This report presents a strategic framework for Cairns, articulated through three core sections: Context-Driven Principles, Growth Strategy, and Design Methodology. It offers urban design insights and sustainable development strategies to steer the city’s future growth effectively.
Transitioning from the industrial to the ecological age.
Cairns, a city known for its dynamic growth, is now reassessing its urban development model due to the challenges posed by rapid expansion. The Cairns Regional Council is actively developing a new growth strategy titled "Towards 2050: Growth Strategy Framework." (Council, 2024)
This report brings together research from the council's first two phases and as well as independent analysis to propose an urban design framework and to design a speculative development around this framework. This report aims to suggest how Cairns could grow sustainably, build a better urban environment and prepare for prosperous future.
To read this report at its highest quality: www.nathan-petty.com/UDAD7006
Section 1 of this report derives growth principals for contextual research and analysis of the uban enviroment of Cairns
Section 2 of this report synthesizes research and discussions on optimal urban design practices and applies them specifically to Cairns. It develops a growth strategy framework tailored to the unique dynamics and needs of the region.
Section 3 of this report develops a design methodolgy for a speculative development on the predetermined Worree site.
Pages 1-12
Pages 13-24
Design
Methodology
Pages 24-58
Section 2 of this report synthesizes research and discussions on optimal urban design practices and applies them specifically to Cairns. It develops a growth strategy framework tailored to the unique dynamics and needs of the region.
Section 3 of this report develops a design methodolgy for a speculative development on the predetermined Worree site.
Section 1 of this report derives growth principals for contextual research and analysis of the uban enviroment of Cairns
The First Peoples of Cairns, known as the Bama (Rainforest People), have long lived in what is now Far North Queensland. Cairns' growth can also be attributed to the rainforest; first for agriculture and now, for its ancient rainforests and The Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is a globally recognised for its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle (Council, 2024).
“Cairns
is the primary service centre for the Far North Queensland region including provision of health care, social assistance, construction, transport and education
.” - Cairns
Regional Council (Towards 2050: Growth Strategy Framework)
2030 - 2050 : What does the future of cairns look like? What defines the regions narritive? How will the city account for continued growth?
2020 - 2025 : Cairns is grappling with new urban challenges as its population outgrows the longstanding urban sprawl model, exacerbated by COVID-19 in 2020 and record flooding in 2023. The region is moving into a new planning era with the councils ‘Towards 2050: Growth Satratergy’ and investment into a new ‘Gallery Precinct’.
1995 - 2010 : Cairns experienced years of private and public infrastructure investment which shaped the modern urban landscape. After years of development, the 2007 Global Financial Crisis slowed the growth of Cairns significantly.
1975 - 1990 : Protests marked the era as activists fought to preserve the rainforests. Between 1981 and 1988 The Great Barrier Reef and The Wet Tropic Rainforests were recognised as world heritage sites launching the eco-tourism industry which now defines Cairns.
1940 - 1945 : WWII was in affect around the world. Cairns became a significant port and supply centre for the Pasific Fleet.
The city of Cairns has expanded significantly more than other regional towns in Far North Queensland. Characterized by 'urban sprawl' typical across Australia, Cairns' growth is linear due to the constraint of World Heritage sites to the east and west. By 1971, Cairns had expanded to its jurisdiction's boundaries. By 1997, it incorporated Redlynch and Edmonton, and by 2050, it is projected to encompass Gordonvale to the south.
Native Vegitation (Not Currently Protected) State Reserve / National Park (Protected)
Current Urban Area (2024)
Expected Urban Area (2050) Mt Peter Master Planning Area (2009-2031)
Historic Extent of Cairns (1971, 1997)
Cairns is now facing several problems, challenges and inefficiencies due to the lack of planning throughout its expansion. The city's challenges, depicted in the diagram below, show urban issues as a network where drivers (red), effects (white), and sub-effects (black) dynamically interact. These interconnected relationships complicate efforts to achieve positive change but will facilitate cascading solutions.
A critical issue for Cairns, as in much of Australia, is urban sprawl. The city's growth, especially to the south, typified by mass suburbanization, has led to a fragmented population and an oversupply of detached housing. This sprawl has stretched the distance between homes, amenities and work. Residents rely on cars due to an underdeveloped public transportation network. Consequently, Cairns experiences congestion and public transport is being increasingly less invested in.
