned landscape and zone distribution diagram
Based on existing conditions such as typography, natural landscape, and worldly case studies, the functional distribution diagram is created. Instead of a direct entrance, the main entrance should lead visitors around different functional areas to be more attractive. 3 potential crowded areas will become 3 squares.
Functional distribution diagram
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Planned landscape and zone distribution diagram
To access the site, there are 3 main entrances for different functional areas to ensure the privacy of visitors. The adventure park is also accessible from resort areas. Landmarks are important to specialize the characteristic of each area, and to enhance visual connection. A sightseeing tower is built on the peak of the site, and from there, visitors can see other landmarks in different areas. To optimize the connection and movement, 3 main traffic paths are established: buggy and pedestrian shared path, pedestrian path, and a sky train loop.
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Activities analysis diagram
Traffic analysis diagram
Plant distribution diagram
Landscape analysis diagram - point and visual path
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Spatial section position diagram
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Perspective view
Perspective view
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Entrance to the adventure park (no.2 on Master plan) Entrance to the bungalows Deep Ocean (near no.72 on Master plan)
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Outdoor aquarium (no.35 on Master plan) Cinema theme park at night - tree of life (no.56 on Master plan)
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Location of Deep Ocean bungalows
2 storey bungalow (no.1 on plan)
1 storey bungalow (no.2 on plan)
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Deep Ocean bungalows plan
Seaside spa (no.5 on plan)
View from south direction Restaurant (no.3 on plan)
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5 . S T R E E T S C A P E H O U N D E R G R A D U AT E
C H I
M I N H -
L A N D S C A P E
V I E T
N A M
P R O J E C T
It is a project to rejuvenate the city’s landscape to make it more livable, sustainable and more productive. It is a streetscape design project of my undergraduate course, and is a group work. It is a hand drawing and physical model presentation project. My work is the master plan and the physical model. The street has many tourist destinations such as The Turtle Lake, the Youth center, Sai Gon Notre Dame Basilica, Diamond shopping center, Sai Gon Central Post Office.
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The Turtle Lake
The Youth Center
Sai Gon Notre Dame Basilica
Existing condition
Proposed functional and special area
Pham Ngoc Thach is a street in district 1, a centre district of Ho Chi Minh city that attracts many tourists. The Turtle Lake and Sai Gon Notre Dame Basilica are historic monuments, while the Youth Center is a place for young people with many activities. The idea is to create a symphony between old and new by turning the street into a pedestrian path and the visitors will walk through the flow of history.
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Section
Master plan
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1. Entrance
5. Youth square
2. Water playground 3. Pedestrian path with water art
6. Cafe
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7. Cafe
Master plan 4. Skate park 8. Park
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Pham Ngoc Thach street model
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Turtle lake model
Notre Dame cathedral
Youth square
Outdoor cafe
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6 .
B I G
A N D
P E R C E P T I O N
U R B A N
S M A L L S I Z E
&
S C A L E
D E S I G N
U N I T
This is a part of an urban design unit that teaches the perception of space and scale. As urban designers or designerly thinkers of the urban environment, we need to volunteer and be deliberate about the built environment surrounding. An understanding of human scale is crucial in design. Indeed, an adult, a child, or an older person has a different way to engage with an urban facility, because of their size, perspective, and their physical condition. Knowing the difference to have appropriate designs towards different target people is very important for an architect and urban designer.
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Scale and size of myself according to Da Vinci’s Renaissance template
Scale and size of my friend according to Da Vinci’s Renaissance template
Comparision of scale and size of 2 people according to Da Vinci’s Renaissance template
Scale and size of myself according to Le Corbusier template
Scale and size of my friend according to Le Corbusier template
Comparision of scale and size of 2 people according to Le Corbusier template
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7 .
