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city edge What are the opportunities for improving connections between cities and their landscapes, using strategies associated with spatial legibility, character and identity? The cities edges between the inner city, Campbell streets newly defined education precinct and the Queen’s Domain are disconnected. this disconnection is mostly attributed to Brooker Avenue which physically separates the city and domain into two different districts. The city edge is also visually separated as they do not share common characteristics and functions (urban + landscape). In order to reconnect these districts and strengthen the access, to the existing urban park should be emphasized. Additional access points are required as well as improving way finding strategies, universal access and usage facilities to the existing access points. The existing public facilities in Campbell Precinct has actively provided services at the city edge area; unfortunately its current contribution towards legibility and identity of the district is insufficient. Its location along Campbell Street, existing NODES could be used to strengthen the urban character thus act as a way finding tool to connect between the Waterfront, City and the Domain. According to the H.C.C’s ICAP report, the routes between city and surrounding areas is not clearly identifiable and linked. University facilities developed along Campbell street and Domain area form a an island separated from both city and landscape Legibility is a key factor in defining the potential paths for connecting the CBD and cities edge. Speculations for infrastructure will be broken down into 3 parts which include the strengthening existing paths, creating new nodes and extending beyond the edge. Analysis and speculations were based on Lynch’s 5 elements of spatial legibility (Lynch, K. 1960) (paths, landmarks, districts, edges and nodes). This research seeks to not only defined Hobart’s urban character but also considers Legibility as a physical and spatial characteristic of the environment.
city edge
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city edge project scope
painting showing rivulet and Hunter island, (http://www.admiralscollection.com.au/images/history.jpg)
Hobart has a strong sense of place, The topography of the city is distinctive and dramatic. Starting at the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge the topography rises inland to meet Hobartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic Mt. Wellington. The distinctive location of the natural landscape has seen many significant changes in linkage and connection. The Queens Domain in particular has a variation of connections with the cities centre. Originally these areas where divided by a rivulet travelling south where it flowed into the River Derwent. Later this rivulet was diverted and the disconnection became a wide pedestrian friendly street allowing users to move between the town and the grazing fields and Botanical Gardens on the banks of the Domain. Eventually this pedestrian friendly street became a four lane highway which is now the cities busiest road creating a strong traffic barrier at the cities EDGE. This condition had lead to a strong division between the city and landscape. This chapter seeks to understand how this barrier was created, and what can be done to re-connect these two disconnected DIRSTRICTS.
painting from the Queens Domain showing partially covered rivulet, (http://www.tasfamily.net.au/~schafferi/)
city edge
arial photograph showing brooker avenue disconnecting the city from the queens domain (http://catalogue.statelibrary.tas.gov.au/item/?q=hobart+railway&format=Images&i=27&id=PH30-1-8941
7
CITY EDGE anaylsis | historical
PA R
K
ST
1803 The traditional owners of the Domain, the Mouheneenner, lived in the region and through their lifestyle practices managed the Domain for at least 8,000 years before settlement. When Hobart was settled in 1803, the area now known as the Queens Domain was separated by the current location of Hobart city by rivulet flowing south to the River Derwent.
1811 - 1830 From as early as 1811, plans for Hobart streets were laid out by Governor Macquaire, reserving the areas of the Domain for Government purposes In 1818 gardens and farm lands were established on the domain. Public agitation at this decision commencing in the 1830s had the Domain confirmed as a public space.
RE
ET
1858 - 1870 Park street, a wide pedestrian friendly street, hugs the edge of the Queens Domain which housed the newly constructed Hobart High School which is now known as Domain House. A new government house was also constructed on the Queens Domain and as a result a new road is constructed travelling East West from the town through Domain Park,
In 1917, the Queens Domain was vested in the Council as a public reserve, however its boundaries were altered significantly to make room for the expanding gas works and rail yards. Hobart High school moved to a new location and by 1900 The University of Tasmania opened and constructed additions to Domain House.
1939 - 1960 During the 1960’s Park street was widened and renamed Brooker Avenue which was originally constructed as a two lane road. As a result of this the Railway Roundabout was constructed, and given its name because of its adjacency to the Hobart railway. 1961 a competition was held to provide a centrepiece for the busy roundabout which had previously served as a memorial for Hobart’s former mayors. A modernist fountain design was chosen and constructed by 1967.
1995 - 2013
The closure of Hobart’s gas works in 1978, saw extensive changes to character of linkage between the edge of Macquarie point and the Queens Domain. Government Railways close with most of the station buildings, housing and sheds removed, including at the Hobart Station site, leaving room for the Tasman highway connection between the city and the Tasman bridge being built through the previous site railway site, which now houses the ABC centre.
city edge
1900 - 1917
CITY EDGE anaylsis | current
edges + districts
landmarks, paths + nodes
Mcquarie street, Davey street and the Brooker highway form a traffic barrier surrounding the city and disconnecting it from greater Hobart landscape. Arglye street further divides the city creating an island that is neither city nor landscape. Ultimately these traffic barriers form distinct EDGES separating the city into THREE PARTS These DISTRICTS are disconnected physically by wide roads and also through their lack of physical connection and continual visual identity.
The cities existing EDGES + DISTRICTS create an internalised city with centralised pedestrian movements with PATHS that remain disconnected from the greater context. NODES and intersections with great potential are under utilized and key navigational LANDMARKS that spread beyond the boundary of the city appear unreachable or are altogether undetectable.