“I would like to see Cairns become less reliant on cars and more reliant on public transport and to increase walkability for the suburbs not just the city”
- Community Member
78% of all homes in Cairns are 3-4 bed detatched houses.
Only 38% of the population need 3-4 beds.
- The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021)
“Cairns needs housing diversity (houses that accomodate for people that aren’t famalies/couples) and improved affordability.”
- Community Member
Additionally, the local economy's heavy dependence on tourism has hindered job diversification. The low tertiary education engagement rate of only 8%, compared to 15-20% in other Australian cities has resulted in the “the exportation of our ambitious and intelligent future generations” (Council, 2024) (Statistics, 2021). These factors combine to create a challenging urban environment that demands thoughtful and effective planning interventions.
Preference / limited acceptable alternatives
Outdated Planning + Zonning Laws
No Guidence or Insentification for Proper Industry Practice
“We rely on tourism for our local economy. Cairns needs diversification ”
- Community Member
“There are limited opportunities for our ambitious and intelligent future generations”
- Community Member
Speech Bubbles are quotes from Community Members during the ‘Community and Youth Summit’ organised by the council for the “Towards 2050: Growth Strategy” (Youth and Community Summit, Cairns Council 2024)
“The Cairns economy needs diversification with an emphasis on technologies that improve enviromental sustainability”
- Community Member
Only 1.3% of the population take public transport to work.
Geo-Spatial Constraints
d ents C lose to n ities o n
Big Business In town Historical Context (Regional Town) Economic Reliance on Tourism
- The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021) Healthcare, education and retail are the three largest industries by employment.
- The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021)
“I hope urban sprawl doesn’t take over the hills surrounding Cairns”
- Community Member
The identity of Cairns is intricately linked to its natural environment. “The local culture, communities, and economy all rely on the biodiversity of the region's environment,” (Council Biodiversity Strategy, 2022) underscoring the continuous need for conservation efforts.
The map to the right highlights Cairns' current biodiversity index, revealing low levels in urbanized areas, with signs of recovery only deep within forested regions. This indicates that urban expansion significantly impacts the biodiversity of adjacent natural habitats. In their Biodiversity Strategy, the Cairns Regional Council has identified two major threats and several subordinate threats:
-Habitat Degridation
-Decreased Water Quality + Supply
-Invasive Species
-Alter Fire Regimes
NCA Status: Endangered
Resononing: Being hit by cars, domestic animals + habitat fragmentation
NCA Status: Endangered
Resononing: Depends entirely on permanent, fast-flowing streams.
NCA Status: Near Threatened
Resononing: Logging, agriculture + domestic animals threaten habitats.
NCA Status: Vulnerable
Resononing: Regular heat waves and cyclones distrupt the species ability to nest.
“The biodiversity of the Wet Tropics is highly sensitive to climate change and high levels of species extinctions are predicted with warming beyond 2°C.”
- Iris C. Bohnet, Petina L. Pert, 2010.
The map to the right illustrates the biodiversity implications of increasingly unchecked climate change scenarios. Species loss is currently inevitable. Mitigation is the goal.
“Population growth and urban expansion have the potential to be a significant threat to the biodiversity of the region.”
- Iris C. Bohnet, Petina L. Pert, 2010.
Urban expansion, particularly the characteristics of the urban environment, has led to biodiversity loss, even in areas of untouched native vegetation. Globaly accepted urban models must change.
Climate change signifi cantly impacts all life on Earth, compelling a global shift in behaviours and practices to mitigate, adapt to, and potentially reverse its effects. The pie chart on the right page illustrates Cairns' annual municipal emissions and their sources. Electricity is the largest contributor, notably residential air conditioning accounts for 9.8% of all emissions. Automotive use also plays a substantial role, contributing 12.3% to the region's emissions (Cairns Municipal Emissions Sanpshot 2022, 2022). The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has set a target of 2.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions per person globally to maintain an 80% chance of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius (Lee, Romero, & Change, 2023). Exceeding this threshold could lead to severe and irreversible effects on global biodiversity as noted on the previous page. Currently, Cairns' per capita CO2 emissions stand at 11 tonnes.
Research by Kent Larson and the CityScope team at MIT has explored various strategies to reduce per capita emissions to the 2.5-tonne goal. Their studies in Kendall Square highlight that 'Live-work Symmetry' and 'Proximity to Amenities' significantly lower the emissions of a region (Larson, 2023). This suggests that urban design plays a crucial role in combating climate change and that strategic city planning can achieve substantial emission reductions.
