The Patchwork Infrastructure

PATCHWORK | INFRASTRUCTURE: re-imagining our (sub)urban condition

honours by des i gn octob er 20 13 univ ersity of western a u stra lia 2 05 2 8 4 8 3

CONTENTS 1. THE BRIEF 5 2. SITE ANALYSIS 23 3. TESTING 51 4. THE PATCHWORK INFRASTRUCTURE 69 5. THE PATCHWORK CODE 101

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1. THE BRIEF

INTRODUCTION In today’s urban context we are faced with significant global challenges relating to population growth and growing pressures on our environment. To address these challenges, our cities will increasingly be submitted to programs of urban reform 1 .

The major challenge our cities must overcome in this century is attempting to keep suburban sprawl in check while ensuring that strategies are put in place for urban infill in our greyfield suburbs. This especially applies to Perth, an already sprawling city with abundant greyfield suburbs. One such suburb, White Gum Valley, is the focus of this honours project.

Landscape architects play an important role in presenting to the community how new forms of development and increased density can make a better city, not just a more crowded city 2. We have an opportunity to develop a design strategy for Perth’s suburban landscape. Only if it’s components are creatively adapted to 21st Century challenges will it be able to remain a viable form of urbanism 3.

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SHANE MURRAY, “INFILL PROJECTS,” IN MADE IN AUSTRALIA, ED. BY RICHARD WELLER AND JULIAN BOLLETER (PERTH: UWA PUBLISHING, 2013), 291.

RICHARD WELLER AND JULIAN BOLLETER, “GROWING PAINS: THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY URBANIZATION OF AUSTRALIA,”LANDSCAPE AUSTRALIA 128 (2013):13.

WELLER & BOLLETAR, “GROWING PAINS,” 14.

STUDY AREA: WHITE GUM VALLEY

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Greyfield areas are usually found in ‘the middle ring’, between 5km and 25km from the city centre. They are relatively well serviced by existing transport, amenity and employment. As they are “aging, occupied residential tracts of suburbs that are physically, technologically and environmentally obsolescent and which represent economically outdated, failing or under-capitalised real estate assets”, they provide significant opportunity for development 1 .

White Gum Valley is an example of a typical greyfield suburb that has suffered from “the unattractive and unsustainable pattern of piecemeal infill redevelopment characteristic of the past two decades in Australian cities… (that) has failed to deliver new housing, environmental and lifestyle opportunities available in larger scale developments.” 2

1 Peter W. Newton, “Beyond Greenfield and Brownfield: The Challenge of Regenerating Australia’s Greyfield Suburbs,” Built Environment, Vol. 36, No. 1, 82.

2 ibid.

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5k

25k m

m PERTH

FREMANTLE WHITE GUM VALLEY

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THE SUBURBAN CONDITION The residential suburbs in the City of Fremantle, like White gum Valley, represent much of the suburban development that Perth residents are attracted to, or at least are accustomed to. A certain quality of life is attributed to a sense of spaciousness with large turfed verges, wide residential streets, a house and garden. This landscape, which will inevitably change under pressure of urban population growth and climate change effects, begs the creative design of a landscape infrastructure and density strategy. The research findings based on these suburbs should then be generalisable, within reason, to the greyfield suburbs of Australia’s other capital cities.

The City of Fremantle sees a need to increase the local population to ensure and enhance the role of Fremantle as a strategic metropolitan centre as set out in the Directions 2031 planning document 1. High levels of infill development are occurring in Fremantle’s residential suburbs; however, it is not completely regulated and offers only piecemeal solutions. As this density has increased, there has been no upgrade of streetscapes to compensate for the loss of private outdoor space and ecosystem services provided by the gradually disappearing backyards 2.

The council shows some concern for sustainable planning as outlined in their ‘Green Plan’ 3and ‘ Climate change adaptation plan’ , 4 however there is significant opportunity for an integrated approach in planning for the sustainable future of the suburban milieu in Fremantle.

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Department of Planning, Directions 2031 and Beyond: Metropolitan Planning Beyond the Horizon.(Perth: Western Australian Planning Commission, 2010.)

Tony Hall, “The Death of the Backyard,” In The Life and Death of the Australian Backyard, 41-72. (Collingwood: CSIRO Publishing, 2010.)

City of Fremantle, Green plan (Fremantle, 2001) City of Fremantle, Climate change adaptation plan. (Fremantle, 2011)

2008

2013

Death by battle-axe: the gradual increase in density via piecemeal and unregulated process

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THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK LANDSCAPE INFRASTRUCTURE: “Infrastructure, as we know it, no longer belongs in the exclusive realm of engineers and transportation planners. In the context of our rapidly changing cities and towns, infrastructure is experiencing a paradigm shift where multiple-use programming and the integration of latent ecologies is a primary consideration.

Landscape infrastructure allows us to reposition infrastructure as a viable medium for addressing issues of ecology, transit, urbanism, performance and habitat.” 1

Ying-Yu Hung, “Landscape Infrasturcture: systems of contingency, flexibility, and adaptability,” in Landscape Infrastructure: Case studies by SWA, ed. by Ying-Yu Hung et al (Basel: Birkhauser, 2011)

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LANDSCAPE AS INFRASTRUCTURE The theoretical framework that this design by research project works within is landscape infrastructure. This is a subcategory of landscape urbanism, an approach that emphasises the landscape of the city over more traditional methods of organisation.

This approach to urban design, from a landscape perspective, allows the city to be seen through a lens where the suburban condition can be understood in terms of its context, infrastructure and the “spaces in between.� There is then the opportunity to test how this approach might allow us to completely re-imagine the existing suburban condition in the context of White Gum Valley. This includes re-imagining how greyfield suburbs can creatively adapt for an increasing population.

The hypothesis of this project is that, through a strategic approach to design, a framework can be created for the future development of our greyfield suburbs that is predominantly influenced by an extensive understanding of the landscape.

Using landscape infrastructure as a model to realistically and meaningfully engage with the complexities of a site, this framework should support an enhanced public landscape system that forms the necessary connective tissue of a growing community.

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house road verge park house utilities sump footpath driveway school carpark boundary

How can we improve the current suburban condition by re-imagining, re-defining, and re-configuring the components that make up the suburban fabric?

front yard backyard public private

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Traditional suburban infrastructure is generally conceived as centralised, monofunctional systems, engineered to maximise efficiency at a given time to fulfil a single purpose, but failing to provide a consistent level of efficiency through their lifespan 1.