3
Domain
2 UTAS Menzies
Theatre Royal R.H.H
1
TMAG
proposed solution
The disconnected edge will be addressed in three keys problem areas
strengthening existing paths
aligning new paths of circulations with existing and proposed systems of circulation and wayfinding with the city centre.
establishing a series of nodes along campbell street that assist in wayfinding paths that extend beyond the boundaries of the district.
extending beyond the edge
focusing on crossing brooker avenue, establishing the railway roundabout as a key node and establishing the university rose garden as a landmark and destination.
city edge
creation of nodes
strengthening existing path current condition landmark
node
Location and numbers of landmark in a route will affect the wayfinding
In Hobart, there are numbers of existing nodes are underutilised and discon-
quality of space. The ideal location of landmark along Liverpool street has
nected with integrated paths. The node that use to navigate cyclist is different
advantages in navigate people travel through different district.
from pedestrianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s route node. Concentration node (social space,public space)
Railway Roundabout is a strong landmark associated with entry point or
used to navigate pedestrian,while node for cyclist can be a place of break in
Gateway to the city CBD via Liverpool Street. Utas Menzies also known as
transportation.(bustop and end trip facilities). Student housing in Melville street
strong landmark that used to orientate people to education precinct.
and Mathers lane in Liverpool street are potential to be an important node point that orientate people in city.
district & edge
Different quality of laneway, alley, and routes could be a path that offers different
The development of education facilities along city edge has formed an
experiences for people in travelling and wayfinding. Collins street, Liverpool
identifiable district at campbell street and domain area. Edge is an essential
street and Bathurst street intersected with numbers of
element that influences connectivity of path from one district to another
laneway. The activation of laneway has advantage in activating the adjacent
district. A clear district edge will give a sense of arrival and direction for
street. Barthusrt street and Liverpool street offers opportunities as continuity
people who travel through different district. Liverpool street potential to be
paths that
developed as an active path due to the quality of street frontage. Menzies
link city centre to domain area. The laneway in between will be activated and
which located at the intersection point of Liverpool street and education pre-
encourage people flow along Bathurst and Liverpool street.
cinct has created a clear district edge due to its unique facade.
city edge
path
strengthening existing path current condition | legibility + character
melville street
liverpool street
•Dull facade and inactive street frontage has resulted poor edge
• The street is mainly dominated by car, heavy traffic load is an issue
along Melville street.
for accessibility.
•Major changes in topography causing difficulty for pedestrian to
• Mathers lane entrance is hardly been discovered, potential to be a
visualise the route further beyond, wayfinding signage is needed.
path or node point that connects adjacent street together.
barthurst street
macquarie street
• The shops along Barthurst street majority occupied with car accessory
• Heavy traffic load dominated the street, causing difficulty for pedestrian
shops, which resulted less people travel through.
and cyclist to access, disconnecting the street from waterfront and campbell education precinct.
• Greater opportunities exist to establish strong pedestrian path along
city edge
bathurst street over brooker avenue.
strengthening existing path current condition | campbell street to city
Key map
liverpool street
collins street
Existence of landmarks and nodes offer opportunity for Liverpool street to be developed as key spine connecting city edge and inner city.Utas Menzies unique facade clearly be seen along the street due to street topography. Mathers lane is a potential node point used to strenghtened connectivity between Liverpool street and Bathurst street. In future, Myer development will activates the street edge along Liverpool street. Railway Roundabout is a strong landmark associated with entry point to the city CBD via
Collins street is a busy street dominated with high pedestrian and vehicles flow. Majority of street frontage(edge) is active and integrate with landmarks. Elizabeth mall act as a strong landmark that orientated people along collins street. However, hospital dull facade has caused discontinuity of path to campbell precinct,act as a fail landmark in collins street. Busmall is in need of signage and more waiting area for people. The integration of busmall in front retails shop has resulted overcrowded in that area,especially during peak hour.
access
visual
social
access
visual
social
barthurst street
macquarie street
melville street
Bathurst street mainly occupied with car accessory shops ,which resulted poor street frontage (edge) and low quality of path. However, it has potential to be developed as pedestrianise street as it is less dominated by car. Utas Menzies and Tafe located at intersection point between Bathurst street and Campbell street has created a clear sense of arrival at education precinct. Stated library potential to be developed as strong landmark along Bathurst street by enhancing social space on street level.
The street frontage (edge) of building is enclosed. Majority rear side of building facing Macquarie street. Tasmania museum fail to be a landmark along Macquarie street as it is surrounded with gate; created a clear separate edge from street.Macquarie street is also hardly access by pedestrian as it is dominated with heavy traffic load. In conclude, Macquarie street found to be least connected to Campbell education precinct and it has formed an edge disconnected waterfront to inner city.