Commuting Distance
Car Reliance
2.5 tCO2e
Per Carins Resident (Required - 2050)
11 tCO2e
Per Carins Resident (Current - 2024)
Live-Work Symmetry
Proximity to Amenities
Lack of Passive Design
“Urban areas represent 67-72% of global emissions...
How cities and towns are designed, constructed, managed and powered will lock-in behaviour, lifestyles and future urban GHG emissions”
Total Municipal Emissions Per Year:
1,874,000 tCO2e
Cairns is celebrated for its vibrant and spirited community, which comes to life through numerous markets, fairs, and community events. The city's engagement with its residents was particularly evident during the 'Youth and Community Summit,' where the Cairns Council conducted polls with questions like 'What do you love about Cairns?' and 'What are your hopes for Cairns?' The graphical results displayed on the right page differentiate between the community's and youth's preferences, with solid bars representing the community votes and outlined bars showing the youth votes.
The natural environment emerged as the most cherished aspect of life in Cairns, and hence should be at the core of all future planning and design decisions. This strong connection to nature was unanimously appreciated by both demographics. Additionally, the relaxed and friendly community atmosphere was highlighted as a key feature of Cairn's identity. During the summit, the term 'regionality' was frequently mentioned, reflecting how the distinct regional characteristics contribute significantly to the city's spirit.
Cairns is also known for its cultural and creative expressions, initially spurred by tourism. Landmarks like the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park have showcased local cultures, while the influx of tourists has fuelled investments in performing arts centres and other cultural infrastructures (Rigby, 2021). This trend continues with the development of a proposed Arts Precinct, illustrating a sustained commitment to enriching the city’s cultural landscape (Cairns Regional Council, 2022).
“Indigenous culture and creative expression is at the heart of our identity...
With investment in new cultural infrastructure comes a commitment to growing our city’s presence as a hub for artistic and cultural expression.”
- Cairns
Regional
Council (Strategy for Culture and the Arts 2022)
Our
Our
The contextual information is synthesized into growth principles to reflect Cairns' historical aspects, challenges, and strengths as reference points for strategic planning.
All strengths highlighted on pages 1, 2, 9, and 10 are distilled into 'Retention Principles' to preserve the city’s valued characteristics.
(Pages 1 + 2) ‘The Urban Growth of Cairns’ (Pages 9 + 10) What Makes Cairns Loved + Unique? 9 10
Culture + Creative Expression, Patricularly Indigenous
The Natural Environment
The principles outlined in this report align with those in the Council's 'Towards 2050' report, though tailored here to specifically inform design goals.
-Housing that meets our changing needs
-Supporting a thriving economy
-Recognising and respecting cultures and heritage
-Creating great tropical neighbourhoods
-Delivering sustainable infrastructure
-Improving resilience to natural hazards and climate change
-Protecting our natural environment
The issues discussed on pages 1 through 8 are transformed into 'Change Principles' to guide essential improvements and solutions.
‘The Urban Growth of Cairns’ (Pages 1 + 2) Cairns Urbanity (Pages 3 + 4)
Biodiversity Under Threat (Pages 5 + 6) Cairns Climate Change (Pages 7 + 8) 7 8
Climate Responsivity
Connectivity to Amenity
Diverse + Dense Housing
Growth Principals Listed: Climate Responsivity
Connectivity to Amenity
Diverse + Dense Housing
Tertiary Education + New Industry The Natuaral Environment
The Relaxed + Friendly Community Culture + Creative Expression
Section 1 of this report derives growth principals for contextual research and analysis of the uban enviroment of Cairns
Section 3 of this report develops a design methodolgy for a speculative development on the predetermined Worree site.
Section 2 of this report synthesizes research and discussions on optimal urban design practices and applies them specifically to Cairns. It develops a growth strategy framework tailored to the unique dynamics and needs of the region.
The simplest explanation for the urban growth experienced by cities is that it is mono-centric, characterized by a central business district from which growth radiates. Historically, development has formed around governing bodies, and economies have agglomerated (Cheshire, Nathan, & Overman, 2014). Consequently, density typically diminishes proportionally with distance from the center. This pattern can be visualized in the diagram to the right.
Centralization in rapidly growing cities has resulted in several issues which urban planners have been tackling for some time, such as congestion, inequitable access to services, environmental degradation, and social segregation (Gehl, 2012).