The streetscape condition in our suburbs is dictated by infrastructural requirements, where services are laid horizontally beneath the verge area. Street verges, while often being overlooked as a public resource, in fact contain a significant amount of cumulative public open space. In this way, they have the potential to provide far greater amenity and ecosystem services than they do in their current underperforming state.. 2 Landscape infrastructure provides a framework for how these spaces can be re-designed to provide maximum social, ecological and economic benefits.

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1 Ying-Yu Hung, “Landscape Infrasturcture: systems of contingency, flexibility, and adaptability,” in Landscape Infrastructure: Case studies by SWA, ed. by Ying-Yu Hung et al (Basel: Birkhauser, 2011), 16.

2 Julian Bolleter, “Synergistic density: Exploring the potential of correlating infill development with upgraded open space in greyfield suburbs,” (Paper presented at the 6th Making Cities Liveable Conference, Melbourne, June 17-19, 2013,) 4. photo courtesy of google maps

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RESEARCH OBJECTIVE Test and develop a landscape infrastructure strategy or framework for the development of White Gum Valley that provides solutions to the current suburban condition and the future challenges it will face.

The framework should: • be speculative • challenge outmoded preconceptions of infrastructure; • support a multi-functional landscape infrastructure system; • be flexible and adaptive to future growth; • be legible and clear so as to be understood and supported by the community; • provide equal access to a diverse range of new suburban landscape experiences; • provide guidelines for future density development and suggest appropriate typologies for density infill; ˚ • provide guidelines for the incorporation of areas with ecological priority that provide ˚ a range of ecosystem services; • support community and social functions; ˚ • consider ways the following goals might be met:

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RECREATION AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

SENSE OF PLACE

DIVERSE (SUB)URBAN EXPEREINCES

SAFE AND CHILD FRIENDLY

LEGIBILITY

CLEAN SOIL

STORM WATER MANAGEMENT

ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS

TECHNICAL VALUE

ECONOMIC VALUE

STEWARDSHIP

CLEAN AIR

WALKABILITY AND HEALTHY

BIODIVERSITY

MICROCLIMATE

ENERGY GENERATION

ADAPTIVE LANDSCAPE

DENSITY DRIVER

KNOWLEDGE VALUE

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

C˚

•

WATER: EVAPORATION

$

WATER: TEMPORARY STORAGE

WATER: CLEANING

$ $ +

WATER: SOIL INFILTRATION

WATER: CONVEYANCE

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METHODOLOGY A MULTI-SCALE APPROACH A multi-scaled approach involves the assessment and planning of spatial configuration patterns at multiple scales, and an understanding of how these patterns and processes interact. The scales that should be investigated are the city metropolitan scale, the neighbourhood precinct and the street scale. This is an opportunity to test solutions at a range of scales and work between them to refine those solutions. It will not be a linear design process but a cyclical and interactive one.

Research phase 1 The predominate scale this project will focus on is the precinct scale of White Gum Valley. It was originally hoped the proposal would be able to incorporate a resolved solution at both precinct scale and street scale; however, the speculative nature of the design, combined with the limited period of time allowed to complete the research, meant it became necessary to focus only on the strategy and to provide a code for the development of the scheme. What this project then provides is a complex and thorough investigation into a landscape focused approach to zoning and planning for White Gum Valley. The result is a process that may have otherwise been given a minimal amount of thought is instead the outcome of an intense 3 month period of site analysis, research and testing.

Research phase 2 It is intended that the next stage of testing for further research beyond this honours period, is the resolved design at street scale. This would mean the framework can be further tested and refined through its application to the streets with particular attention to materials, form, planting, paving, furniture and design details.

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DESIGN PROCESS Process 1. Site analysis • extensive mapping and analysis of White Gum Valley to uncover opportunities for design Process 2. Questioning and experimenting • experiments with density zoning • experiments with ecological zoning • experiments with reconfiguring the landscape components for maximum social and ecological benefit • experiments with housing and landuse typologies Process 3. Strategising • devising a speculative landscape infrastructure strategy and code for White Gum Valley

DESIGN PROCESS

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BRIEF DEVELOPMENT SITE ANALYSIS MAPPING AND QUESTIONING QUESTIONING, EXPERIMENTING AND TESTING VARIOUS SCENARIOS STRATEGISING DEVISE A HYBRID LANDSCAPE INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY TESTING | REFINING | REFLECTING PRESENTATION DIAGRAMS DRAWINGS WRITTEN CODE COMMUNICATION

WEEK 7 JURY

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OUTCOMES DELIVERABLES FOR THE FRAMEWORK • • • • • •

Documentation of extensive spatial mapping and site analysis that informs the scheme Presentation of a scheme for the future development of the suburb Clear and legible illustrations of the scheme as a spatial concept Typical cross sections to communicate the important elements within the scheme.

A written code to be integrated into local policy which should guide the future development of the scheme Suggestion of how the scheme will be implemented over time

EXPECTED OUTCOMES It should be noted that a project of this nature would usually call on a range of cross-disciplinary knowledge that would alter and inform the project throughout the design process. The design problems in a project of this scale are incredibly complex, and as a solo designer it is simply not possible to solve everything. As a landscape architecture student undertaking this proposal, it is necessary to make assumptions and speculate on various parts of the design that fall outside my expertise. What can be offered, however, is an approach to the design question where my skills are used to decide what is and isn’t valuable in the landscape. As long as this forms the basis of the design, it can be assumed that other factors would be manipulated to compliment and support these requirements as best as possible.

It is expected (and encouraged) that the outcomes of this speculative strategy may challenge outmoded preconceptions where functions, form and behaviour of our suburbs might be completely reinterpreted . With this in mind, it is also presumed that while the design strategy may provide a plan for enhanced quality of life as a holistic objective, the ideas may not always be palatable to everyone right away.

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The issue of car dependence in Perth will always be a challenge when reconfiguring the suburban landscape; however, this need not always be the case. As this design will show, if we simply reconsider the attitudes and values towards private transport and car dominated infrastructure, we can begin to see a whole range of added benefits to our streetscapes that would otherwise not be possible. It is about accepting trade-offs for an overall improved quality of life.

For a speculative strategy to be realised, it will be highly dependent on significant cultural and behavioural shifts from everyone in society. While this may not always be entirely probable, this kind of research allows us to challenge our preconceived notions of the way we live and, through speculative design, add to the greater discourse for problem solving in this suburban dilemma.

This design acknowledges that public restraint is a significant obstacle in the success of these types of planning strategies. However, it exists in the hope that with a clear, legible strategy mixed with effective policy change at local government level the community would ultimately take a risk and believe in the benefits of the strategy. Property prices would increase, diversity of the suburb would increase, the suburb would become walkable, friendly and attractive. So much so, that other neighbourhoods may then begin requesting such interventions once they see it as a success.

