Mater of Urban Design Thesis

Urban Food Hubs

Team Antonio Huang Divya Menon Heitong Choi Larissa Tse

URBAN DESIGN THESIS

URBAN FOOD HUBS

Introduction

Table of Contents

Developing from the sets of toolkits that were introduced in our last assignment

1.

to form flood-resilient urban food systems in cities, this assignment presents

2. Wirraway Precinct

implementation of design into specific site. Fishermans Bend is our testing ground where scenarios relating food production and flood mitigation are established to shape the site. Prototypes and systems are to be tested and visualized at a number of levels; from the strategic, systemic to the tangible and material.

A full version of our thesis study and presentation video can be found in this link: https://miro.com/app/board/o9J_lmshTTE=/?invite_link_id=447657483

Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework

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Neighbourhood Southern

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Food & Cultural Hub

3. Employment Precinct

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Neighbourhood Northern

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Innovation & Research Hub

URBAN DESIGN THESIS

URBAN FOOD HUBS

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK In 2050...

Fishermans Bend is currently an industrial site with only a thousand of residents. As the site is planned for development, both residential and jobs are projected to have more than 50% growth rate in the next 30 years. Meanwhile, climate change is greatly affecting urban areas where flooding shocks in particular will hinder people from

accessing daily essentials of food in the coming years. As such, Fishermans Bend is proposed to become a self-sufficient, floodresilient urban food system that caters the needs of different user groups during extreme weather events while using flood water as a resource to enhance food production.

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AREA

RESIDENTS

JOBS

Employment:

240ha

0

40,000

Sandridge:

80ha

34,400

28,000

Wirraway:

88ha

14,400

4,000

Lorimer:

27ha

12,000

4,000

Montague:

50ha

19,200

4,000

80,000

80,000

TOTAL: 485ha

In 2100...

120,000 residents

135,720 tonnes

194 hectare

required per year

production area required

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STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

SITE CONDITIONS

WATER RETENTION AREAS

POTENTIAL FOOD HOBS

Overlaying 2100 sea level rise and storm surge conditions, most of the low lying

Waterflow, which are generated from topography and surface runoff, indicates

Five food hubs are located at the high point of each precinct within walkable

coastal areas will be flooded.

flood prone areas that have the potential to be turned into retention basins.

distance. Since roads on ground can be flooded, an elevated tram loop is proposed

Using blue and grey water as a resource for food production is an environmental

for travel and freight, and remain functional at all time. A few existing buildings are

sustainable strategy to be adopted.

kept and to be retrofitted with considerations to shed size, proximity to proposed food hubs as well as heritage value.

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STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

FLOODING SCENARIO

NORMAL SCENARIO

Utilising waterflow and flood maps, streets are proposed with bioswale design to direct and filter waste water

During normal weather condition, streets will not be flooded with water but become lush green landscaping areas.

at destinated areas. Retention plazas are established at low points where water can be collected. A large part of

Since the existing West Gate Freeway is acting as a barrier separating northern and southern precincts, walkable

Montague precinct is turned into a wetland.

green bridges are implemented for access.

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STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

30% FOOD SUPPLY SCENARIO

70% FOOD SUPPLY SCENARIO

Keeping some of the existing sheds and turn them into food production purpose, approximately 58 hectares of land

Keeping some of the existing sheds and turn them into food production, approximately 136 hectares of land is

is required to produce 40,716 tonnes of food which is able to feed 30% of population in Fishermans Bend.

required to produce 95,004 tonnes of food which is able to feed 70% of population in Fishermans Bend. During extreme weather events, food hubs act as evacuation centres to maintain people’s access to food.

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STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

PROGRAMS - NORMAL SCENARIO

PROGRAMS - FLOODING SCENARIO

During normal weather condition, outdoor communal activities can be performed in green open spaces.

During climate change shocks, water can be collected from dedicated zones and reuse by household after filtration.

Each precinct is guaranteed to have at least a retention plaza or wetland in case social distancing is needed.

Green open spaces will become resilient to flood while preserving ecological value. At high points, communal activities can still be performed.