T H E S I S
PRIORITISING THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE IN THE DESIGN OF NEW SUBURBAN NEIGHBOURHOODS A C O N S I D E R AT I O N O F C O M M U N I T Y, W A L K A B I L I T Y, A N D G R E E N S P A C E S M A S T E R
T H E S I S
Suburban expansion around Australia is increasing at a great rate. This is exemplified in the growth corridors in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, including Plumpton, Kororoit, Mt Atkinson and Jubilee. People generally require efficient, productive, resilient, and well designed neighbourhoods. The current urban sprawl shows that fast and poorly planned development negatively influence lifestyle, and in turn results in lonely, unfriendly disconnected neighbourhoods. Scholars and urban developers have shown that many tangible and intangible features contribute to the quality of a neighbourhood such as landscape, sense of community, walkability, resilience, affordability, and access to employment. This thesis focuses on three aspects: sense of community, walkability and open spaces because they have a strong correlation to each other and to enhancing good neighbourhood design. This research critiques how better designs can be built into our new suburbs to improve community wellbeing. It answers the question “How do sense of community, walkability and open space contribute to creating a better suburban neighbourhood for human wellbeing?”. A case study of Williams Landing, a new suburb in Melbourne’s western growth corridor, is critically analysed to assess some of the findings from the literature review. The current built environment is compared to the original master plan of Williams Landing and the hypothesised wellbeing neighbourhood models. The result of this thesis is a number of recommendations for a “new” neighbourhood model that prioritises human wellbeing, focusing on walkability, sense of community and public open spaces.
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Melbourne Western corridor development
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Research question
How do sense of community, walkability, and open spaces contribute to creating a better suburban neighbourhood for human wellbeing
Human scale versus road scale at the intersection of Ashcroft Ave and Palmers Rd
Welcome to your new suburban neighbourhood, Williams Landing! It is a new suburban in Melbourne’s western corridor located just around 20 km from Melbourne CBD. When you decide to move here, it means you are agree to live an automobile dependent lifestyle, where cars are more prioritised than
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Real conditions
Developers’ pictures
You will live privately in a cookie cutter house, wake up, then sit immobile in your car and meet the next people after 30 minutes driving. Public open spaces are too far, combined with dangerous streets that you will not allow your children to come and play. Older people without car cannot do grocery shopping because shopping mall is located far away and is isolate because of highways. This lonely, unfriendly and disconnected neighbourhood called suburban sprawl. It is hard to find these real pictures on developers’ website that try to entice home buyers.
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Research methodology
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This research follows a deductive system of inquiry. Generally, through a literature review, the hypothesis of a successful neighbourhood is considered, then observation of a particular context is conducted through case study. Finally, recommendations are established to confirm the hypothesis formed in the literature review. Specifically, in the 11 weeks of desk top research, various methods of analysis and critique are undertaken (figure 2). First, a literature review is conducted to collect existing information on key features that contribute to the wellbeing of humans in a neighbourhood. A neighbourhood includes many facets such as social, political, economic and design. Due to this complexity and limited research timeframe, this literature focuses on three aspects: walkability, sense of community and public open spaces. The aim of this step is to find the answer for the question “How do sense of community, walkability and public open spaces contribute to human wellbeing in suburban area, and why they are important?”. The outcome of this literature review is to hypothesise a successful neighbourhood which prioritises human experience, focusing on these three aspects. Next, a local case study of Williams Landing neighbourhood is analysed as a typical neighbourhood in outer suburban Melbourne. Specifically, desktop survey method is undertaken to have a foundation knowledge on the development of this neighbourhood. By looking at the case study, the research critically analyses the positive and negative existing conditions of Williams Landing in relation to sense of community, walkability, and open spaces. The outcome of this step is to compare the similarities and differences between Williams Landing and the hypothesised wellbeing neighbourhood based on a critical review of the literature. There are many reasons for the choice of case study method. Firstly, this method is feasible to conduct within 11 weeks. Secondly, according to Swaffield (2017, p.105), case study research is an ideal method to investigate different aspects of a place in order to enhance practice and research performance. It enables the comparison of the same aspect in different contexts in order to detect something new. In the case of this thesis, community, walkability and open spaces are compared theoretically and practically through Williams Landing. Thirdly, the outcome of case study method provides a pragmatic approach based on different conditions of the subject instead of fixed theories (Swaffield 2017, p.106). A pragmatic approach is appropriate to this research topic due to variable features of a neighbourhood which are not fixed according to different contexts. First hand observation and administering surveys could be appropriate methods for this step, to obtain ideas directly from residents. But this method requires ethics approval and is time consuming, all of which is beyond 11 weeks. Therefore, the case study method is the most appropriate approach. Finally, recommendations on design principles are formulated, grounded in the research, that will create or contribute to a “new” neighbourhood model. The aim of this step is to translate research results into recommendations to provide general knowledge and make these recommendations more approachable. Diagrams and sketches are used to illustrate the results of a new neighbourhood focusing on human experience and wellbeing. Design guidelines are an efficient method for practitioners to access the work of the researcher that is usually hidden away behind academic papers (Prominski 2017, p.194). By choosing this method, information from the research is submitted as design principles which are abstractions and could be applied to the growth corridors in expanding Melbourne, or even other growth corridors in future.