Centralization leads to an exponential increase in land values towards the city centre, pushing residential and commercial developments outward. As population increases, centralization and suburban sprawl intensify, and their compounded negative effects have spurred policy changes in Australia favouring densification.
This shift is being realized through 'urban infill projects' that aim to make efficient use of existing urban spaces (Department of Infrastructure and Planning, 2009). These projects are encouraged at all scales, as illustrated in the diagrams below, to create density quickly.
Before Development
Subdivision / Strata Title / Secondary Dwelling
Block Occupancy: 12 People
Description: Highly forested, spaced out detatched dwellings
Block Occupancy: 22 People
Description: Mildly forested, maintains a suburban apearance. Owner development.
Medium / High Density Multi Residential
Block Occupancy: 52 People
Description: No forestation, highly urban apearance. Developer lead.
Polycentric urban growth describes the development of multiple centers of activity within a city rather than a single central area. This growth pattern can occur somewhat naturally as cities expand, but it is also increasingly being used as a planned strategy to promote urban densification and sustainable development. Globally, this approach is recognized for its benefits, including reduced urban sprawl, enhanced accessibility, and diversified local economies.
In Australia, this concept is operationalized through the development of "Activity Centers," These centres cluster civic, commercial, and mid- to high-density residential land uses around public transport hubs, reflecting the principles of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). TOD aims to connect activity centers with high-capacity transit options, as illustrated in the diagram below. Such approaches are evident in highly efficient cities globally, such as Tokyo.
The apparent logic and simplicity of poly-centric organization makes it a widely implemented strategy, the diagram to the right depicts polycentricity being employed in the Mount Peter Master Plan depicted on page two (O'Neil, 2010). That being said, Australia has a particularly bad record of delivering ‘Activity Centre’ developments. As Clive Forster puts it, the vision of metropolitan sustainability through neat multi-nuclei centres is contradicted by the differentiated and dispersed structures of cities as they stand (Gleeson, Dodson, & Spiller M, 2010).
The implementation of the 'Activity Centres' in Australia has faced numerous barriers and constant resistance. Melbourne and Sydney have been planning for densification since the 1980s when the 'District Centre Policy' was enacted, which was later widely judged to have failed. Today, 57% of Sydney residents and 70% of Melbourne residents live in detached houses (Infrastructure Australia, 2018).
-Adressable
-Not Adressable
The 2002 'Melbourne 2030 Plan' designated 114 centres across the city. An expert panel audit five years later found the implementation deficient in key areas, describing the plan as "merely descriptive." Despite criticism of the excessive number of centres rendering the previous policy meaningless, the subsequent 'Plan Melbourne 2017–2050' retains all principal and major centres from the earlier plans (Goodman, 2018).
Australian planning relies on developers to execute contentious, complex and risky city plans that lack focus and intensification leading to disinterest when easier profits are made elsewhere. Planning policies ignore resistance despite it’s potential to provide ‘win-win’ ideas when interrogated. Below, a table lists reasons for resistance, while the adjacent diagram suggests methods to address these issues.
-Losing privacy
-Damage to the environment
-Loss of Community
-Alter the Character of the neighbourhood
-Strain existing infrastructure
-Noiser environment
-Car convenience reduces the value of proximity to amenity.
-Lack of privacy
-No community
-Proximity to amenity isn’t valuable
-Highercost of living
-Noisy environment
-Car convenience reduces the value of proximity to amenity.
-Risk
-Upfront cost
-Complexity
-The State Goverment sets density targets for Local Goverment who are “elected to eforce the anti-development views of their residents”
-The local Goverment deliver Infill development in a ‘palatable’ way - primarily through secondary dwellings, strata title and subdivisions.
Orientation?
Retian site trees
Re-Forest Reduce car acess?
Make proximity more valuable?
Noise issues
Privacy issues
Car convenience reduces the value of proximity to amenity.
Environmental damage
Community space / facilities?
Absence of community
From ‘growth to you’ into ‘growth for you’
Development Risk Upfront development Cost
Alignment with community values + consistent engagment
Phased development?
Cooperative housing?
Tiny homes
Co-housing
High cost of living
Community land trust?
Cross subsidization?
In "Green Space Oriented Development" by Julian Bolleter and Cristina E. Ramalho, GOD is described as an urban planning approach that centers on enhancing and integrating green spaces to foster sustainable and livable cities. The authors argue for its benefits in improving urban ecosystems and community well-being. The diagrams that follow model a potential GOD implementation at Engineers Park in Cairns.
