Wolli Waterfront (UNSW ML.Arch Capstone Project - Ar. Aashaka N. Parikh)

Wolli Waterfront

Explore the Lost Landscape

Aashaka Parikh z5343115

Capstone

Blue Green Network Sydney

By the year 2050 sea level is expected to rise by 25 cm; by 2080 15 inches and by 2100 a staggering 2.3 meters according to IPCC considering the melting of ice caps and greenhouse gas emissions.

Sydney being a coastal city will be critically impacted. Many endangered land and aquatic species such as the long finned eel and green & golden bell frog are likely to become extinct. Human interaction with nature is decreasing at an exponential rate affecting physical and mental well-being.

As landscape architects it is our responsibility to design for the future and as global citizens it is our duty to look beyond manmade boundaries, recognize natural systems, understand their importance and contribute to environmental and ethical solutions.

Project Aspiration

This project aspires to bring back the essence of the original landscape of the confluence of Wolli creek and Cooks River which is also adaptable to future environmental changes ie water level rise.

The design project also aims to physically connect people to the native landscape of Sydney by providing opportunities for all age groups to interact with and within what usually is considered as ‘undesired’ landscapes such as dense mangrove vegetation, mud flats and water edges.

This BPWCGGC being central to the blue-green network of Sydney holds the potential to positively impact the city

Bardwell valley Parklands and Wolli Creek Green Grid Corridor (BPWCGGC)

Botany Bay

Sydney Airport

Tasman Ocean

Parramatta River

THE CONFLUENCE of Wolli Creek and Cooks River

The site lies on the eastern edge of the BPWCGGC towards and in close proximity to Sydney International Airport. The site includes the junction where Wolli Creek meets Cooks River along with it surroundings. There site brings together 3 waterway systems: Cooks River, Wolli Creek, Cooks River to Botany Bay. The site boundaries lie between Tempe Station, Wolli Creek Station, Turella industrial area and Waterworth Park.

Therefore, the site is an influential point for the water systems of the city.

Tempe Station

Cooks River

Cooks River

Wolli Creek

Bardwell Creek

Waterworth Park Turella Reserve

Girrahween Park Shepherd Reserve

Silver Jubilee Park

Kendrick Park Discovery Point Park

Bardwell Valley Golf Course

Bardwell Creek Reserve

Bexley Pool Bexley Park

Stotts Reserve

Wolli Creek Regional Park

Coolibah Reserve

Wolli Creek Station

Turella Station BPWCGGC SCALE 1: 10000

0 0.5 1 km

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TEMPE

Wolli Creek

Total Population: 6394 Families: 1553

Primary to High School Children (0 - 19 years): 10.8%

Working/Studying Adults (20 - 39 years): 73.0%

Middle aged (40 - 64 years): 14.0% Senior citizens (65 - 85 and above): 2.2%

Tempe

Total Population: 3356 Families: 899

Primary to High School Children (0 - 19 years): 22.9%

Working/Studying Adults (20 - 39 years): 30.2%

Middle aged (40 - 64 years): 34.7% Senior citizens (65 - 85 and above): 12.3%

Earl Wood

Total Population: 17 741 Families: 4782

Primary to High School Children (0 - 19 years): 24.4%

Working/Studying Adults (20 - 39 years): 22.3%

Middle aged (40 - 64 years): 34.3%

Senior citizens (65 - 85 and above): 19.1%

EARLWOOD Waterworth

EDGE CONDITIONS OF WOLLI CREEK

Although the site being a large floodplain; it has been occupied by residential buildings, parks and infrastructure and has restricted Wolli Creek and its confluence with Cooks River a narrow channel

The north edge of Wolli Creek (Waterworth Park) attracts people to spend time amongst native trees, whereas the southern edge is inaccessible with a dense mangrove forest. Currently Wolli Creek is narrow channel from West to East.

ORIGINAL FLOODPLAIN FLORA AND FAUNA

Green & Golden Bell Frog habitat now endangered Original Floodplain of the confluence area

The site is originally a flat low-lying vast floodplain. Thus it currently floods during high rains and water level rise.

The site is a natural habitat for the Green &Golden Bell Frog which is now endangered as the site continues to be encroached and upon and degraded.

The original landscape includes mangroves, and mud flats

Mangrove habitat

Native trees Mud flats

Canoeing routes Camping Spots

The first nations people travelled in kayaks and camped on the banks of the creek and river.

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

As depicted in the diagram the First Nations people regarded humans as an equal (rather than superior species) to the other apecies, vegetation, soil and other elements on Earth. The design principles focus on providing for other elements and species along with humans.

Plants Water Animals Humans

Enhance and Protect Natural Vegetation

Create room for the Creek to allow for future Flooding

Design Principles:

Create habitats and routes for land and aquatic Species

Allow people to experience different types of landscapes

Research Question: How can design restore the essence of the original landscape and help people become a part of it?

