DESIGN WITH COUNTRY
The land of the Birrarung Victoria, Australia 2021
Repor t
Gina Dahl gina.dahl@hotmail.com
I would like to acknowledge that this project has been prepared on the land of the Kulin Nation. The traditional custodians of this land. I would like to pay my respect to their elders past, present, and emerging. This work aim to contribute towards promoting, empowering, and protecting the Kulin nation cultural heritage and country. The project has a special focus on the Birrarung’s inner reaches, flowing from Dight’s falls to Webb Bridge. A contribution to the prospecting Birrarung parklands.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY
INTRODUCTION
The Birrarung as a living entity
PAST PRESENT FUTURE
Memory of place/ Who’s heritage 7 generations History of Lloys paddock reserve
CONCEPT
Solastalgia
FOCUS AREAS
Community gatherings Individual reflection and exploration The sunrise platform
THE GREAT BIRRARUNG PARKLANDS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Connection to country
Welcome to the land of the Birrarung. The river of mist and shadows. The river is a living entity - in need of rights, land, and care. We are in the process of bringing this back to the river after a time of neglect neglect from recognizing the ancient knowledge of the traditional custodians of the land and failing to respect the river, it’s rights and legacy.
SUGARLOAF RESERVOIR
This report will focus on the lower reaches of the Birrarung, the urban riverlands.
YARRA RANGES NATIONAL PARK
In it’s lower reaches the river flows through the land of the Kulin nation, the inner city landscapes hold the land of the Wurindjeri Woi Wurrung and Boonwurrung people.
FOCUS AREA
FISHERMANS BEND
MOUNT DANGENONG
DANGENONG RANGES NATIONAL PARK PORT PHILLIP BAY
THE BIRRARUNG // THE RIVER OF MIST AND SHADOWS
CARIDINIA RESERVOIR
1
TRANSECT NR. 6
2
Burnley Railway Station
3
Loys Paddock Reserve
4
Herring Island
5
Como Park
6
Burnley Campus
7
Burnley Gold Course
8
MCG
9
AAMI Park
10
Royal Botanical Gardens
11
Fawkner Park
BIRRARUNG
8
CORROBOREE TREE
9
1
2
BURNLEY GARDENS
7 BOTANICAL GARDENS
6
10 3 4
Melbourne is a place of complex heritage layering as the Birrarung holds significant cultural and historical value for both aboriginal and non-aboriginals.
5 COMO PARK
However this relationship and narrative is highly imbalanced in Melbourne today. Not only does the Aboriginal cultural and spiritual narrative need a place in the city, it needs to become a part of the city. Only then can we truly begin to understand what it means to care for our environment and the future of our city.
FAWNKNER PARK
11
MEMORY OF PLACE // WHO’S HERITAGE
1 km
40 000 BC MUNGO WOMAN
YEAR 0 BIRTH OF CHRIST
THE AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL CULTURE IS RECOGNISED AS THE OLDEST CONTINUOUS LIVING CULTURE IN THE WORLD
2020 PRESENT
COLONIAL AUSTRALIA
INTRODUCED ELEMENTS CONSTANTS
7 GENERATIONS INTO THE PAST 1880
PRESENT 2020
RETAIL RAILWAY
ETS
THE BIRRARUNG
REET LOYOLA ST ROAD
PARK
ROAD
ROAD
PAST / PRESENT / FUTURE
STREET
THE GREAT BIRRARUNG WETLANDS
THE GREAT BIRRARUNG WETLANDS
GRANGE
TENNIS CLUB
GRANGE
GUMBRI MEADOWS
AN STRE
ETS
PARKLAND
DATA EXTRACTED FROM NATURE KIT 2.0, MAPSHAREVIC, VICPLAN
WETLAND
GRANGE
2 BECAME GRAZING GROUND FOR HORSES
PARKLAND
BEDROCK OUTCROP
BEDROCK OUTCROP
BEDROCK OUTCROP
PEDESTRI
SWAMPY SCRUB LANDS
GIBSON
NDS
THE BIRRARUNG
LOYS PADDOCK RESERVE
ALEXANDRA AVENUE
GLASSY WOODLANDS
REET
NG WETLA
WETLAND
GRASSLANDS
BEDROCK OUTCROP
BURNLEY PARKLAND
PARK
PEDESTRI AN STRE
STREET
LOYOLA ST
REET
REET STAWELL ST
THE GREA T BIRRARU
PLAINS GLASSY WOODLANDS
PLAINS GLASSY WOODLANDS
MADDEN GROVE
REET
PARK
CITY LINK
REET
THE BIRRARUNG
BURNLEY GOLF COURSE
BURNLEY ST
REET
BERLIN ST
THE BIRRARUNG
RAILWAY MADDEN GROVE
BURNLEY ST
REET LOYOLA ST
GIBSON
STREET
STAWELL ST
REET
BURNLEY ST
REET
MADDEN GROVE
RICHMOND PARK
STAWELL ST
RAILWAY
PLAINS GLASSY WOODLANDS
PEDESTRIA N STREETS SWAN STRE ET
SWAN STRE ET
SWAN STRE ET
STONE CRUSHING MACHINE
7 GENERATIONS INTO THE FUTURE 2150
GIBSON
14 GENERATIONS INTO THE PAST 1750
GEORGE ST
REET
DATA EXTRACTED FROM NATURE KIT 2.0, MAPSHAREVIC, HISTORIC MAPS (1870)
BRUCE ST
REET
DATA EXTRACTED FROM NATURE KIT 2.0, MAPSHAREVIC, VICPLAN, CITY OF YARRA EMERGENCY PLAN
BRUCE ST
REET
100 M
Today there are few elements of memory and remembrance of the river past its banks. Through layers of infrastructure our connection to the river has diminished. The Great Birrarung parkland holds the power to become a catalyst for change and connection. The beginning of a new area for the river and for its people.