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STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

SELECTED NEIGHBOURHOODS

Employment Precicnt

Wirraway Precicnt

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250

Two neighbourhoods were selected for further study, namely, the Employment precicnt to the North and the Wirray precinct to the South. These precicnts are connected by a green link.and are also serviced by the proposed tram line. The two precicnts offer diverse opportunities in terms of density and functions.

GREENLINK SECTION 11

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URBAN DESIGN THESIS

URBAN FOOD HUBS

Team Antonio Huang Divya Menon

INNOVATION & EMPLOYMENT PRECINCT

The employment precicnt in the north of Fishermans Bend is projected to accommodate 12,900 residents by 2100. The northern precinct is has a focus on innovation, research and food

production. Since this precicnt supplies a bulk of the food requiremet, flood-resilient, high density innovation hubs form the core of this precicnt.

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INNOVATION AND EMPLOYMENT PRECINCT

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN & ISOMETRICS

The Site comprises four main blocks - two innovation and research hubs and two mixed use podium developments.

Elevated connections have been established at the upper floors of each building to ensure access even during times of severe flooding. The elevated monorail also ensures that any food produced within the hubs can still be distributed throughout the site. The Isometrics show the Innovation and Employment Precinct in distinct two scenarios in relation to climate change - Dry and Extreme Flooding.

EMPLOYMENT PRECINCT INNOVATION AND PRODUCTION HUB

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INNOVATION & PRODUCTION HUB

NORMAL SCENARIO

EXTREME FLOODING SCENARIO

The northern site reuses an existing shed and focuses on innovation and vertical farming production. The design includes a network of civic spaces distributed across various levels and an exhibition plaza. The terraces and elevated bridges maintain pedestrian accessibility and activity during flood events. Numerous spectacles are designed throughout the site in the form of interactive greenhouses and a larger aquarium to attract and educate public onlookers.

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INNOVATION & PRODUCTION HUB

MAIN EXHIBITION PLAZA

A view of the exhibition plaza and showcase production green houses. Vertical greenhouses are located along the northern part of the site to maximise solar gain, and are exposed to the public as a visual spectacle. The plaza serves faciliates interaction between food innovators and the public, encouraging knowledge sharing and exposure to new kinds of foods such as edible insects and cultured meat. Local cafes and shops operated by affilated businesses also help expand the public’s food knowledge and utilise fresh produce farmed on the site.

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INNOVATION AND PRODUCTION HUB

EXHIBITION PLAZA ENTRANCE

A view of the northern innovation and research hub and its interface to Turner Street. The open plaza entrance, greenhouses and commercial activities attract pedestrians into the site.

Flooding is utilised to offer new experiences to users with upper levels serving as viewing platforms to observe the effects of climate change. During times of flood, the site remains useable through the terraces and a sloping plaza. Ground floor tenancies have been designed to have an internal transition space which can be flooded. The greenhuses are specifically located outside of flood areas so that production is not halted.

INNOVATION AND PRODUCTION HUB

TURNER STREET INTERFACE

A view of the upper level connection to the elevated monorail. Different levels have been designed to facilitate different functions. Some levels provide community gardens to encourage community interaction and promote education of sustainable ways of growing food. Other levels are used for commercial activites to provide an anchor for the elevated monorail station.

The provision of multiple routes to the tram network allows for freight and produce to continue being distributed throughout Fishermans Bend even in flood events. High density mixed use developments are located in close proximity to the Innovation and Research hub to ensure that there is activity sustained throughout the entire day.

INNOVATION AND PRODUCTION HUB

INNOVATION AND RESEARCH HUB The Northern Innovation and Research Hub includes a central exhibition plaza which opens up from Turner Street.

The plaza slopes gently upwards towards the exhibition plaza and main showcase greenhouses to facilitate vertical movement in a non-intrusive manner. The higher topography also minimises flood impacts so that activities may continue. The elevated monorail is located at the upper floors of the building and remains easily accesible to the public patron via a number of different routes. Several levels have been intergrated into the design of the hub to maximise activve frontages for cafe’s, shops and exhibition spaces while also encouraging views into the main plaza Overall, the innovation and production hub establishes a visually cohesive interface relationship with the wider precinct and intensive production shed to the south.