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“There is nothing wrong with sprawl” (Gravel 2017, p.52). However, it is wrong if urban planners and developers do not learn from failure and fix it. Suburban sprawl is a “life experiment” that need to be improved through time to ensure wellbeing of humans. Building houses and separate public facilities scattered around the neighbourhood and expecting residents to drive due to the distance is not a sustainable method. Promoting poorly planned neighbourhoods by “visual traps” is also an inappropriate way to entice home buyers. It is crucial to prioritise human wellbeing, in this thesis, through a sense of community, walkability and POS. The biggest influence on lack of sense of community in suburban neighbourhoods, especially in Williams Landing, is an isolated lifestyle, caused by enclosed communities. By living inside fences, people tend to adopt an introverted lifestyle. The underlying reason of this life is a sense of fear. The residents tend to build a “wall” surrounding because of fear. Therefore, to increase trust, removing these “walls”, physically and psychologically, is vital. In order to achieve this goal, the model of cohousing is an appropriate approach. This model does not have fence surrounded each house, hence people will easily meet others. Hopefully, the “wall” outside each person could be removed too, with the help of this house model. Furthermore, the cohousing model allows people to live near their family and kin, who have strong support to their wellbeing. The advantages of this lifestyle should be spread broadly to address loneliness and introverted lifestyle, in order to enhance a sense of community. As the suburban expansion is increasing exponentially, better connections that encourage walking between these suburbs and centre city where most of residents commute to for jobs is important. Other way to commute out of private cars is essential to promote a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, improving system of public transportation is a sustainable way to increase the human wellbeing. A train system is necessary, but the way that people access to train station also need to be considered. It need to be interesting, comfortable, and safe. In regards to the train station of Williams Landing, building more parking spaces is not an efficient solution. Because the more parking lots available, the more cars will be there to fit these spaces. And more car parking lots needed. There are never enough parking lots for everybody. Many other suburbs have the same issues with overloaded parking spaces. Instead of investing in more parking spaces, it is necessary to encourage people going out without cars by investing in urban designs and effective bus systems. To encourage people to go out and walk, scale is one of the most important elements, because small scale relates to safe and friendly feeling. The failure of Williams Landing mostly is caused by inappropriate scale. Large scale of public civic institutions such as shopping mall, recreation spaces and train station is the main reason of a non walkable environment.
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A large street scale also causes fear. Large scale intersection are also the reasons of many accidents in Australia. Huge scale intersections that prioritize cars that are usually occurred in Australia should not exist, especially in a neighbourhood. Other methods to encourage walkability is mixed uses of public facilities. Existed situation of most of suburbs is land use segregation showing by the form of concentrated uses. This arrangement is the root of a decrease on satisfaction of residents. For instance, an elderly person without a car cannot go to mall which is located far away to buy groceries, children are not allowed to walk to the soccer field because of long distances and unsafe roads. How can people live happily when they cannot satisfy their daily needs because of segregation? To solve this problem and to invite people to walk, a mixed use of public amenities and public green spaces is essential. Mixed uses and small scale is the answer of a walkability neighbourhood because it allows residents access to daily needs by walking. Furthermore, it is important to connect interesting places by walkable, short and direct streets. Walkability gives residents a good sense of community because they are comfortable in their neighbourhood. The more time people spend outside, the more chance they have to meet other people. Because having connection with strangers on the commute is a wonderful social experience, like the example of Gravel (2017, p.48) and his life in Paris. Not only housing type and street facilities must be improved to enhance social connection, but also POS. POS should be a place to encourage social interaction, not just be a large flat area with well-trimmed grass. In order to achieve this, access to POS must be easy, both physically and visually. Physical access comprises an appropriate distance, while visual access includes a safe, comfortable and welcome feeling. The design and suitable scale are important to bring these feelings. Moreover, residents must have motivations to visit POS, therefore, to serve different needs of residents and attract multiple users, POS should have different amenities. Besides large POS, other left-over spaces near residential areas could be exploited to design into small green spaces. They can be community gardens, recreation spaces, or children playgrounds. The use of these spaces will increase green areas, in turn the greater use of POS. The combination of cohousing and community gardens should be considered as a part of the model for sustainable development which enhances human wellbeing in suburban neighbourhoods. It is encouraging to know that some communities in Australia have recognised the importance of social interaction. However, the idea of sustainable living in a healthy environment is still unfamiliar among many Australians, shown by a small number of conscious communities whose members are limited. It is vital that authorities support this lifestyle by policies and planning programs to encourage people to live sustainably and satisfyingly.