VICTORIA STATE LIBRARY 1962
C. 1930
LLOY’S PADDOCK RESERVE The loys family Family owned Soft drink manufacturer Arrived in Melbourne in the late 1890.’s Established Loy bros. soft drink company in 1920. The area was used for grazing delivery horses Crown land from 1986
This project focuses on a specific area along the river. Lloys paddock reserve. The paddock was managed by the Lloys family; who migrated to Australia in the late 1890’s. The paddock operated as a grazing ground for delivery horses between 1920-1950 and became crown land managed by Yarra City council from 1986. The left image shows an illustration of what became the citylink, a contributor to what has become the maintained, but forgotten parkland of Lloys Paddock. As Marc Auge would say, a non-space in the city. The history when the paddock was surrounded by grazing horses should be recognised, it is however time for a shift in the association connected to language on this site. The name Lloys paddock reserve has unfortunately become a reflection of this nonspace, proposing a name change for this area will become the first step in recognising its significance. It is time to acknowledge this place. The land of the river
LLOYS PADDOCK RESERVE
PLANTS OFFERING A WELCOME TO COUNTRY
WELCOMED BY MUYAN WATTLE, BALLEEE CHERRY BALLART AND BIEL RIVER RED GUM
Different from nostalgia as you are absent from home and wish to return.
WELCOMED BY MUYAN WATTLE, BALLEEE CHERRY BALLART AND BIEL RIVER RED GUM
CITY LINK
WELCOMED BY MUYAN WATTLE, BALLEEE CHERRY BALLART AND BIEL RIVER RED GUM
SELECTED VIEWS FROM PROPOSED LANDSCAPE
THE MAI
N YARRA
NATIVE DIRECT SEEDING AREA VIEW POINT
TRAIL
THE MAIN YARRA TRAIL
VIEW POINT OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT
SUNRISE VIEWPOINT
POEMS OFFER ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL SIGNAGE. A PLACE TO REFLECT AND CONNECT
FOCUS AREA 3
FOCUS AREA 2
SUNRISE VIEWPOINT
INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION MEADOWS REFLECTING ON SEASONS AND LIFE CYCLES
RIVER REEDS
THE MAIN YARRA TRAIL
WE WILL HONOUR OUR ELDERS, TILL THE DAWN MEETS THE DUSK THEY ENTRUSTED THIS LEGACY FROM THE OCEANS TO THE DUSTS
NO SIGNAGE IS WRITTEN IN WORDS WITH A MEANING BY WORDS FROM THEIR MOUTHS GREW GENERATIONS OF DREAMING
- ZELDA QUAKAWOOT, QLD
- ZELDA QUAKAWOOT, QLD CENTRAL MEETING POINT
FOCUS AREA 1 THE BIRRARUNG
CENTRAL AREA CONNECTION TO WATER
The short definition is presented as “the homesickness you have when you are still at home”
MUYAN WATTLE, BALLEEE CHERRY BALLART AND BIEL RIVER RED GUM
ENTERING THE MEADOWS
SUNSET VIEWPOINT SUNSET SEAT
BECAUSE THIS LAND BELONGS TO US AND IT ALWAYS WILL SO REMEMBER THAT ALONG THE TRACK OR EVEN BETTER STILL
SOLASTALGIA
BRUCE MUNDO LIGHT INSTALLATION
As a consequence of colonisation the aboriginal cultural, historical, and spiritual connections have suffered. 87% of all aboriginals in Victoria live in urban environments, many finding their connection to culture and country as adults. The area will become a place to learn, feel and connect to country, culture, spirituality, and knowing. Finding a place between the cultural juxtaposition of everyday life. In the time of solastalgia.
- ZELDA QUAKAWOOT, QLD
It is a unique opportunity for co-design and layers of knowing as the stories told within the space interlace one another, and unfold themselves to the ones that take the time to sit with country.
TAKE OFF YOUR SHOE AND YOUR SHIRT AS YOU WALK UPON THE SAND,
- ARON RICHARDSON, NIMBIN, NSW
LIGHT INSTALLATION FROM THE RISING FESTIVAL. MELBOURNE 2021
Solastalgia is when you lose solace in your home environment, experienced by aboriginals and non-aboriginals in relation to climate change today. And experiences by aboriginals in relation to occupation of the lands and the incremental development that formed the city.