Melville street potential to be developed as student residential area, creates a strong activity links extended from campbell education precinct to inner city. Currently Melville streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frontage dominated with carpark and under utilised space, resulting poor travel experiences for people.There are a lot of inactive spaces can be turned into new social space(nodes) or education facilities in future. Development of Melville street has advantages in activating the adjacent street; Barthurst street and Brisbane street.
visual
social
access
visual
social
access
visual
social
city edge
access
strengthening existing path precedents paths
nodes
Covered pedestrian crossing ,Geoffrey galand and cedric michel <http://openbuildings.com/buildings/pedestrian-crossing-by-atelier-981-profile-6022>
Tel Aviv Port Public Space ,Mayslits Kassif Architects < http://www.landezine.com/index.php/2010/11/tel-aviv-port-public-mayslits-kassif-architects/>
Miniature Campus,Nosigner < http://www.adcglobal.org/archive/yg/?year=13&id=366>
High line park, Joshua David < http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/highline.html>
edges
landmarks
Diguedondaines,Geoffrey Galand
Figure 3.18 Eye sculpture,,Pritzker Park, Tony Tasset
< http://europaconcorsi.com/authors/2144663867-Atelier-9-81>
< http://www.chicagonow.com//2010/06/giant-eyeball-sculpture-at-pritzker-park/>
< http://www.parqmag.com/>
Figure 3.19 RMIT,Melbourne < http://www.flickriver.com/photos/rmit/sets/72157609506873382/>
the edge cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge city
Diguedondaines,Geoffrey Galand skin nuno gusmao,pedro anjos
strengthening existing path speculation l campbell street District Culture districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boundary clearly defined with art element; artistic bike rack, art paintted floor,and branded bus stop.
Edge Water interactive wall replaced the existing street frontage to provide different sense of memory, sounds and sight to pedestrian.
Node The exisitng carpark potential to be turned into public art space, act as a new node point along campbell street.
city edge
Path Alley painted with wayfinding signage to strengthened the characteristic of alley and its connectivity to Campbell street.
strengthening existing path speculation l campbell street Edge Edge could become one of the wayfinding tool for public. Wall painted with signage to indicate people the end trip facilities installed at carpark.
Bicycle storage
Edge Existing blank concrete wall of TAFE replaced with bicycle art wall to strenghtened the existence of bicycle facilities on left side.
Distrct The character of education district clearly defined here.The campus entrance installed with signage in different colour, enhance wayfinding experiences of student to different places. Branded bustop painted with campus logo to acknowledge student campus-campus bus services provided here.
Path The pathway been widen to 2.4m and planted with kerbs and trees. The green edge form as a buffer zone for pedestrian and car.
Bicycle parking
city edge
Branded bustop
strengthening existing path speculation l melville street Edge Existing dull wall will be replaced with green facade and attractive graffiti wall, to create a clear district character for Melville street. The new edges will provide different travel experiences and strong image for pedestrian who travel through.
End trip facilities
Path The existing street topography and inactive edges resulted poor wayfinding experiences for public. Signage will be installed at intersection of paths.Node points and attractive edges are use to increase imageability of place.
city edge
Node The existing carpark developed into social space for student, installed with signages and end trip facilities to assist pedestrian and cyclist orient themselves along the street.
strengthening existing path speculation l liverpool street Landmark State library installed with striking colour signage, strengthened existence of lbrary along the street.The library is hardly visible from other street due to land topography.
Path Pathway developed into relaxing edge for public and student; planted with kerb and trees, act as buffer zone for traffic. Map and signage installed along the street for easier wayfinding.
Node Matherlane revitalised as new social space at Liverpool street. The alley decorated with artistic painting to increase imageability of space.
city edge
Bicycle parking The private off parking turn into bicycle parking.
creating new nodes current condition
edges, nodes + districts EDGES - Campbell precinct is surrounded by vehicle traffic flow which forms the edge that breaks the continuity with the surrounding areas. Main traffic flow that created the disconnected edge includes the Brooker Avenue highway, Macquarie Street and Davey Street. NODES - The Liverpool / Campbell Street junction, Bathurst / Campbell Street junction, and Collins / Campbell Street junction potentially to be an active nodes in future and function as a spinal link to strengthen Campbell precinct due to its strategic location and high density of pedestrian. DISTRICT - Education, civic and residential district were spread along Campbell precinct, there’s significant identity of spaces and functions that shares common attributes. Each district along Campbell Street has an identity but there’s no identity connection between them, there’s no defining features that link different district as one.
paths + landmarks PATHS - The path along Campbell Street is clear towards the Waterfront; but the path between City and Domain which has poor signage and not visually connected has lead to poor wayfinding.
city edge
LANDMARKS - Landmarks within Campbell Precinct does provide a recognizable point of reference to the district; however it does not support to assist wayfinding beyond the city edge.
URBAN ANALYSIS current condition | legibility + character
davey street / campbell street
collins street / campbell street
• The vehicular dominated node cuts through padestrian footpath,
• An underutiled area disconnect the cognition for spatial
physically isolating the navigation elements thus leads to poor
characteristic of the padestrian environment, lack on space orientation
wayfinding decisions.
that reinforce legibility.
• A strong landmark presence over large scale space mark edge to
• Unparallel node lack visual coherent on physical structure pattern,
the district, however the spaces and functions in its surrounding not
confusing building skyline character.
sharing similar common attributes.
liverpool street / campbell street
bathurst street / campbell street
• The land topography channell the observer’s orientation path towards
• The stereotype character of building identity and structure is clear,
waterfront, however from great distance the destination is barely
however the interaction between built environment and the city users
noticable.
activity is very minimal.