Diagram by Steffan Lehmann adapted by Connecting with Country Draft Framework

DESIGN VISION

Design Driving Question: What is this site meant to be? (rather than what do we the people want it to be)

To bring back the essence of the lost landscape which merges the life of plants and animals to people’s activities

KEY MOVES & DESIGN PROCESS

Identify and Preserve existing vegetation

Allow for water cleaning and future flooding

Create habitat islands for plants, birds and animals

Create new water way with connections to Wolli Creek

Identification of existing trees and vegetation on creek edge

Topographical modifications in contours to create series of ponds

Enhance Vegetation and water for birds, animals and humans

KEY MOVES & DESIGN PROCESS

Plant habitat islands with native plants to provide for birds and frogs

Allow and encourage the new growth of mangroves on both edges of the creek as they provide habitats for small fish

Parts of old pathway is retained

Various Pathways connecting different landscapes

Water ponds planted with reeds to provide cleaner passage for aquatic species including Long-finned Eels

ISLAND HOPPING OR TO THE WATERFRONT?

Green-Golden Bell Frog

Long-finned Eel

Waterfront can be explored by the timber bridge, concrete pathway and stepping stones throughout the year

WATER PLAY

Picnics are mostly likely during pleasant to hot weather Pond dipping and other activities are likely prior to hot/dry climate

WATER PLAY

DETAIL SECTION 1: 50

The water-play area being central to the site provides spaces for a variety of fun and social activities for all age groups including gathering, playing and swimming in the natural ponds.

Plants of the natural pond that purify water and are suitable to semipermanent wetlands

Juncus Effusus Cattail Reed

Nardoo Water crouch

Water Lilly Water Primrose

WOLII WATCH OVER

The mangrove forest areas including the timber bridges and the viewing platform are accessible all throughout the year.

Paperbarks The Grey Mangrove

Native Vegetation River Red Gum Eucalyptus Swamp Oaks Swamp Mahogany

Wolli Camp

Wolli Bridge

WOLLI WATCH OVER

Bird Species

Seagulls

Little and Red Wattle

Rainbow Lorikeet Silvereye New Holland Honey eater

Red whiskered bulbul Willie Wagtail

Dusky Morgen Cormorants Ducks Great Egret

White faced Heron

MANGROVE MEANDERS

Birds are best visible during the Writjiribin season and Gang Marrain season since the Eucalyptus flowers and the Lilly Pilly (westwards to the site) flowers then respectively.

It is advisable to walk through the mangrove areas all throughout the year except the start of Gang Marrain season when it is humid which can make the area smell.

Clean up drives

Clean up drives for all ages are arranged between the Writjiribin and Ngoonungi seasons when rainfall is least likely.

Walk through timber bridge

Bird watching tower

EXHIBITION

DETAIL SECTION 1: 50

Exhibitions can be held all year round except during the rainy days

SITE SECTION 1: 200

Traditionally camping is forbidden during the peaks of Burran season due to hot and dry weather which can cause forest fires as well the possibility of large storms arise towards the end of the season.

PLACE OF PEACE

People can relax all year round at the deck. Children can also collect water samples foreducational workshops during the camping season.

CANOEING THROUGH THE CREEK

Fish

Canoeing is arranged in the most ideal seasons when there are low chances of heavy rains and stroms

Species Gudgeon Empire Gudgeon Flathead Gudgeon

Flathead Gudgeon Firetail Gudgeon Common Galaxia

Many of the fish species can be spotted whilst canoeing through the creek

SEASONAL ACTIVITIES

All the activities are programed to spread across all seasons of the year. These programs are governed by the changing seasons.

For example, the canoing activities will be at halt during the high rains and storms in Burran season. They will resume again in the Gang Marain season.

Also camping will be banned at Wolli Island in the Burran season since there are higher chances of forest fires. During this hot weather children and other people can play in the water at the stepwell to beat the heat.

During the Ngoonungi season Mangrove clean up drives can take place since chances of rainfall are the lowest so people can walk between the mangroves.

These seasonal activities enable people to learn from the natural characteristics and patterns of the country at an early age.

Research Question: How can design restore the essence of the original landscape and help people become a part of it?

RESEARCH: ORIGINAL ESSENCE OF

THE SITE:

- floodplain

- mangrove marsh and mud flats

- habitat for eels and frogs

- camping site - travelling using canoes

SOIL MEMORY:

The capacity of the soil to store and revive lost ecological values of the landscape

DESIGN ASPECTS:

Creating a flexible and seasonal water way

Allowing the site to seasonally change and function

Allowing new mangroves to grow on the edges of Wolli Creek

Introduing new programs: camping, canoeing

Introducing educational activities - mangrove clean up drives, exhibitions

Creating human interaction program according to seasonal changes

Designing to help nature takeover and reclaim the land using its soil memory

OUTCOMES OF THE SITE:

- The new water channels flood during water level rise and act as exposed mud flats during dry seasons

- Increased diversity of mangroves along Wolli Creek increasing fish and eel species.