A DREAM IS NOT A PREDICTION NOR IS IT YOUR ONLY GOAL IT’S A LARGER SLICE OF SUNSHINE THAT GLOWS WITHIN YOUR SOUL
AND COME AND SIT DOWN IN THE DIRT WITH THE OWNERS OF THIS LAND
ALTERNATIVE STREETLIGHTS
Professor and environmental philosopher Glenn Albrecht, proposed the term solastalgia.
IN THE AIR WE BREATHE ARE BORN IMAGES OF CREATION, PAINTED ON OUR THOUGHTS IN THE “EVERYWHEN.” WHERE THERE ARE NO GODS, ONLY DREAMINGS, AND SPIRIT BEINGS, IN ONE PEOPLE, IN THE LIVING MOTHER EARTH, WE SHALL LIVE.
It’s a place for the Kulin nation, formed by the Kulin nation. Becoming a stepping stone for a connection to country that will grow and become an integral part of the Great Birrarung parklands.
- PHILLIP MCDONALD, NEWSTEAD, VIC 50 M
TRANSMISSION TOWER
FOCUS AREA 1
GRASSLAND PATH AS ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
1
CENTRAL GATHERING SPACE SEQUENCE OF VIEWS CENTRAL CONCEPT FOR COMMUNITY AREAS.
VEGITATION IS BUILT UP TO HOLD ANITCIPATION OF THE SPACE
CREATING AN INVITATION TO THE LANDSCAPE FROM THE ADJESENT RIVER BANK
1
AN INVITATION TO EXPLORE THE RIVERFRONT IS ALSO EXTENDED FROM THE CENTRAL MEETING SPACE. ANTICIPATIO N OF THE SOFT SLOPING PATHWAY
2 2
FOCUS AREA 2
SECTION ALONG CENTRAL MEETING POINTS RIVER REEDS
COMMUNITY TIMBER HABITAT JETTY PROVIDES SHADING, HABITAT CREATION IS BUILT UP UNDERNEATH
FOCUSAREA AREA11 // COMMUNITY GATHERINGS // LOOKING OUT FOCUS
2
THE BIRRARUNG
MAIN YARRA TRAIL SLOW ROUTE
NARROW PATHS ALONG CUES TO CARE
INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION RAMMED EARTH SEATING
1
2
TRANSMISSION TOWER GATHERING SPACE FOR SMALLER GROUPES SMALL AND NARROW PATHS TO EXPLORE
RAMMED EARTH SEATING GRASSLAND PATH AS ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION RIVER FRONT
CORE TRAIL LEADING TO CENTRAL GATHERING SPACE
THE DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES INVITES PEOPLE IN AND ENCOURAGE THE VISITORS TO TAKE THEIR TIME.
1
IT INTENDS TO REFLECTS A LANDSCAPE THAT IS CARED FOR. WHERE COUNTRY CAN BE SEEN AND FELT. A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN SIT WITH COUNTRY AND FEEL TIME IN THE LANDSCAPE.
FOCUS AREA 2
FOCUSAREA AREA12 // INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION AND EXPLORATION // LOOKING IN FOCUS
CENTRAL GATHERING SPACE
2
FOCUS AREA 3
1
Viewing platform
2
Wheelchair lift
3
WC/HC
4
Platform seating
5
Existing vegetation
6
Shaded picnic spot
TOWARDS GIBDON STREET BRUDGE
5
1
5
VIEWING PLATFORM
1
AMENITIES WHEELCHAIR ACCESS 3
3 THE SUNRISE PLATFORM
ACCESS ABOVE FRAMED VIEWS
4
1
2
DIVERTED MAIN YARRA TRAIL
2 THE BIRRARUNBG LOOKING TOWARDS MACROBERTSON BRIDGE
6 5
VIEW TOWARDS GRANGE ROAD WETLANDS
3
PLATFORM SEATING
FOCUSAREA AREA13 // THE SUNRISE PLATFORM // LOOKING OUT FOCUS
2
THE BIRRARUNG
PRESENT
LLOYS PADDOCK RESERVE // THE GREAT BIRRARUNG PARKLADS
POTENTIAL NEAR FUTURE
100 M
This is a unique opportunity for co-design and layers of knowing as the stories told within the space interlace one another, and unfold themselves to the ones that take the time to sit with country. It’s a place for the kulin nation, formed by the kulin nation. Becoming a stepping stone for a connection to country that will grow and become an integral part of the Great Birrarung parklands
CENTRAL GATHERING SPACE VEGETATION IS BUILT UP TO CREATE AN AREA THAT IS ‘HELD’ BY THE LANDSCAPE
COMMUNITY TIMBER HABITAT JETTY PROVIDES SHADING, HABITAT CREATION IS BUILT UP UNDERNEATH RIVER REEDS
THE BIRRATUNG
The land of the Birrarung The river who holds rights, land, and care Where the Aboriginal cultural and spiritual narrative is ingrained and visible throughout the urban landscape, throughout the river of mist and shadows.