• Menzies building provide unique perceptual identity as a significant
• Padestrian footpath being an isolated element for the street frontage
landmark to the node, thus can help with issue of the city’s mental
cause difficulties to perceive the transparency and legibility of the area.
city edge
representation.
creating new nodes theoretical framework
urban design
quality urban spaces
Urban design is concerned with the arrangement, appearance and function of our suburbs, towns and cities. It is both a process and an outcome of creating localities in which people live, engage with each other, and engage with the physical place around them (Creating Places for People, Urban Design Protocol for Australian Cities) .
Urban character -well defined public spaces -urban streets with frontage areas which gives a sense of security of human contact and surveillance -a clear definition of what is public and and what is private, achieved through the traditional distinction between public street and private block. -quality urban spaces are defined by 4 criteria, which are accessibility, visual axis, protection and social
Urban design can significantly influence the economic, environmental, social and cultural outcomes of a place: -economic success and socio-economic composition of a locality -affects the balance between natural ecosystems and built environments, and urban designâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sustainability outcomes. -influence health and the social and cultural impacts of a locality: how people interact with each other, how they move around, and how they use a place.
To create productive, sustainable and liveable places for people through leadership and the integration of design excellence
According to the Tasmania Capital City Plan for Hobart, the urban design strategy focuses on quality urban design as a catalyst for the achievement of social outcomes, incorporates concerns for diversity, equity and opportunity while considering safety, access to employment, recreation, infrastructure and services, the environment and sustainability.
Relationship to National Urban Policy The National Urban Policy presents the Australian Governments agenda on the future of our cities. It is a long term, national framework to guide policy development and public and private investment in cities through articulating a set of goals, objectives and principles.
“Similarly there is unrealised potential for “green” quarters which explore variety and contact with natural and semi-natural environments as is suggested by Leicester’s Environment City programmes” (Goodey,1992).
landscape / urban greenery
Connection Urban landscapes make coexistence and communion between people and nature. Well-designed urban landscape in the city will strengthen the connection between people and nature, the idea that experiences of nature contribute to citizen’s well-being. Aesthetics Incorporating landscape feature along streetscape provides aesthetics value to urban street. Sidewalk planters provide sensory experience to people with fragrance and colour of nature. Besides, tall trees function as natural shading structure to the cities while shrubs serve as a natural walls and barriers in urbanscape.
There are macro and micro scale of landscape in urban design element. Macro scale landscape in the context of urban design (topography, landscape and environment) and micro scale landscape in urban design element (streetscape+landscape). Streetscape + landscape The design of public spaces such as streets, opens spaces and pathways, and includes landscaping, microclimate, shading and planting. Topography, landscape and environment The natural environment includes the topography of landforms, water courses, flora and fauna—whether natural or introduced. It may be in the form of rivers and creeks, lakes, bushland, parks and recreational facilities, streetscapes or private gardens, and is often referred to as ‘green infrastructure’.
city edge
Health Nowadays, urban landscape designs in the cities play a vital role in promoting good health of the citizens. Advancement of technology in this era is causing people to become more stagnant than ever, in this term, planning and layout of cities should respond by offering citizens the opportunity to be outside. People oriented city that emphasis on easy accessible and well-maintained paths for bicycling and walking will promote healthy lifestyle to citizens. Besides, diverse and attractive urban landscape design plays an important role in enhancing bicycling and walking experiences along the way.
Health
Connection
Aesthetics
creating new nodes urban street comparative analysis
To analyse speculation schemes, a rating system has been devised to identify and main urban street that connects to Campbell Street. Comparative analysis on four main streets which connect to Campbell Street are Collins Street, Liverpool Street, Bathurst Street and Melville Street. This evaluation system focuses on four key desirable characteristics on accessibility, visual axis, protection and social. The developed rating system is a hybrid matrix that amalgamates the 12 quality criteria developed by Gehl Architects - for assessing the quality of urban space; and also particular sense of place that provides urban character to the city of Hobart. Part of the criteria for this evaluation system are derived from the 12 quality criteria of an urban space, which identified by the Australian Commonwealth Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Urban Policy. According to Thomas (2002), the micro-(individual building) to the macroscale (a city) in development, the response of a development to the site is as important to the success of a piece of architectural or urban design as its style or its functionality. In this case, the relations between characteristics of a site and the needs of people are important in creating sense of a place. Through amalgamating the quality criteria and urban character of Hobart urban streets, the comparative analysis can: -compare propositions to other exemplars of good urban design of public spaces, assisting the local authorities to identify projects that best meet the and progress the recommendations of the 2010 Hobart Gehl Architects â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Places for Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; surveys -propose appropriate urban intervention along Campbell Street to further define Hobart urban character and strengthen Campbell Street as an educational precinct.
access
visual
comfort
social
city edge
creating new nodes analysis | collins street
Collins court acts as an important transition along Collins Street before entering the Centre Business District. Collins court should be activated and transform into an urban court with small scale markets, art installations, nature retreats and more. Reclaiming unused court could increase the amount of pedestrian along Collins court.
Laneway infill as urban generator
(Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/call-to-protect-laneways-in-the-nameof-a-gritty-city-20120616-20h4c.html )
access
visual
comfort
Urban Street Section : 93 collins street
social
visual
comfort
social
Urban Street Section : collins street / elizabeth street junction
access
visual
comfort
social
Urban Street Section : collins street / campbell street junction
city edge
access
creating new nodes analysis | liverpool street
Currently, Liverpool Street is characterized as one of the active access in the city due to its proportion of retail trade. Access along Liverpool Street should be enhance with landscape to provide a level of comfort to the pedestrians and beautify the urban street. Besides, urban landscape also offers protection at certain level. This ensure the urban streets are more pedestrian friendly, comfortable and exciting to visit, urban streets that offer protection against unpleasant sensory experiences will attracts more people to visit.