INNOVATION & RESEARCH HUB - SOUTH INNOVATION AND RESEARCH HUB - NORTH

INNOVATION & RESEARCH HUB - SOUTH

NORMAL SCENARIO

EXTREME FLOODING SCENARIO

The Southern Building reuses an existing corporate office as an intensive food production shed. It consists of a central, enclosed insect farm. It is surrounded by insect cultivation labs, office spaces and has greenhouses on the roof. The tram connects to the block at the upper level creating a network with the building podium. This creates an elevated public realm that remains active throughout flooding events and ensures pedestrian movement remains unhindered.

INNOVATION AND RESEARCH HUB - SOUTH

UBLIC CIVIC SPACE

The large open insect farm facilitates natural harvesting of insect species.

The transparent enclosure of the insect farm forms a visual connection to the lower public space and encourages people to interact with it. This increases awareness and acceptability of alternative food sources. A raised plinth has been incorporated into the ground level to ensure a sufficient clearance from flood levels while providing a suitable interface for people to gather. The plinth also protects the insect farm from being flooded.

INNOVATION & RESEARCH HUB - SOUTH

INNOVATION AND RESEARCH HUB - SOUTH SECTION

The hub connects to other innovation centres and residential blocks nearby. The ground level hosts a restaurant that utlizes the produce from the hub. An internal walkway connects to the retail plaza as well as a stepped podium which creates vertical open spaces. The labs are located on the first and second levels along the periphery of the block.

INNOVATION & RESEARCH HUB - SOUTH

INTERNAL BRIDGE

The internal bridge goes through the insect habitat enhancing the experience of visual interaction with the process of food production and leads to the plaza on the other side. it forma a link between the restaurant and the surrounding blocks to facilitate access to food.

INNOVATION AND RESEARCH HUB - SOUTH

TURNER STREET INTERFACE

The upper plaza located at the other end of the internal bridge and is accessed from ground by a stepped podium. This stepped podium acts as a transition space to be used by people to enter upper plaza. The civic space remains active even during flooding events

INNOVATION AND RESEARCH HUB - SOUTH

ROOFTOP TERRACE

The upper public plaza is located at the intersection of the tram connection and the pedestrian bridge leading to the residential blocks. Retail spaces and food stalls on the upper plaza act as an anchor point for people to gather. The stalls sell food produced in the building and provide a robust marketplace for people to experiment with alternative food types, thus creating a synergy between production and consumption of food.

URBAN DESIGN THESIS

URBAN FOOD HUBS

Team Heitong Choi Larissa Tse

WIRRAWAY PRECINCT

Wirraway precinct in the south of Fishermans Bend is foreseen to accommodate 14,400 residents by 2050, requiring 23 hectares of production area. A large part of land towards the south will be flooded

as presented in the frameworks.

So, the implementation of floodresilient urban food system at this neighbourhood is to be explored with the priority of cultural and social values.

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WIRRAWAY PRECINCT

FOOD AND CULTURAL HUB

The food & cultural hub precinct is composed of three main blocks- food production sheds, community centres and the retention plaza. With the existing landforms falling from the north to south, surface water runoff (flash flood) will be mitigated as water is directed to the plaza, and will be filtered and stored for food production. Greenlink incoporated with bioswales are designed within the road network to help with flood mitigation. Elevated tram and connected bridges to all buildings will help maintaining access to food and shelter during climate change shocks. The food production in the neighborhood will be able to serve about 30% of the projected population of the Wirraway precinct expected in 2050.

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WIRRAWAY PRECINCT

NEIGHBOURHOOD TRANSECTS

Greenlink is a road formed by predominantly a central retention green space with bioswale systems. Amenity zones are assigned on both sides as outdoor cafes, electric car charging ports, bike parking or seating zones.

Land falls away from building so plants along the road can absorb and filter waste water. Building itself also takes into account of flood mitigation measures on ground level.