By altering some components of our suburban infrastructure, we can provide increased benefits to the individual, the community and the city as a whole, while also contributing to solutions for global urban problems. No one solution will be able to address the complexity of issues facing the suburban landscape, however a diverse variety of research solutions will allow us to better understand the problem and provide a range of potential outcomes. In this way, this strategy for White Gum Valley could be a prototype project for demonstrating the potential for what can be achieved in Australia’s greyfield suburbs

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2. SITE ANALYSIS

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White Gum Valley 1901 looking South towards Hope st- image courtesy of the Fremantle local history library

THE FIRST STEP IN DESIGN IS RECOGNITION, THE ABILITY TO SEE WHAT IS THERE. IT IS ONLY THEN CAN WE ASK WHETHER A GIVEN STRUCTURE IS APPROPRIATE TO ITS SETTING, OR WHETHER A PROPOSED LAND USE IS APPROPRIATE IN A GIVEN ENVIRONMENT

George Seddon, Pg XV A Sense of Place

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ER N RIV SWA LE

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SWA

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SWA

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SAND DERIVED FROM TAMALA LIMESTONE (QTS)

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SAND DERIVED FROM TAMALA LIMESTONE (QTS)

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SWA N RIV ER UR

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M RE

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SWA N RIV

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TUART WOODLAND ON COTTESLOE AELIAN SOILS 27

topography 1:10000

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blocks 1:10000

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aerial 1:10000

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aerial 1948 1:10000

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figure ground 1:10000

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roads 1:10000

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10%

of surfaces in White Gum Valley are made up of driveways 34

driveways 1:10000

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surface permeability 1:10000 PERMEABLE IMPERMEABLE

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commercial 1:10000

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verges 1:10000

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public open space 1:10000

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existing mature street trees 1:10000

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existing mature backyard trees 1:10000

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drainage 1:10000

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watershed sub-catchments 1:10000

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sumps 1:10000

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18%

+

21%

+

public verges public verges

buildings

buildings

3%

+

open space publicpublic open space +sumps+schools

12%

+

roadsroads

37%

open space privateprivate open space

10%

driveways driveways

Permea

public open space 21%

private open space 37%

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verg scho park sum

PERMEABLE SURFACES 57%

IMPERMEABLE SURFACES 43%

VERGES 18% PUBLIC OPEN SPACE 21%

SCHOOL < 1% PARK <1% SUMP <1%

ROAD 12% BUILDING 21% DRIVEWAY 10%

PRIVATE OPEN SPACE 37%

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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FRONT YARD

DRIVEWAY

FRONT YARD

DRIVEWAY

DRIVEWAY

ONT YARD

RY PROPERTY BOUNDARY PROPERTY BOUNDARY PROPERTY BOUNDARY PROPERTY BOUNDARY PROPERTY BOUNDARY PROPERTY BOUNDARY PROPERTY BOUNDARY PROPERTY BOUNDARY

OTPATH FOOTPATH FOOTPATH FOOTPATH FOOTPATH FOOTPATH FOOTPATH

ERGE

ERVICES

VERGE TREE

SERVICES

VERGE TREE

VERGE

SERVICES

TREE

RB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB

ROAD ROAD ROAD ROAD ROAD ROAD ROAD ROAD ROAD ROAD

27+ metre road reserves

KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB KERB

OTPATH FOOTPATH FOOTPATH FOOTPATH FOOTPATH FOOTPATH FOOTPATH TREE TREE TREE

VERGE VERGE

SERVICES

VERGE

DRIVEWAY

SERVICES

DRIVEWAY DRIVEWAY

DRIVEWAY DRIVEWAY

ERVICES

VERGE

ROPERTY BOUNDARY PROPERTY BOUNDARY PROPERTY BOUNDARY PROPERTY BOUNDARY PROPERTY BOUNDARY PROPERTY BOUNDARY PROPERTY

RONT YARD

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FRONT YARD

FRONT YARD

VERGES 86% PARKS 3% SCHOOLS 7%

PUBLIC OPEN SPACE

DRAINAGE RESERVES 4%

86%

of the public open space is made up by verges 49

STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES AND OPPORTUNITIES STRENGTHS 1. proximity to golf course 98 hectares of land as incentive for increased density • linear and legible grid systems for access.

• existing diverse character - in variety of individual housing and garden choices • Close proximity to Fremantle city centre by bike • Strong character of place of suburban landscape • large street reserves that are under used and largely single use.

2. existing community facilities (ie Sullivan hall used as Men’s shed) on old Kim Beazley School site • existing mature trees in backyards and on street verges WEAKNESSES • Vehicular dominated site with 10% of whole site take up by single use driveways.

• Battle-axe properties decreasing valuable backyards and increasing driveway infrastructure 3. Limited neighbourhood park space • Lack of access to daily food requirements - ie walkable ped shed to get local groceries • Lack of affordable housing • Extensive turfed area- low functioning landscape, low biological value, resource demanding, OPPORTUNITIES • 27 metre+ road reserves can be converted to multifunctional public open space • Median strips on the three parallel streets can be reconfigured to form larger linear pedestrian strips • Reduce or repurpose driveways - 10% of site • 87% of under utilised public open space bade up by verges can be re purposed as high quality public open space • Opportunity for ecological minded infill development on old Kim Beazley school site 4. Sumps - can be retrofitted to become part of the landscape infrastructure system as a usable public open space 5. Connection of green spaces through the valley 6. Existing commercial development on Watkins st can be built upon to form a cluster of small business opportunities 50

Under utilised verges 1

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Under utilised sumps

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3. TESTING

Can we provide a framework for the development of the landscape where there exists a synergy between landscape infrastructure and density? How do we rethink zoning as an urban and ecological framework?

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EXPERIMENTING WITH A NEW APPROACH TO ZONING Australian Bureau of Statistics outline possible population projections for 2056 and Series A - the most extreme case, predicts that Perth may increase by as much as 175% of existing population.

R8

R9

R9

R12

R10

R10

To apply this to White Gum Valley Currently 1158 dwellings = need 4298+ dwellings Where the average is 2.3 people per dwelling in White Gum Valley

Current density R80 R40 R40

HOW MIGHT WE CREATIVELY FIT THESE ADDITIONAL DWELLINGS INTO THE EXISTING SUBURBAN LANDSCAPE?

R30

Build density only adjacent to large areas of POS ie golf course?