Urban landscape
(Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/call-to-protect-laneways-in-the-nameof-a-gritty-city-20120616-20h4c.html )
access
visual
comfort
social
Urban Street Section : 125 liverpool street
visual
comfort
social
Urban Street Section : liverpool street / elizabeth street junction
access
visual
comfort
social
Urban Street Section : liverpool street / campbell street junction
city edge
access
creating new nodes analysis | bathurst street
The main junction between Bathurst Street and Campbell Street has the potential to be an active node. Walkability and sense of identity are important in this sense. Well design streets critical in creating attractive public spaces and enhancing urban quality is important to strengthen the identity of the street.
access
(Source: http://www.sustainablecitiesnet.com/tag/urban-design/ )
visual
comfort
social
Urban Street Section : 125 bathurst street
visual
comfort
Urban Street Section : 43 bathurst street
social
access
visual
comfort
social
Urban Street Section : bathurst street / campbell street junction
city edge
access
creating new nodes analysis | melville street
Hobart is characterized as car dominated city to pedestrian oriented city, enhance street pavement for pedestrian for pedestrian is crucial. Besides, creative application of graffiti art along dull faรงade will create distinct characteristic to urban street. Thus, create a strong visual engagement with the public users.
access
(Source: http://www.attheedges.com)
visual
comfort
Urban Street Section : melville street
social
visual
comfort
Urban Street Section : 43 bathurst street
social
access
visual
comfort
social
Urban Street Section : melville street / campbell street junction
city edge
access
creating new nodes key activation point along campbell Street Key urban intervention at road junction Road junction at urban streets functions as main nodes. In this term, road junction directs pedestrian, cyclist and vehicles from one destination to another. Road junction was chosen as main intervention area to create pedestrian friendly route. Pedestrian prioritized road to support pedestrian flow.
ripple effects activation along campbell street Campbell Street as a spinal link
city edge
Urban interventions along Campbell Street strengthen the link between all educational facilities. Through upgrading this link, Campbell Street can realize itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential as a vital and attractive generator of quality public life.
creating new nodes speculation l accessibility Indicate gateways points to the city centre
Sustain and strengthen the link to the Domain’s House Highline Park (Source :http://www.asla.org/ sustainablelandscapes/highline.html)
Indicate prominent local buildings with similar signage throughout the area Southbank Institute of Technology, Brisbane (Source :http://jurisgresteurbanblogger. blogspot.com.au)
Signange indicating building’s function Allow footpath to runs uninterrupted along Campbell Street indicating the importance of pedestrians using this link Cologne’s Schildergasse (Source :http://www.planetizen.com/ node/47517)
Raise up pavement, experienced as driving up and in a dominated space
city edge
creating new nodes speculation l visual connection
Streets with steep grades
Play space for weekend and evening recreation
Bonython Park Playspace, WAX
Landscapes Urban greenery along Campbell, propose short plants on Macquarie, Collins and Liverpool Streets to avoid blocking visual connection to the waterfront
Significant views to waterfront from Campbell Street â&#x20AC;&#x153;Streets Come Aliveâ&#x20AC;? by team LEVON (Source :http://www.bustler.net/index. php/article/winners_announced_ in_21st_century_street_design_ competition/ )
city edge
creating new nodes speculation l comfort Awnings from buildings to protect people from rain A dedicated bicycle lane throughout the link creates a vital addition to the cycle network and to the feeling of public life
Copenhagen Bike facilities provided to encourage everyone to cycle
Moveable and transformable furniture according to season Platform Precinct Urban Design by eekos Archtitects (Source : http://eekos.com.au/category/place-making/)
Building edge that function as a covered pathway for public
city edge
creating new nodes speculation l social Extend the theatre functions to spill along Campbell Street Platform Precinct Urban Design by eekos Archtitects (Source : http://eekos.com.au/category/ place-making/)
Introduce daily activity to City Hall, incorporates public reading room, cafeteria, free internet access
Coffee hub
Give a sense of identity with more attractive sitting environment infront of the art school Platform Precinct Design by eekos tects (Source
:
Urban Archti-
http://eekos.com.au/catego-
ry/place-making/)
city edge
BEYOND THE EDGE urban analysis
bathurst street + brooker avenue
liverpool street
This wide and busy brooker avenue creates a strong EDGE between
This is a key mediating space between the city and the domain and
city and landscape making a dramatic change in the topography, and
currently exhibits no characteristics of this. The street should be directing
character. The proposal involved establishing a strong pedestrian PATH
and informing users of the urban park existing beyond, a strengthened
along bathurst street over brooker avenue, connecting LANDMARK higher
visual PATH with characteristics of the landscape district would help to
educations facilities and establishing a NODE at the intersection between
connect the two, as well as establishing a node between two key medical
bathurst and campbell street.
LANDMARKS, the Menzies building and the R.H.H.