The diagram to the right illustrates the first step of GOD upgrading the Park and rezoning of the surrounding area. By enhancing the park first, market demand is created – GOD is an excellent example of demand-side action. According to the latest IPCC report, such strategies are crucial for overcoming psychological barriers to adopting climate-conscious lifestyles, as they directly stimulate community interest and investment (Lee & Remero, 2023).
The final diagram showcases how dense development around GOD can maintain privacy if developers are incentivized to preserve existing trees on the site. This approach ensures that despite increased density, residents enjoy private, green spaces, aligning urban development with environmental conservation and resident quality of life.
The Strategic Framework for Cairns' growth integrates context-driven principles and growth strategies, applying them uniquely to the city. This tailored application is then reversed to generate six framework strategies.
These framework strategies are not specific solutions; instead, they serve as planning and design tools. They guide the development of new, bespoke solutions that cater specifically to the unique needs and conditions of Cairns.
The diagram below visually represents this strategic process. It illustrates how the derived framework strategies function as a foundational tool in planning, helping to ideate and refine development initiatives tailored for Cairns.
The Natural Environment
Culture + Creative Expression
The Relaxed + Friendly Community
Greenspace Oriented Development
As a method of brining density to the suburbs and as a tool to locate density near transit + activity hubs.
‘Suburban Gardens’
As a method of brining density to the suburbs and as a tool to locate density near transit + activity hubs.
‘Greenspace Led Density’
As a method of brining density to the suburbs and as a tool to locate density near transit + activity hubs.
‘Community Spirited Tropical Urbanism’
So that the people and spirit of Cairns are continually represented by place.
Climate Responsivity
Poly-Centric Growth
To densify the existing urban landscape and to avoid further sprawl
‘Green - Walkable Streets’
To connect density centers by way of efficient non-moterized transport highways that are usable year-round.
a cilitate Multi-Modal Transport’ educe carbon emissions across and to uce congestion.
Diverse + Dense Housing
Connectivity to Amenity
Transit + Amenity Hubs
To provide equitable connectivity and to reduce car reliance
‘Culture + Education + Activity Hubs’
As a method of brining density to the suburbs and as a tool to locate density near transit + activity hubs.
Tertiary Education + New Industry
‘Opportunities for Education + Cultural Expression’
To provide the opportunity for ongoing development and expression in cairns.
‘Equitable Amenity + Tranport’
To reduce carbon emissions, and congestion, as well as promoting social inclusivity.
‘Adressing Climate Change’
To contribute to global healing and take responsibility for our past actions.
Section 1 of this report derives growth principals for contextual research and analysis of the uban enviroment of Cairns
Section 2 of this report synthesizes research and discussions on optimal urban design practices and applies them specifically to Cairns. It develops a growth strategy framework tailored to the unique dynamics and needs of the region.
Section 3 of this report develops a design methodolgy for a speculative development on the predetermined Worree site.
The map below details land use zoning from the CBD to the Worree Site, capturing the spread of different zoning types across Cairns.
Notably, the site marks the furthest extent of tourist accommodation zoning due to the adjacent to the Cairns Golf Course across from the site.
Additionally, the Worree Site represents the outer limit of industrial zoning related to the Port of Cairns.
15minwalk
Schools
Community Facilities
Shopping Center
Potential GOD Parks
Tourist Resorts / Hotels
Industrial
Major Highway
Highway
Trainline
The site is strategically located near Woree State Primary School, High School, and St. Mary's Catholic College, as well as community sports facilities, enriching its educational and recreational appeal.
It is also close to a district shopping center and the first train yard before the city, offering convenient access to commerce and the potential for public transportation.
Additionally, the site is near a retirement village and several tourist resorts, supporting a diverse range of needs and enhancing its community integration.
State Habitat (Biodiversity Recovery Area)
Schools
Community Facilities
Shopping Center
Potential GOD Parks
Tourist Resorts / Hotels
Industrial
Major Highway
Highway
Trainline
Destination + Acess Direction
Potential Destination
Golf CourseCairns' tropical climate leads to rapid increases in heat and humidity, necessitating deep shading treatments to maintain comfort throughout the day.