R70

R10

R10

R10 R40 R40 R30

R40

R30

Designated water sub catchments with varying densities?

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What can our public open space become if we place less priority on roads and vehicle infrastructure and greater priority on green and blue infrastructure?

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EXPERIMENTING WITH DECREASING IMPERMEABLE SURFACES If the pattern of infill development continues in the same pattern or in other unregulated patterns, the percentage of impervious surfaces of the suburb will increase. If we consider reducing the infrastructure dedicated to parking and vehicles, we could repurpose these spaces to multifunctional areas with pervious surfaces that can locally infiltrate storm water and support sustainable water cycle management .

IMPERMEABLE SURFACES 43% PERMEABLE SURFACES 57%

existing condition IMPERMEABLE SURFACES 51% PERMEABLE SURFACES 49%

Impervious surfaces if the pattern of infill development with battle-axe properties continues

IMPERMEABLE SURFACES 30% PERMEABLE SURFACES 70%

What would happen if we removed driveways + decreased road impermeability by 25%?

Could this be a better landscape foundation to continue density infill development that provides security of ecosystem services within our road reserves?

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WHAT IF THE PATTERN OF INFILL DENSITY BY BATTLE-AXE CONTINUES ?

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WHAT IF WE UP-SCALED ALL THE EXISTING DWELLINGS?

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WHAT IF WE CONVERTED ALL THE DRIVEWAYS TO SMALL SECONDARY DWELLINGS OR HOME BUSINESSES?

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WHAT IF WE CONVERTED ALL THE DRIVEWAYS TO GREENWAYS?

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WHAT IF WE CAREFULLY CONSIDER EXISTING LANDSCAPE FLOWS AND SYSTEMS TO ZONE FOR THE FUTURE?

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WHAT IF WE BUILT UP A NEW MAIN DRAG FOR WHITE GUM VALLEY?

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4. THE PATCHWORK INFRASTRUCTURE

The City of Fremantle is planning a 35% increase in dwellings by 2031. This will mean 4500 additional dwellings.

If you consider that White Gum Valley will take on a portion of this density increase, it can be interpreted as an extra 405 dwellings by 2031. If the current infill pattern for density continued via battle axe properties, the suburb could look something like this. It fits.

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BUT AT WHAT COST? The social and environmental benefits provided by the Australian backyard makes them significant assets in this landscape.

These yards play environmental roles such as functioning as biodiversity corridors, providing carbon sequestration and mitigating stormwater. Backyards also play a social role by providing space for work, food production and passive and active recreation.

Is there a solution for density where we can begin to increase density in specific areas, but maintain some areas where the backyards can be maintained? This raises further questions: in areas where it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t viable to maintain backyards, how can we begin to re-imagine the way the streetscapes might actually replace and become the 21st century version of the backyard?

Can we provide a framework for the development of the landscape where there is a synergy between the landscape infrastructure and density i.e. rethinking zoning as an urban social and ecological framework?

DECREASING IMPERMEABLE SURFACES If the pattern of infill development continues in the same pattern or in other unregulated patterns, the percentage of impermeable surfaces of the suburb will increase. If we consider reducing the infrastructure dedicated to parking and vehicles, we could repurpose these spaces to multifunctional areas with permeable surfaces that can locally infiltrate stormwater and support sustainable water cycle management. .

Could this be a better landscape foundation to continue density infill development that provides security of ecosystem services within our road reserves?

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THE PATCHWORK INFRASTRUCTURE To begin to address issues of population density in Perth, a new social and ecological framework must be designed to drive design decisions and to ensure a multi-functioning ecological landscape for the future. While we are beginning to see new initiatives in ecological and sustainable design in architecture and disconnected landscapes, there is a need for a larger intervention. We need an urban ecological framework for our cities that recommends specific density zoning with patterns for equal access to ecological areas where ecosystem services and sustainable stormwater management become a high priority.

By focusing on the network of public open space through the streets that provide a variety of functions for the community and the environment, The Patchwork Infrastructure delivers such a framework for the suburb of White Gum Valley. This framework suggests strategies for development in areas where there is a synergistic relationship between density zoning and the landscape infrastructure. Rather than develop a traditional urban planning zoning plan, where plans have remained rooted in limitations and restrictions, the Patchwork Infrastructure Code provides guidelines for enhanced performance.

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New POS Bluegreen corridor

The Main Drag

Community gardens

Bluegreen corridor natureplay sump park biodiversity sump park

STREET TYPOLOGIES AND PARKING CONSOLIDATION

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PARAMETRIC RELATIONSHIPS Planners of our cities need to consider and employ a mixed range of landscape types to provide a complete suite of functions as part of a sustainable landscape. There is a parametric relationship between the functions of a city â&#x20AC;&#x201C; every aspect cannot be equal. It is important to accept reduced values on one category if valued functions are provided in other areas.

The Patchwork Infrastructure provides a framework for prioritising goals in the landscape. By ensuring that each street typology has a different set of rules for development, particularly in terms of the land-use typologies appropriate for the patches, the code acts as a framework for what The Patchwork Infrastructure can become in the future.

This diagram indicates that for each street typology there are specific guidelines for the percentage of land-use types dedicated towards either ecosystem services or social functions. Because these patches are community generated areas of land and every street will have slightly different requirements, the form and size of these patches will vary. The patchwork code allows for this flexible development, providing that the equal sum of the varying patch functions meets the percentage requirements as a whole for that area. These percentage ratio goals also provide a way that we can ensure the landscape meets objectives to keep the ratio of impermeable to permeable surface types in balance.

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HIGH FUNCTIONS OF THE LANDSPAPE

SOCIAL VALUE

ECOLOGICAL VALUE

“ IT IS IMPORTANT TO ACCEPT REDUCED VALUES ON ONE CATEGORY IF VALUED FUNCTIONS ARE PROVIDED IN OTHER AREAS.”

LOW

1 ENGINEERED, LINEAR, HARD, SEALED

LANDSCAPE TYPES

OPEN, MEANDERING, DIVERSE

A conutinuum of hydrological types and associated social and ecological functions Figure adapted from J Ahern.

1 Ahern, Jack. “Green Infrastructure for Cities: the Spatial Dimension.” In Cities of the Future: Towards Integrated Sustainable Water and Landscape Management, edited by Vladimir Notovny and Paul Brown, 267-283.

London: IWA, Publishers, 2007, 272.