UTAS Domain House
TAFE
UTAS Menzies
UTAS Menzies
R.H.H
the railway roundabout
the university rose garden
The proposal is to reestablish the railway as a key NODE and LANDMARK
This is the largest urban park within the Northern half of the city, there is
of orientation within the greater Hobart landscape. By improving the
great potential for this space to serve the needs of nearby high educational
existing facilities at the roundabout and strengthening its existing PATHS
facilities, if the parks facilities are improved along with the proposed PATH
and connections, the roundabout could function as a key hinge in
improvements it could act a NODE and destination between high education
connecting the currently disconnected DISTRICTS.
and recreational activities on the Domain such as the Hobart Aquatic Centre
H.A.C UTAS Domain House
city edge
UTAS Domain House
UTAS Menzies
BEYOND THE EDGE current condition | legibility + character
bathurst street + brooker avenue
liverpool street
• The road cuts through the landscape, making a dramatic change
• The underpass is hard to find, wayfinding strategies need improving
in the topography, furthering the difficulty of physically and visually
in the immediate and broader context.
accessing the urban park beyond. • Universal access and safety are an issue in the underpass.
the domain rose garden
• Small interventions and opportunities are already working in this space.
• Small interventions and opportunities are already working in this space.
• Greater opportunities exist for the space in regards to the adjacent higher
• Greater opportunities exist for the space in regards to the adjacent higher
educational facilities.
educational facilities.
city edge
the railway roundabout
BEYOND THE EDGE theoretical framework Many texts exist on the importance of city dwellers connecting to the natural landscape. Many theories are present on how and why public urban parks should be designed. Although the literature covers a wide variety of theories, this report will focus on four major themes which have emerged repeatedly throughout the literature.
access
ecology
An essential component of providing good urban park design stems from the accessibility of the park. Successful accessibility should provide both universal admittance and way finding strategies.
Many texts exist on the importance of city dwellers connecting to the natural landscape. Chiesura’s (1991), Burls (2007) and Harnik (2010) demonstrate that the quality of our relationship with nature affects the quality of our mental and physical health.
Lynch (1960) first defined way finding as ‘the process of finding your way to a destination in a familiar or unfamiliar setting using cues given by the environment’. Although he states that the success of the process relies on the ‘interplay between human and environmental factors’. Environmental considerations include the individual’s experiences with the elements of a built environment and its communication mechanisms. This report will focus on Lynch’s definition of a landmark as a built environmental consideration as a form of navigation. In this instance the landscape (topography) and vegetation acts as a form of landmark within the city breaking through the pavement and leading users to larger areas of natural landscape.
THIS WAY
Burls (2007) and Harnik (2010) address the requirements of the urban park through investigation into the ratio or green landscape to the ratio of benefits to the user. Burls (2007) research undertaken using health maps, compares aspects of the natural environment and biodiversity to the range of determinants of health and wellbeing. This paper focuses specifically on the role of vegetation and trees, showing the costs and benefits reaped from urban green open spaces. Burls uses low-income areas that have poor vegetation, as an example of how enhancing these areas through the planting of community gardens and trees can alleviate social ills.
community
delight
There is more depth to the urban park than providing grass and vegetation. Koh (2006) insists that the vegetation and landscape of the park is only a small part of what it should provide the city, stating parks should be multifunctional, ecological and cultural, providing for its users and open to the city. “Parks should be energized through their ecology, but have a community based design, be loving and loved by the community engaging its visitors not just to view, but to participate.” (Koh, 2006, p.18). Koh observes that there are many newly designed parks that are green, beautiful, conceptual and photogenic but are not used because they offer nothing for the user and have no meaningful connection to the community.
Thompson (1999) believes that although there is no single summary or theory that offers a summary of aesthetic strategies that in order to inspire delight spaces must embody the spirit of the place. Urging designers to respect the particularities of the place, referring to the local distinctiveness of the landscape creating a sense of connection and belonging of those using the space. Delight is thus embodied in spaces that carry meaning, even if it is a representation of mankind-within-nature.
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Gehl (1987) touches on the issues planners and designers should think about in creating active public spaces. He argues for taking a humancentered design approach that is in harmony with how people perceive and interact with the world. By focusing more on the social needs of the user, Gehl observes what their needs are and provides recommendations for how environmental characteristic can enable people’s enjoyment within the public realm and thus the larger public life of the city.
Thompson states that ‘aesthetic values of place are not enough’. Referring to a series of investigations that define delightful landscapes as ones ‘rich in information’ the four characteristics of these are identified as complexity, coherence, legibility and mystery. Further analyses of the four categories suggest that mystery is the most consistent of the informational factors. This last finding supported Thompson’s contention that humans are information hungry creatures always seeking new situations to explore and new knowledge to store.
BEYOND THE EDGE existing recommendations
The Hobart Public Spaces, Public Life, Gehl (2010)
The ICAP (Inner City Action Plan) HCC (2011)
The Domain Master Plan HCC (2012)
Explores the challenges and gives detailed recommendations within the four theme areas of lifestyle, movement, city life and visual environment.
Contains a selection of key recommendations from the Gehl Architect’s Report, outlining 15 recommended projects to attract people and
Identifies projects to enhance the Domain’s claim to be the City’s premier park. Responding to the park’s well known issues of presentation, access, use, safety and activity.
Recommendation 8 Identifies the need for the city to connect with its greater natural landscape.
Action Project Seven – AP07 Address the same issue by offering a new improved access from the city across Brooker avenue to the front of Domain House.
activity to create a vital, dynamic city centre.
Executive Summary Identifies that the Domain is under used and hard to access.