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FOOD & CULTURAL HUB

FOOD PRODUCTION SHEDS

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FOOD & CULTURAL HUB SMART SHED NORMAL

SW

NE

SMART SHED FLOODED

SW

NE

The brand-new smart farming shed is an urban productive facility which employs advanced technology and data processing practices such as robotics and smart car to yield higher efficiency and productivity of urban farming produce. The shed is built elevated by 2 metres from the ground level to protect the shed from flooding and interface is designed with ramps and various stairs and platforms to absorb the heights. Markets, restaurants and aquaponics tanks are proposed on the ground floor to provide permeability and activity through the large foodprint shed. The second floor will provide community usage such as community kitchens, events and function rooms. During extreme weather events, the first two floors and part of the rooftop can be turned into temporary shelter for people while the upper floors can still maintain its operation and offer food to the people.

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FOOD & CULTURAL HUB

SMART SHED ATRIUM

The view is the Smart Shed Atrium space viewing from the tram station. The tram station is directly connected to the market, retail and restaurants spaces of the smart shed through the Atrium and all along to the supermarket and the natural insect farm at the end of the corridor. The upper floors setbacks play an important role in enabling views from the ground level to the food production spaces and creating a better sense of community.

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FOOD & CULTURAL HUB

FOOD TRUCK PORT & MARKET

Interface of the smart shed facing the central Greenlink is opened up through a ramp, providing a port for food delivery and spaces for food truck plaza. Together with the frontage of the supermarket shed, it serves as a vibrant food street for the neighborhood. During flood, the space is deactivated and the ramp which abosrbs the 2m height from the ground level will prevent the ground floor of the shed from flooding. People wil be able to access to the sheds through the bridges and trams.

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FOOD & CULTURAL HUB

TRAM STATION & SMART SHED MAIN ENTRANCE

Large footprint smart shed at this location acts as precinct landmark and way-finding.

The four floors aquarium at the corner brings aesthetic value and is functional as part of the aquaponics system. Access to the smart shed is always supported with tram services.

Bridge connection provide alternative access in normal days but becomes an inevitable part of design during flood.

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FOOD & CULTURAL HUB

COMMUNITY CENTRES

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FOOD & CULTURAL HUB

COMMUNITY CENTRES

NW

SE

Building on the left has been retrofitting from existing 6m high shed to an extraordinary see-through insects farm and public library, A series of tunnels allow sunlight to penetrate through, reducing the use of electricity. Roof top garden is formed by a huge slope where community engagement is encouraged.

Building on the right is designed with level change for an unique human experience. The exterior is formed by a series of staircases, slides, sloping lawn and rock climbing walls. Ramps are designed to connect different floors from the inside of building where accessibility for disabilities is considered.

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FOOD & CULTURAL HUB

ROOFTOP GARDEN

Materiality as well as user experience are considered in the design. While social activities are encouraged, parts of the space are assigned for rooftop farming to minimise food security shocks at any case. The use of glasshouse allows people to see through spaces, being educated with food production process.

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FOOD & CULTURAL HUB

TERRACE PARK

The Terrace Plaza is activated with markets in normal days. However, when flood occurs, the leveling flushes water away from the building where people can still gain access from floors above. Plant species used in the site are flood tolerance.

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FOOD & CULTURAL HUB

NORMAL VS FLOODING SCENARIO

Residents from the Wirraway precinct is well served by this food hub which consists social, commercial and environmental benefits. People are able to move through spaces freely throughout the year. Both energy efficient and sustainability goals are achieved.

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FOOD & CULTURAL HUB

PERSPECTIVES - RETENTION PLAZA

Lastly, retention plaza can be used as sports ground and gathering space during normal days.

Aquatic plants further add ecological value to the site. Water collected can be recycled back for irrigation, formulating a flood-resilient urban food system as a whole.

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Urban Food Hubs is a design not only suitable at Fishermans Bend but can also be implemented at various scales in the CBD or even across Melbourne suburbs to create a self-sufficient city.