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THE VALLEY + THE THREADS + THE PATCHES The new zoning framework for White Gum Valley is based around the need to provide some areas of the suburb with higher ecological functions than others. As a general rule, the areas where the ecological functions are a priority are areas where density is not encouraged. The remaining areas will then become the primary zones for density infill and new developments to meet future population demands.

The lowest point of White Gum Valley, a significant depression running southwest to northeast, has been designated The Valley. Land use in this area is predominantly made up of landscape based drainage infrastructure components that manage any excess water and infiltrate it within the road reserve (see Section 3.2.2). All water is directed to the Valley via the Main Drag (see Section 2.3) and the Bluegreen Corridors (see Section 2.4). This serves to reduce the current required capacity and thus dependence on the existing sumps, so these sumps can be repurposed for more usable public open spaces for the community. the Valley can provide a green link to existing public open space and become a landscape where sustainable urban drainage practices are a priority for stormwater attenuation and mitigating climate change effects.

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THE AREAS OF INTERVENTION: RETHINKING ZONING AS AN URBAN SOCIAL AND ECOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK

Stage 1 of the Patchwork Infrastructure intervention will be implemented on two newly defined street typologies, The Bluegreen Corridors and the Main Drag are and catalyst for further growth.

Bluegreen corridor The main drag

The Valley Bluegreen corridor

As these street typologies pass through The Valley which gives White Gum Valley its identity, their character transforms.

THE PATCHWORK INFRASTRUCTURE:

A framework of INVARIABLE and VARIABLE components

INVARIABLE: THE SOCIAL THREAD and THE ECOLOGICAL THREAD VARIABLE: THE SOCIAL PATCHES and THE ECOLOGICAL PATCHES

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INVARIABLE INFRASTRUCTURE The invariable infrastructure consists of infrastructure that is constant throughout the scheme. It is the foundation of the framework and is made up of two types of threads - a social thread and an ecological thread. These two threads intersect to form the initial built infrastructure network through the streets of the suburb.

THE SOCIAL THREAD:

The social thread consists of the footpaths, pedestrian crossings, lighting, and all other infrastructure required to make the suburb connected, safe and walkable.

THE ECOLOGICAL THREAD: The ecological thread is made up of a string of green and blue spaces such as swales, rain gardens and infiltration areas where water management and ecosystem services are a priority function.

SOCIAL

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E G A T A T IO N | IN F I LT R ATI O N V E R | E L A E C O LO G I C A L T H R E A D - R A I N GA R D EN | B I O SW 80

| STREET TREES

VARIABLE INFRASTRUCTURE The variable infrastructure can be considered those components that change from place to place and over time. It refers to the series of community-generated enhancements the suburb will undergo as it grows and changes. It is made up of patches that provide different land use functions that can be added to the invariable infrastructure. The variable infrastructure also supports the landscape in it’s transition to a denser, more vibrant and multifunctional neighbourhood. As these systems are constantly changing we can’t accomplish everything at once, so we have to allow for the landscape to change and adapt for future requirements. The variable infrastructure can be considered the unbuilt components of the landscape - the patches of land that lie between the threads of invariable infrastructure. The patch infrastructure decisions are deferred until residnetial densities have achieved stability. These patches transition over time to usable public functions or ecological functions that enhance the public infrastructure. There are two classifications of patches, just as there are two classifications for the invariant infrastructure threads - ecological and social.

SOCIAL PATCHES:

Social patches are those patches with landuse functions with a higher value on community and programmed amenity . As a general rule of thumb, these patches can be classed as ‘hard infrastructure’, although this is not always the case.

ECOLOGICAL PATCHES:

Ecological patches are those patches with landuse functions with a higher value towards ecosystem services. These patches will generally always be ‘soft infrastructure’ with permeable surfaces.

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OBJECTIVES FOR WHITE GUM VALLEY

82

??

C˚

?

C˚

?

RECREATION AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

C˚ STEWARDSHIP

$$

CLEAN SOIL

? ??

ENERGY GENERATION

C ˚ + + $$

WATER: EVAPORATION

C˚ C˚

SENSE OF PLACE

$

$

DIVERSE (SUB)URBAN EXPERIENCES

? ?

C ˚ CC?˚˚ ? $+ CLEAN AIR

WALKABILITY AND HEALTHY

STORM WATER MANAGEMENT

ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS

C˚ $+

ADAPTIVE LANDSCAPE

WATER: TEMPORARY STORAGE

DENSITY DRIVER

$ $ SAFE AND CHILD FRIENDLY

C˚

? ?

$

LEGIBILITY

C$˚ + $ C ˚ $ + C ˚ $ + $$ $ $ $ BIODIVERSITY

MICROCLIMATE

TECHNICAL VALUE

ECONOMIC VALUE

KNOWLEDGE VALUE

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

$ WATER: CLEANING

?

C $ C

?

WATER: SOIL INFILTRATION

+ $++ $$

+ C $

WATER: CONVEYANCE

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PATCH TYPOLOGY OPTIONS

84

SKATE PARK

TURFED AREA

REVEGETATION AREA

NATUREPLAY AREA

OUTDOOR GYM

ORCHARD

BBQ OR PIZZA OVEN AREA

ALLOTMENT GARDENS

COMMUNITY GARDENS

RAIN GARDEN

OPEN PAVED COMMUNITY AREAS

HABITAT SUPPORTING BIODIVERSITY

SMALL SPORTS COURTS

CARBON FOREST

COMMUNITY COMPOST GARDEN

RENEWABLE ENERGY

TERRACED AMPITHEATRE

ENCLOSED OUTDOOR SOACE

RATIO PERCENTAGE

MAIN DRAG

MAIN DRAG (THE VALLEY)

80 % 20 %

60 % 40 %

REGULAR STREETS

BLUEGREEN CORRIDOR

BLUEGREEN CORRIDOR (THE VALLEY)

50 % 50 %

40 % 60 %

20 % 80 %

INVARIABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

COMMUNITY FACILITATED PATCH GROWTH - SCENARIO 1

COMMUNITY FACILITATED PATCH GROWTH - SCENARIO 2

COMMUNITY FACILITATED PATCH GROWTH - SCENARIO 3

COMMUNITY FACILITATED PATCH GROWTH -SCENARIO 4

COMMUNITY FACILITATED PATCH GROWTH - SCENARIO 5

patch typologies with predominate ecological function

patch typologies with predominate social function

85

ICE

OFF AGE GAR OFIT R RET

POST-DRIVEWAY TYPOLOGIES G

LLIN

E DW AGE GAR OFIT R RET

O AY T VEW DRI LLING E DW

O AY T VEW OUSE I R D NH E GRE

86

G Y STIN IL EXI LE FAM G SIN

GLE ING SIN ELL X 2 LY DW I FAM

O AY T VEW AY I R D NW E GRE

G O AY T ELIN VEW SE DW I R D DU E MIX

AY VEW DRI TUDIO S TO

A L A N D S CA P E I N T R A N S I T I O N Incremental development plan PHASE ONE: 2013+ The first phase is the reconfiguration of parking to suggested parking typologies and the implementation of the ecological and social threads of the invariable infrastructure (see Sections 3.1 & 4.1)

PHASE TWO: 2013++

The second phase is the increased infill development of the suburb via the recommended infill and development typologies (see section 4.2 & 4.3)

PHASE THREE: 2013+++ The third phase is the transition of the landscape by variable infrastructure development through ecological and social patches (see section 3.2) This is a continuous phase which allows the suburb to grow, change and adapt over time.