Hobart 2025 Strategic Framework (2007) The strategic framework is a long-term vision for the city, developed in consultation with residents, business, interest groups, key city stakeholders, young people and students from across the city. The vision represents a shared understanding of what Hobart should be like in the year 2025.
FD1.2.2 Enhance and promote easy access and activities for all ages in and around the city.
Future Direction 2 Recognise Hobart natural beauty and quality of environment.
Future Direction 7
FD2.2 Retain and further develop the cities parks and urban open spaces, enhancing and conserving the historical character of Hobartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural and built environments.
FD7.3 Entertainment, arts, and cultural activities promote the distinctive character of city and lifestyle opportunities, and strong vibrant communities will ensure a vibrancy and way of life this is Hobart
Be dynamic, vibrant and culturally expressive
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Future Direction 1 Offers opportunities for all ages within city life.
BEYOND THE EDGE precedents
access + ecology the highline @ new york city united states of america
freeway park @ seattle united states of america
shelter for lounging and dining @ norway
http://landarchs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/highline7.jpg
http://hugeasscity.com/images/Freeway_Park_at_Seneca.jpg
http://www.urbansplatter.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/KebonyUrban-Shelter-13LOWRES.jpg
The use of native grasses breaking out of the
Bridges Interstate 5 and a large city-owned
This shelter was created with the idea of providing
pavement.
parking lot provides pedestrian access
a place inside a place were city dwellers could
Transitional from city to urban park.
between the Washington State Convention &
feel private while enjoying the company of others.
Vegetation as a tool of navigation and way
Trade Center and the First Hill neighborhood.
The covered sides and top help users deal with
finding.
The design celebrates the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s urban nature
the harsh Norwegian climates. The middle section
while minimizing the freewayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s negative impact.
can be lifted creating a table
vegetation as navigation
pedestrians + landscape take priority
habitation + shelter
sociopetal spaces @ parc güell, gaudi, barcelona
landscape retention steps @ large workshop, france
http://www.family-skate.com/Images/news/mostbeautifulskateparks/
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Parc_Guell_09
Becker, A “Urban Green: European Landscape Design for the 21st century” ,Switzerland: Birkhauser, 2010, pg80-83
The mobile concessions stands that can be
Bryan Lawson summarized what Antonio Gaudi
Designed to mimic the contours of the land,
temporary or permanent.
has created alternating convex and concave
the steps create places for people to stop and
Allowing to be locked down when not in use.
curves on the parapets of Gaudi’s Parc Guell in
rest. They are a creative way to change the
Locked at the separate hubs of activity in the
Barcelona that naturally creates places for people
topography of the immediate landscape creating
park.
to congregate as ‘sociopetal’ and ‘sociofugal’
multiple uses and recreating site usability.
These temporary concessions promote activity
spaces.
mobile concessions @ lions park greenboro, alabama
and social interaction.
people places not empty spaces
N CO
X
V
activity + economy
VE
CONCA
E
utilizing the landscape + topography
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community + delight
BEYOND THE EDGE urban analysis | bathurst street
access
visual
access Improve way finding prioritizing pedestrian and universal amenity
ecology Introduce the landscape into the city down Bathurst Street.
community Enable social and educational integration across institutions.
delight Create an informal, inspirational learning space for students
comfort
social
speculation
furniture
signage
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landscape
beyond the egde urban analysis | liverpool street
access
visual
comfort
access Improve way finding though the use of vegetation as a landmark
ecology Improve safety and habitation opportunities for the space.
community Enable community access by promoting the Domain within the city.
delight Create a space of a distinctive character that inspires and delights.
social
speculation
signage
furniture
lighting
THE QUEENS DOMAIN
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landscape
beyond the edge urban analysis | the roundabout
access
visual
comfort
access Improve way finding though the use of vegetation as a landmark
ecology Provide greater opportunities for privacy and comfortable habitation.
community Provide facilities that make this a people place not an empty space
delight A socially active space enables opportunities for other layers of delight.
social
speculation
furniture
lighting
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facility
beyond the edge urban analysis | the rose garden
access
visual
comfort
access Improve way finding though the use of vegetation as a landmark
ecology Provide greater opportunities for privacy and comfortable habitation.
N
CO
X
V
VE
CONCA
E
community Provide spaces that enable social activity and give users greater choice.
delight Continuation of historical planting throughout the new activated areas. Establishing a visual identity.
social
speculation
signage
furniture
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landscape
cONCLUSION What are the opportunities for improving connections between cities and their landscapes, using strategies associated with spatial legibility, character and identity? The research conducted in this chapter highlights that spatial legibility is a key issue that concerns itself not only with the users navigation but their relationship to the character and identity of place. These findings present opportunities for future design responses that further consider the way people move through and occupy urban spaces. Considerations include ( but does not limit to) the introduction of landscapes and street furniture, additional lighting, public facilities and street art
community
development
Arts and Culture, Social Inclusion
Building, Planning
As defined by Thompson (1999), the delight of a space has a lot to do with
The growing development within the city including Menzies 1 and 2, Royal
inspiring its users. Sculpture, public art, and anything that informs or refers
Hobart Hospital redevelopment, and the proposed Melville Street student
to a historical narrative are all excellent ways to delighting the users of urban
housing and Performing Arts Centre as well as the Queens Domain Master
parks.
Plan and Domain House redevelop means that the following proposals could become a priority once these developments have all been completed.