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From...
...to
Cookie cutter houses with fences in Wlliams Landing
Williams Landing shopping centre
Recommendations for new type hof housing
Recommendations for mixed use of amenities
Williams Landing green spaces
Recommendations for public open spaces
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The prioritised criteria to enhance sense of community is to remove the introverted lifestyle of residents. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to combine different factors: house type, distribution of public facilities and public open spaces, attractiveness of amenities, and quality of streets. Cohousing is one suggested model to achieve the goal. Living in cohousing not only enhance social interaction but also eases the pressure on environment by sharing common facilities. It is a chance to live near family, kin and community but still retain the privacy.
Residents should have a reason to walk. Usually, they will need to access daily needs such as grocery shops, train station, and public facilities. The recommendation to increase walkability is a mixed use of public amenities. By interwaeving public facilities with housing, the distance between 2 destinations decreases, in turn people have motivation to walk. The streets are also more attractive due to various mixed function buildings apart from accommodations. Streets that connect facilities should be short and direct. A recommended distance is 200 metres between two destinations, which take around 5 minutes to walk. This number could be easily achieved with assistance of mixed used facilities. Because it allows different functions locating near to each other.
A public open space must be interesting to attract users and to encourage them to visit. The recommendation of this research is that a public open space should consist of various amenities to servr multiusers. It is essential to recognise the communities surrounding public open spaces and their needs in order to provide a good quality space with different attributes, because each community is unique. To increase green areas in a neighbourhood, many different places could be exploited. For example, letf-over spaces between houses, rooftops, and buildings’ walls. My thesis has proved that natural elements are people’s interests. Hence, urban forest or natural park should be considered. The more the green spaces exist, the more chance people use them. These spaces can be various size and near housing, therefore they have friendly scale and warm feeling which is satisfied for social interaction. Access to public open spaces must be easy, both physically and visually. The streets must be safe and comfortable. Human scale is the most important element to achieve this target. Short distance and small scale will create safe feeling. The figure above is the suggestion for a street section in a neighbourhood. Instead of wide pavements and tall fences, the “after” situation gives a safer and more comfortable feeling, thanks to some urban design factors. For example, all fences should be replaced by soft
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8 . M Y
PA R E N T ’ S H O
C H I
H O U S E
M I N H -
F R E E L A N C E
V I E T
N A M
P R O J E C T
It is the project that I am working on it recently. The house is located in a suburban neighbourhood of Ho Chi Minh city, called Cu Chi. It will be the house where my parents live after retiring from work. I am using Sketchup Pro to build 3D visual views as I want to develop other software besides 3DsMax that I usually use.
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35025
Store room
WC
Store room
Outdoor dining area
Kitchen
Guest room
1800
Dining room
5400
33931
1500
28056 Living room
6717
4500
Master Bedroom
4000
10000
4000
2000
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Outdoor activities are optimised due to the design that is exposured to nature. The image above is the outdoor BBQ area where my parents and visitors can enjoy the sun outside. When there are not events, this place becomes a multi-purposed areas. The house is on one side, the other side is a fruit and vegetable garden as my parents love gardening.
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The images are built by Sketchup Pro with the AutoCAD base, then are adjusted by Photoshop and the layout is presented with InDesign.
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T H A N K
Y O U
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Mobile phone: (+61) 413 252 801 Email: vickynguyen.hx@gmail.com
V I C K Y
N G U Y E N
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