- Camping and canoeing ctivities bring back values of the site

- Educating the citizens of the importance of these landscapes in the green and ble networks of Sydney

- Creating awarness of the 7 original seasons governed by nature

OUTCOMES

Water Vegetation

The levels of the creek were usually high and the water was polluted

The water level is lower in the creek, the creek is less polluted and there are other cleaner water ponds

There were few vegetation patches with sparse trees

The existing vegetation is enhanced and more dense with a variety of trees

Water purifying plants are introduced in the new ponds

New mangroves are grown on the edge of Wolli Creek

OUTCOMES

The existing trees provided little habitat for birds, the creek was polluted reducing the number of aquatic species

Dense vegetation and variety of trees provide stopping stations and habitats for native birds

Smaller water bodies and edges provide habitats for fogs

New cleaner ponds and vegetated edges provide habitats for ducks and shallow ground for Eels to dig burrows

New mangroves clean the water and provide habitats for small fish and frogs

The space provides open area for walks, jogs, walking the dog and small picnics

Walking the dog, jogging, running

Stepping stones and pond dipping

Sitting in the lawn or the timber deck

Jumping / Swimming in the ponds

Partly existing solid walkthrough pathway

Exploring the native forests, spotting the native species

Canoeing and camping activities Island hopping

Animal Species People

APPLICATION TO GREEN BLUE NETWORK

A chain of projects similar to the Wolli Waterfront can be created at several points alongside the creeks and rivers of Sydney.

Only a small portion of large open spaces such as parks or abandoned lands, left over and underused spaces can be converted into projects which enhance the blue-green network of the city.

Wolli Waterfront

Assuming that pollution in rivers and water channels will decrease in the coming years, these additions can purely function as floodplains or wetlands which can help reduce the flood levels and its its impacts in the city.

These spaces have the potential to become primary habitat locations for endangered species and they can be designed accordingly.

The red spots (new interventions) can form a chain of stops for species which migrate or travel through the city by air, water or land, (just the way humans have train stations across the city).

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Targets to acheive by reintroducing native plants and heritage landscapes:

Targets to acheive by creating new habitat islands:

GOALS AND TARGETS

SDG 11.4

Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage

SDG 15.1

By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements

SDG 15.2

By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally

SDG 15.3

By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world

National Level Priority for action 2

Building ecosystem resilience in a changing climate (Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2030)

SDG 14.2

By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans

SDG 15.4

By 2030, ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, in order to enhance their capacity to provide benefits that are essential for sustainable development

National Level Goal 2.2

Maintaining and re-establishing ecosystem functions (Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2030)

National Level Goal 2.3

Reducing threats to biodiversity (Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2030)

Local Government Target

Local Strategic Planning Statement a land-use vision to 2036.

Targets to acheive by creating new waterways:

Targets to acheive by providing connections betweeen people and the native landscape:

SDG 6.3

By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally

SDG 6.a

By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies

National Level Objective 5: Improve conservation management of Australia’s landscapes, waterways, wetlands and seascapes (Australia’s Strategy for Nature 2019–2030)

SDG 6.b

Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management

SDG 11.7

By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities

National Level Goal 1:

Connect all Australians (Australia’s Strategy for Nature 2019–2030)

National Level Goal 3.1

Improving and sharing knowledge (Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2030)

Local Government Plan

Bayside council plan of management for community land and public open space 2016

Local Government PRINCIPLE 4. Participation (Greener Places

Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016, Census All persons Quick Stats accessed 14 June 2022 <https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2016/SS C14353#:~:text=In%20the%202016%20Census%2C%20 there,up%200.3%25%20of%20the%20population.&text=The%20median%20age%20of%20people%20 in%20Wolli%20Creek%20was%2029%20years>

Broffman Andrew 2022, Connecting with Country: A Pathway to Listening accessed 08 July 2022 <https://www.architectureau.com/articles/connecting-with-country-a-pathway-to-listening/?utm_source=ArchitectureAU&utm_campaign=03a68e03AAU_2022_07_04&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e3604e2a4a-03a68e03f7-40519521&mc_cid=03a68e03f7&mc_eid=18f9b188f>

Caterbury Bankstown 2017, Exhibition of Draft Master Plan for Gough Whitlam and Waterworth Parks, accessed 10 June 2022 < https://haveyoursay.cbcity.nsw. gov.au/goughwhitlamandwaterworth>

Herrington 2017, Landscape Theory in Design, Routledge, 711 Third Avenue, New York.

Parikh 2022, ‘BPWCGGC Analysis’, UNSW Moodle, accessed 11 June 2022 < https://moodle.telt.unsw.edu.au/mod/assign/view.php?id=4465490>

Parikh 2022 Ecological Restoration, Applications of Soil Memory

Parikh 2022, ‘Re-tracing Remnants of the Confluence’, UNSW Moodle, accessed 09 June 2022 <https://moodle.telt.unsw.edu.au/mod/assign/view. php?id=4465496>

Parikh 2022, ‘Soil Memory: A study on the concept and applications to the Environmental Reconstruction of Sydney Wolli Creek’, Landscape Theory and Re search, UNSW.

United Nations 2022, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Sustainable Development, accessed 4 June 2022, <https://sdgs.un.org/goals>