These are often also tools that can involve the users mentally and physically to the space, sculptures can often be not only visually aesthetic but also,
Future zoning and planning development in the area surrounding speculations
function as landmarks or points of reference within the landscape, as well as
should consider that the district as a whole should have an identity and
objects of interaction.
character that enables connections with the existing urban parks. This includes the incorporation of vegetation as a tool of visually identity within the
Existing projects within Hobart such as Sculpture by Numbers by Futago, are a perfect example of how simple pieces of sculpture can inspire, inform and visually delight users. These sorts of projects are recommended within the speculations and content of this report as being important elements of improving existing urban parks.
district as well as a landmark in the city that assist in way finding.
transport
recreation
Parking, Lighting, Footpaths and Street Cleaning
Parks, Gardens and Bush land
The report recommends that pedestrian traffic be prioritized over vehicular
The speculations at The University Rose Garden, which is currently managed
traffic on Bathurst and Liverpool Streets. This has been done on Liverpool
under this department, uses social interaction and habitation as key strategies
Street by removal of curb-side car parking and widening of the footpath.
for improving the current use of this park.
to grow through as a navigational tool toward the entrances to the Railway
Seating in particular has been re organized to enable social interaction using
Roundabout.
Bryan Lawsons concept of ‘sociopetal’ and ‘sociofugal’ spaces through the use of convex and concave curves in the giant terraced steps seen in the
On Bathurst Street, vehicular traffic has been removed all together, allowing
speculation.
a wide pedestrian walkway to bridge Brooker Avenue, and connect Menzies, Domain House and the Tasmanian Polytechnic. All speculations include
Additional low scale planting has been recommended for use on campbell
upgrading of surface treatments to footpaths, on these two streets in particular
street as to maintain key views down the street towards the water edge and
as well as a focus on providing additional seating with included lighting.
beyond. Planting is also recommended as a tool of way finding leading pedestrians from the existing paths in the city across the city edge, breaking the barriers and allowing a more permeable and soft edge between the city and its landscape
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There has also been a change of surface concrete pavers allowing grass
References REFERENCES Abdelbaseer A. Mohamed, Evaluating Wayfinding Ability Within Urban Environment, Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Germany,2012. Burls, Ambra. 2007, People and green spaces: promoting public health and mental
Rui Li, Human Wayfinding and Navigation in a Large-Scale Environment: Cognitive
Map Development and Wayfinding Strategies, University of Saskatchewan,2007.
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Lynch, K 1960, The Image of the City, Technology Press, Cambridge,Massachusetts. Sullivans Cove Masterplan Demonstration (Tasmania Office of the State Architect and UTAS) 2010.
CABE, The Councillor’s Guide to Urban Design, London: Commission for Architecture
Marcus, C.C. 1997, People Places: Design Guidelines for Urban Open Space, Part 4
well-being through eco-therapy, Journal of Public Mental Health6. 3 (Sep 2007), p24-
and Built Environment, 2011. Steenbergen, C. Reh, W. 2011, Metropolitan Landscape Architecture - Urban Parks Chiesura, A. 2004, The Role of Urban Parks for the Sustainable City, Landscape and
and Landscapes, Thoth Publishers, Bussum, The Netherlands
Urban Planning, Volume 68, Issue 1, 15 May 2004, p129-138.
Department of Infrastructure and Transport. “Creating Places for People.” Australian
Thomas, D. (2002), Architecture and the Urban Environment, Architectural Press,1st edn, Woburn MA.
Government http://www.urbandesign.gov.au/.2012 The Hobart Western Shore Public Transport Corridor, Tasmanian division of Planning Gehl, J. 2010, Cities for People. London, Island Press.
Institute of Australia in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Architects and Housing and Community Research Unit of the University of Tasmania, 2009.
Gehl, J. 2010, Hobart 2010 Public Spaces and Public Life - A City with People in Mind. Hobart City Council media release, Hobart, Tasmania
Thompson, I. 1999, Ecology, Community and Delight: An Inquiry into Values in Landscape Architecture, Taylor and Francis.
Gehl, J. 1987, Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space, Island Press, Washington DC, USA.
Wilkie, G. 2012, The Inner City Action Plan (ICAP), Hobart City Council, Hobart, Tasmania. p31-38
Goodey, B. (1993), Making Better Places: Issues of Urban Change, Urban Design of Central Areas and Beyond, Butterworth-Heinemannn Ltd, London, England.
Wilson, W.G. 2011, Constructed Climates: A Primer on Urban Environments, University of Chicago Press, USA
Harnik, P. 2010, Urban Green: Innovative Parks for Resurgent Cities, Island Press, Washington DC, USA. Hancock.T, (1993) , Social Sustainability, North America, viewed 28 May, < http:// newcity.ca/Pages/social_sustainability.html> Hobart City Council, City of Hobart Planning Scheme, 1998, Hobart City Council, http://www.hobartcity.com.au/Development/Planning/Planning_Schemes Hoeger, K 2007, ‘Campus and the City – A Joint Venture?’, in K Hoeger & K Christiaanse (eds), Campus and the City: Urban Design for the Knowlege Society, gta Verlag, Zuerich, pp. 13-2 Koh, J. Beck, A (2006), Parks, People and City, Topos 55, p.14-20.
city edge *All images or photographs not referenced are taken or drawn by the author