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$ WATER: CLEANING

C˚

?

+

$+

Footpath

new low dense development existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

Property boundary

Typical street section 1:200

driveway to greenway - rain garden driveway to greenhouse driveway to dwellings WATER: CLEANING WATER: SOIL INFILTRATION

social patch - BBQ area ecological patch front of house carport

ecological thread

THE BLUEGREEN CORRIDOR

$+

WATER: SOIL INFILTRATION

$+ $

carriageway

C˚

$+

driveway to greenway - rain garden driveway to greenhouse driveway to dwellings

social patch - BBQ area ecological patch front of house carport

+

ecological thread

WATER: CLEANING

Footpath

new low dense development existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

Property boundary

? carriageway

$

C˚

?

?

WALKABILITY AND HEALTHY

STORN WATER MANAGEMENT

$ Footpath

?

Property boundary

88

driveway to greenway - rain garden driveway to greenhouse driveway to dwellings

WALKABILITY AND HEALTHY

?

social patch ecological patch front of house carport

$+

ecological thread

C˚

C˚ new low dense development existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

$+ $

STORN WATER MANAGEMENT

carriageway

?

$+

social patch ecological patch front of house carport

ne ex ex gar ga

new low dense development existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

driveway to greenway driveway to greenhouse driveway to dwellings

Property boundary

ecological thread

social patch ecological patch front of house carport WATER: EVAPORATION

Property boundary

ecological thread

WATER: EVAPORATION

new exis exis gara gara

new low dense development existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

driveway to greenway driveway to greenhouse driveway to dwellings

40 % 60 % social | ecological priority

$

C˚

?

$

+

RECREATION AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

ADAPTIVE LANDSCAPE

DIVERSE (SUB)URBAN EXPEREINCES

$+

$

?

ADAPTIVE LANDSCAPE

Property boundary

C˚

social patch - Turf ecological patch front of house carport

RECREATION AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

?

$ Footpath

ecological thread

C˚

SENSE OF PLACE

?

driveway to greenway driveway to greenhouse driveway to dwellings

DIVERSE (SUB)URBAN EXPEREINCES

SENSE OF PLACE

C˚ $ C˚ new low dense development existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

$+

$+ $

89

?

n e e g g

?

$

WATER: EVAPORATION

WATER: SOIL INFILTRATION

+

$+

driveway to greenway - rain garden driveway to greenhouse

social patch ecological patch front of house carport

C˚

$+

?

$

C˚

Footpath

Property boundary

?

$+

C˚

Typical street section 1:200 new low dense development (to existing setback) existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

?

$

THE BLUEGREEN CORRIDOR+ THE VALLEY

WATER: EVAPORATION

WATER: SOIL INFILTRATION

$

$

$

carriageway

C˚

WATE

WATER: CONVEYANCE

?

$

WATE

WATER: CONVEYANCE

ecological thread

C˚

C˚

$+

$+

social patch ecological patch front of house carport

$+

ecological thread

?

driveway to greenway - rain garden driveway to greenhouse

$ Footpath

new low dense development (to existing setback) existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

Property boundary

C˚ carriageway

+ CLEAN AIR

DIVERSE (SUB)URBAN EXPEREINCES

$ C˚

$

C˚

C˚

90

?

BIODIVERSITY

$

?

$C˚

STORN W

driveway to greenway - rain garden driveway to greenhouse

DIVERSE (SUB)URBAN EXPEREINCES

$

social patch ecological patch front of house carport

$ C˚ BIODIVERSITY

ecological thread

CLEAN AIR

Footpath

new low dense development (to existing setback) existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

?

Property boundary

MICROCLIMATE

WALKABILITY AND HEALTHY

?

?

C˚

$

?

$

carriageway

?

$

C˚

STORN W

ER: CLEANING

WATER: TEMPORARY STORAGE

ER: CLEANING

Property boundary

social patch ecological patch - bioretention front of house carport

driveway to greenway driveway to greenhouse

new low dense development (to existing setback) existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

Property boundary

$

ecological thread

$+

driveway to greenway driveway to greenhouse

new low dense development (to existing setback) existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

WATER: TEMPORARY STORAGE

ecological thread

$+ social patch ecological patch - bioretention front of house carport

C˚

20 % 80 %

?

$

C˚

$

$+

$ $

C˚

$

SENSE OF PLACE KNOWLEDGE VALUE

C˚

ENERGY GENERATION

$+ $+

ecological thread

C˚

WATER MANAGEMENT

$

$ social patch ecological patch front of house carport

C˚

ENERGY GENERATION

$+

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

?

$+ $

Property boundary

WATER MANAGEMENT

$+

ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS

?

$+

driveway to greenway - Vegetable patch driveway to greenhouse

KNOWLEDGE VALUE

C?˚

$ social | ecological priority C˚ $

new low dense development (to existing setback) existing single family dwelling SENSE OF PLACE existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

C?˚

C˚ $

$ 91

WATER: CONVEYANCE

$

driveway to dwelling driveway to studio / small business new mixed use building 3-4 story walk-up apartments

social thread Footpath

?

Property boundary

C˚

cluster parking - Short term ecological thread

$+

carriageway

social thre cycleway

carriageway

social thre cycleway

WATER: CONVEYANCE

$

driveway to dwelling driveway to studio / small business new mixed use building 3-4 story walk-up apartments

Property boundary

?

$$

?

C˚C˚

ECONOMIC VALUE

C˚

??

?$+$+

$+

TECHNICAL VALUE

$$

$

?

92

??

?

?