Prevailing wind patterns are notably directional, originating from the south year-round and shifting south-easterly towards the end of the day,,
The Worree site presents multiple development opportunities, with the diagram below detailing proximity, relevant stakeholders, and the relationships between these locations.
Steakholders: Existing Community Wider Community
Steakholders: Existing Community Wider Community School Kids
Steakholders: Existing Community Wider Community School Kids
Steakholders: Existing Community Wider Community School Kids
Steakholders: Tourists
Adjacent to Highway
Steakholders: Existing Community Wider Community
Adjacent to Groceries + Resteraunts
Steakholders:
Existing Community
Wider Community
Tourists
Retirees
Across From Golf Course
Steakholders:
Existing Community Wider Community
Steakholders: Existing Community Wider Community Traditional Landowners
Steakholders: Existing Community
Wider Community
Retirees
Tourists
Steakholders: Existing Community Retirees
The diagram exercise below explores program options and conceptual directions by leveraging site opportunities in alignment with the growth strategy defined in Section 2 of this report.
As the conceptual direction develops, integrating nature is identified as beneficial, enhancing both livability and educational aspects of the site.
Community Parks
Golf Course
‘GOD’ Parks
Retirment Village
Biodiversity Recovery Area
Schools
Tourist Resports
Groceries + Resteraunts
Train Yard Highway
‘Density Along Side Greenspace’
As a method of brining density to the suburbs and as a tool to locate density near transit + activity hubs.
‘Community Spirited Tropical Urbanism’
As a method of brining density to the suburbs and as a tool to locate density near transit + activity hubs.
‘Opportunities for Education + Cultural Expression’
As a method of brining density to the suburbs and as a tool to locate density near transit + activity hubs.
‘Facilitate Multi-Modal Transport’
As a method of brining density to the suburbs and as a tool to locate density near transit + activity hubs.
‘Equitable Amenity + Tranport’
As a method of brining density to the suburbs and as a tool to locate density near transit + activity hubs.
‘Adressing Climate Change’
As a method of brining density to the suburbs and as a tool to locate density near transit + activity hubs.
New Urban Residential Typologies
Introduction of the ‘GOD’ Urban Planning Model
-Residential -Amenity -Transport -Community
Community Spirited Activity + Transport Centre
Biodiversity Reserch Facility
-A ‘self’ experience of nature at the core of everything -Education -Expression -Entertainment
Culture + Education Facilities
The health benefits of nature have been recognized historically, with "prescriptions of nature" being a common therapeutic recommendation in various cultures. Modern research supports this long-standing belief, extensively documenting nature's positive effects on psychological and physical health. Kaplan (1995) articulates this through his theory of nature's restorative effects, emphasizing that green spaces help recover from mental fatigue and reduce stress (Kaplan, 1995).
"integrating natural elements in urban design not only improves aesthetic appeal but significantly enhances liveability by providing necessary buffers and privacy in dense settings." Strategic planting of trees and gardens can significantly reduce urban noise and visually shield residents, reducing the perceived negative effects of urban density (Kellert, Heerwagen, & Mador, 2008). This is one of the strengths to a ‘GOD’ urban model. t
Physical Benifits
◦ lowers blood pressure
◦ reduces muscle tension
◦ boosts immune system
reduces fear
reduces anger
increases productivity
increase focus
improves overall mood
Urban green spaces are pivotal for biodiversity, serving as refuges for various species and reducing the ecological footprint of cities. A study by Goddard et al. (2010) found that urban parks and gardens could support up to 30% of the city’s plant species and provide critical habitats for pollinators (Goddard, Dougill, & Benton, 2010). These areas facilitate biodiversity conservation within urban settings and help bridge habitats fragmented from urban expansionlike those in and around Cairnspromoting species migration and genetic exchange.
As previously mentioned, Cairns’ identity is deeply intertwined with its natural environment. Urban design that integrates nature not only preserves this connection but actively enriches it, making the city more attractive to residents and visitors alike. “The integration of substantial green spaces within urban Cairns hasthe potential to become a defining feature that distinguishes it from other cities" (Council C. R., Biodiversity Strategy 2022, 2022)
Pre-Cultivated Trees:
The trees were pre-cultivated by botanists in a nursery to aclimatize them to the conditions experienced on the balconies.