$+

C˚

cluster parking - Short term ecological thread

?$+$+

DENS

$

$+

STORN WATER MANAGEMENT

C˚C˚

driveway to dwelling driveway to studio / small business new mixed use building 3-4 story walk-up apartments

$

C˚

C˚

ECONOMIC VALUE

Property boundary

C˚

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

social thread Footpath

C˚

cluster parking - Short term ecological thread

$+

$ AFFORDABLE HOUSING

social thread Footpath

C˚

?

$

WALKABILITY AND H

C˚$

DENS

carriageway

C˚

$

social thread cycleway

THE MAIN DRAG

ead y

social patch ecological patch

social thread Footpath

Property boundary

ead y

social patch ecological patch

social thread Footpath

Property boundary

Typical street section 1:200 driveway to dwelling driveway to studio / small business driveway to greenway

existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business new low dense development

driveway to dwelling driveway to studio / small business driveway to greenway

existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business new low dense development

80 % 20 %

$

SITY DRIVER

$+

ADAPTIVE LANDSCAPE

$+

DIVERSE (SUB)URBAN EXPEREINCES RECREATION AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

$ $

$

SITY DRIVER

$

d

social patch ecological patch ADAPTIVE LANDSCAPE

$+

RECREATION AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

Property boundary

HEALTHY

social | ecological priority

social thread Footpath

$

driveway to dwelling driveway to studio / small business driveway to greenway

DIVERSE (SUB)URBAN EXPEREINCES

CË&#x161;

existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business new low dense development

93

?

driveway to greenway driveway to greenhouse

$

C˚ SENSE OF PLACE

new low dense development existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

?$+

cluster parking - Short term ecological thread

$+ $ C˚

?

carriageway

C˚

?

$ ?

DIVERSE (SUB)URBAN EXPEREINCES

C˚

driveway to greenway driveway to greenhouse

?$+

cluster parking - Short term ecological thread

ecological thread social thread cycleway

$ C˚ $+

WALKABILITY AND HEALTHY

$+ $ C˚

C˚

$+

?

WALKABILITY AND HEALTHY

C˚

$+

social thread Footpath

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

C˚

?

new low dense development existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

DIVERSE (SUB)URBAN EXPEREINCES

social thread Footpath

SENSE OF PLACE

?

$ ?

Property boundary

?

C˚

Property boundary

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

?

carriageway

ecological thread social thread cycleway

$+

$

C˚

?

WATER: CLEANING

$+

94

?

C˚ driveway to greenway driveway to greenhouse

$

+

social thread Footpath

C˚

$ Property boundary

$

new low dense development existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

WATER: CONVEYANCE

cluster parking - Short term ecological thread

?

C˚ carriageway

ecological thread social thread cycleway

C˚

social patch ecological patch (Community gardens)

$+ + $$

?

MAIN DRAG + THE VALLEY

?

ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS

social patch ecological patch (Community gardens)

STEWARDSHIP

$+

Typical street section 1:200

$+ new low dense development existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

driveway to greenway driveway to greenhouse

$

C˚

$+

ECONOMIC VALUE

?

Property boundary

ADAPTIVE LANDSCAPE

STEWARDSHIP

Property boundary

ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS

social thread Footpath

+ $$

social thread Footpath

ADAPTIVE LANDSCAPE

$+

ECONOMIC VALUE

$+ driveway to greenway driveway to greenhouse

new low dense development existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

60 % 40 % social | ecological priority

Property boundary

social patch ecological patch

social thread Footpath

WATER: SOIL INFILTRATION

driveway to greenway driveway to greenhouse

new low dense development existing single family dwelling existing single family dwelling + second story garage retrofit for dwelling garage retrofit for studio / small business

95

THE BLUEGREEN CORRIDOR

PERMEABLE PAVING PATCHES

SOCIAL THREAD DRIVEWAY TO DWELLING ECOLOGICAL THREAD

DRIVEWAY TO GREEN WAY FRONT OF HOUSE CARPORTS

96

THE MAIN DRAG

CYCLE PATH DRIVEWAY TO DWELLING

ECOLOGICAL THREAD

PATCHES

97

THE BLUEGREEN CORRIDOR+ THE VALLEY

FRONT OF HOUSE CARPORTS

PATCHES DRIVEWAY TO GREENWAY

SOCIAL THREAD

ECOLOGICAL THREAD

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SUMP TO NATUREPLAY PARK

THE MAIN DRAG + THE VALLEY RESIDENT CLUSTER PARKING

SHORT TERM CLUSTER PARKING

ECOLOGICAL THREAD

CYCLE PATH

COMMUNITY GARDENS?

DRIVEWAY TO GREENWAY

SOCIAL THREAD

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By re-imagining our suburban infrastructure, we can provide increased benefits to the individual, the community and the city as a whole, while also contributing to solutions for global urban problems.

100

No one solution will be able to address the complexity of issues facing the suburban landscape, however a diverse variety of solutions will allow us to better understand the problem and provide a range of potential outcomes.

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1.2. Objectives

The Patchwork Infrastructure Code sets out to be performative rather tha prescriptive. This code should be seen 102

5. THE PATCHWORK CODE

an n 103

104

CONTENTS 1. The Patchwork Infrastructure

1.1 Overview

1.2 Objectives 2. Zoning for an Ecological Framework

2.1 The Valley

2.2 The Parallel Streets - Street Typologies

2.2.1 The Main Drag

2.2.2 Bluegreen Corridors

2.2.3 Density Code Table

2.3 Remaining Streets 3. Invariable, Variable and Vehicle Infrastructure

3.1 Invariable Infrastructure

3.1.1 Objectives of the Social Thread

3.1.2 Objectives of the Ecological Thread

3.1.3 Shared Objectives

3.2 Variable Infrastructure

3.2.1 Social Patches

3.2.2 Ecological Patches 3.2.3 Planting

3.2.4 Patch Typologies

3.2.5 Patch Typology Ratio Table

3.3 Vehicle Infrastructure

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4. Building and Landscape Typologies

4.1 Parking Typologies

4.1.1 Front Of House Carports

4.1.2 Cluster Parking - Resident Parking

4.1.3 Consolidated Cluster Parking - Short Term Visitor Parking

4.1.4 Car Park Typology Recommendations

4.2 Post-Driveway Retrofit Typologies

4.2.1 Driveways to Greenways

4.2.2 Driveways to Dwellings

4.2.3 Driveways to Business

4.2.4 Garage Retrofit - Business or Studio

4.2.5 Garage Retrofit - Dwellings

4.2.6 Post-Driveway Retrofit Typology Selection Guide

4.3 New Dwelling and Mixed Use Developments

4.3.1 Building Typologies for Different Street Typologies 5. Incremental Development

5.1 Phase One: Main Drag and Bluegreen Corridor Foundations

5.2 Phase Two: Density Development

5.3 Phase Three: Patch Development

5.4 Further Development of the Suburb

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1. The Patchwork Infrastructure 1.1 Overview To begin to address issues of population density in Perth, a new social and ecological framework must be designed to drive design decisions and to ensure a multi-functioning ecological landscape for the future. While we are beginning to see new initiatives in ecological and sustainable design in architecture and disconnected landscapes, there is a need for a larger intervention. We need an urban ecological framework for our cities that recommends specific density zoning with patterns for equal access to ecological areas where ecosystem services and sustainable stormwater management become a high priority.