Cantilevered Balconies:
Reminicent of tree like growth, the balconies contain deep planters to house samll tree species
le, architect is a pair of residential n extensive s . to integrate to urban ssesenvironmentaland
Bosco Verticale, conceived by architect Stefano Boeri, is a pair of residential towers in Milan featuring extensive vertical forests. Designed to integrate biodiversity into urban settings, the project addresses environmental and ecological challenges in metropolitan areas.
Species Variety: Layered andscaping to provide screeningin different areas
Advanced Irregation System: Each plant basin requires extensive irregation
Bosco Verticale serves as a pioneering model in integrating substantial greenery within urban residential architecture, thereby enhancing livability. This approach is directly relevant to this report’s focus on improving urban environments by bringing nature closer to home. It demonstrates how integrating vertical forests can transform living spaces, reduce ecological footprints, and significantly elevate the quality of urban life by fostering closer connections with nature.
Bosco serves as a in greenery urban residential architecture, This to report’s environments nature closer to home. It demonstrates how vertical forests can significantlyelevatethequalityofurbanlifebyfosteringcloserconnectionswith
In Cairns, only 16% of the population engages in tertiary education, compared to 26% nationally. Integrating entertaining and interactive educational opportunities in natural settings could encourage further learning opportunities. Research suggests that engaging, nature-based education not only enhances learning outcomes but also increases students' interest in pursuing further education. This approach could help close the educational gap in Cairns by making learning more appealing and accessible. (Sobel, 2014)
Franco, in her thesis "Green is the New Gold," underscores the importance of nature experience, environmental education, and nature relatedness in fostering conservation behaviour. The diagram below illustrates these connections, with green dots representing the strength between these factors and conservation outcomes. Notably, the emotional connection to nature (NR self) is most indicative of conservation behaviour. Incorporating Australian Indigenous principles, which resonate with NR self, into educational programs could enhance nature relatedness and conservation efforts (Franco, 2018).
Biomimicry represents a profound way in which nature inspires innovative solutions by mimicking biological processes and systems. As detailed in "Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life," this approach leverages nature’s designs to solve human problems, fostering sustainable and efficient innovations. By studying and applying nature’s strategies, designers and engineers can create solutions that are well-adapted to life on earth. For instance, the wind turbine blade shown in the photo on the right is designed to mimic the ridges on the pectoral fins of humpback whales, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency.
As emphasized throughout this report, Cairns's identity is deeply connected to its natural environment. This relationship is cherished by the community and shapes many aspects of life in the city.
floral displays.
Cloud Forest: mist-filled conservatory,
Gardens by the Bay in Singapore is a futuristic nature park created to transform Singapore into a "City in a Garden." It spans 101 hectares on reclaimed land and features iconic Supertrees and diverse plant ecosystems, promoting green living and sustainability since its opening in 2012.
Gardens by the Bay serves as an edutainment space to educate the public on environmental sustainability and the importance of biodiversity, combining leisure with learning. The Singapore government invested in this project to enhance the city's greenery, contributing to its vision of being a "City in a Garden." This initiative provides societal benefits by improving the quality of life for residents, attracting tourists, and fostering a deeper appreciation and awareness of nature, which can encourage environmental stewardship among the community.
This design position statement articulates the narrative of Cairns as delineated by the contextual principles, emphasizing the need for strategic development based on the outlined framework. This project would be monumental and would not only represents a significant opportunity for Cairns but also for Australia to set a benchmark in urban development and planning. It proposes a model for integrating nature within living and learning environments. The strategic framework and site opportunities encourage a project that not only shifts consumer demand towards sustainability but also fosters environmental awareness among residents, students, and tourists. This initiative aims to exemplify best practices in sustainable development, positioning Cairns as a leader in eco-conscious urban transformation.
The diagram below illustrates the 'cross circulation' on the site (marked in red) and highlights adjacent destinations (shown in green), depicting movement patterns and connectivity.
Sports + Community
Primary School
High School
Circulation Axis
Train Station
Biodiversity Area
Circulation
Axis
Circulation
Destination
Program bubbles have been strategically overlayed around the circulation paths, positioned in close proximity to the destinations they associate with, to optimize access and functionality.
The bubbles don’t yet represent form of scale, they are instead used to depict relationships.
Train Station
Biodiversity Area
Circulation
Destination
Program
The site's program distribution reveals a 'live, learn, and nature' relationship, with nature metaphorically uniting living and learning, driving this project's concept.
Circulation
Destination
Program
Architectural ideation expanded on earlier concepts, initiating the resolution phase depicted in the drawings and diagrams below.
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