By focusing on the network of public open space through the streets that provide a variety of functions for the community and the environment, The Patchwork Infrastructure delivers such a framework for the suburb of White Gum Valley. This framework suggests strategies for development in areas where there is a synergistic relationship between density zoning and the landscape infrastructure. Rather than develop a traditional urban planning zoning plan, where plans have remained rooted in limitations and restrictions, the Patchwork Infrastructure Code provides guidelines for enhanced performance.

1.2 Objectives The Patchwork Infrastructure Code sets out to be performative rather than prescriptive. This code should be seen as guidelines for achieving certain goals and objectives of future development, rather than a set of specific rules and regulations to be followed. In this way, it is intended that the framework is regulatory to ensure environmental and density goals, however advocates a much wider array of allowable functions to encourage experimentation, innovation and to be adaptive to new knowledge and technologies.

The code aims to produce urban landscapes that achieve the following goals:

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1. Provide a sense of place 2. Protect to some degree the suburban identity of white gum valley 3. Maintain a legible infrastructure system 4. Provide a diverse range of user experiences 5. Have aesthetic value 6. Provide opportunities for recreation and healthy lifestyles 7. provide a safe and child friendly neighbourhood 8. clean air 9. walkability and a healthy lifestyle 10. provide landscape types and connections that support biodiversity 11. capture and manage stormwater locally 12. provide low cost infrastructure, low maintenance and flexible landscapes 13. provide access to healthy foods 14. Provide enhanced landscapes that can encourage and increase density in the suburb 15. Support home businesses and job growth opportunities

2. Zoning for an Ecological Framework The new zoning framework for White Gum Valley is based around the need to provide some areas of the suburb with higher ecological functions than others.

As a general rule, the areas where the ecological functions are a priority are areas where density is not encouraged. The remaining areas will then become the primary zones for density infill and new developments to meet future population demands.

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2.1 The Valley The lowest point of White Gum Valley, a significant depression running southwest to northeast, has been designated the Valley. Land use in this area is predominantly made up of landscape based drainage infrastructure components that manage any excess water and infiltrate it within the road reserve (see Section 3.2.2). All water is directed to the Valley via the Main Drag (see Section 2.3) and the Bluegreen Corridors (see Section 2.4). This serves to reduce the current required capacity and thus dependence on the existing sumps, so these sumps can be repurposed for more usable public open spaces for the community. the Valley can provide a green link to existing public open space and become a landscape where sustainable urban drainage practices are a priority for stormwater attenuation and mitigating climate change effects.

2.2 The Parallel Streets - Street Typologies Hope St, Watkins St and Samson St have been chosen to become key intervention areas for The Patchwork Infrastructure in order to maintain a range of different functions in comfortable walking distance from all areas of the suburb. These streets run west to east through the suburb, and are situated between South St, an arterial road, and Stevens St, which runs along the golf course. South St and Stevens St may also play an important role in the development of White Gum Valley as main access routes and density corridors. However, the focus of the patchwork infrastructure in this document is primarily on the three streets that lie between them.

2.2.1 The Main Drag In order to provide White Gum Valley with an area for encouraged density infill and opportunities for small businesses, Watkins St will be designated as the Main Drag. This classification also responds to the lack of a local centre for White Gum Valley - a place for social interaction and community connection. For this new local centre there are guidelines and goals for future development in terms of density, commercial opportunities and new public open space. Where the street dips through the Valley in the centre, there are different requirements in order to ensure the Valley is maintained as a permeable and green zone with

109

higher ecological priority.

2.2.2 Bluegreen Corridors The two streets either side of the Main Drag, Samson St and Hope St, have been zoned as Bluegreen Corridors. These corridors provide a higher priority on ecological functions, similarly to the Valley; however, these corridors ensure a green link is made through the suburb from east to west, rather than the north/ south link the Valley provides. This also means all residents will have comfortable walkable access to public open space of a different character to the Main Drag.

2.2.3 Density Code Table For each street typology, a different corresponding R-code for adjacent properties is outlined. This is an approach to density where specific streets are zoned depending on the landscape infrastructure provided.

Bluegreen corridors Density R-Code for adjacent buildings

R40

Bluegreen corridors (The Valley) R15

The Main Drag R80

The Main Drag (The Valley) R40

2.3 Remaining Streets The remaining streets of White Gum Valley have not been mentioned here, however it is intended that this intervention on the three parallel streets would be a catalyst for further development.

110

3. Invariable, Variable and Vehicle Infrastructure The Patchwork Infrastructure is made up of threads of invariable infrastructure and patches of variable infrastructure. Most facets of Patchwork Infrastructure fall in either of these threads, however there are also components that fall outside of this infrastructure.

3.1 Invariable Infrastructure The invariable infrastructure consists of infrastructure that is constant throughout the scheme. It is the foundation of the framework and is made up of two types of threads - a social thread and an ecological thread. These two threads intersect to form the initial built infrastructure network through the streets of the suburb. The social thread consists of the footpaths, pedestrian crossings, lighting, and all other infrastructure required to make the suburb safe and walkable. The ecological thread is made up of a string of green and blue spaces such as swales, rain gardens and infiltration areas where water management and ecosystem services are a priority function. As a general rule of thumb, the ecological thread can be considered soft infrastructure and the social thread can be considered hard infrastructure.

3.1.1 Objectives of the Social Thread • provide safe walkable connections throughout the suburb; • be legible and clear as a wayfinding device; • promote social interaction; • ensure universal access to houses; • provide safe and visible road crossings.

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3.1.2 Objectives of the Ecological Thread • provide infrastructure for the conveyance of stormwater runoff to infiltration areas; • reduce effects of urban heat island effect; • clean air; • clean soil; • habitat; • education.

3.1.3 Shared Objectives There are also objectives that both threads should contribute to • provide attractive, high quality infrastructure that can be a catalyst for density in the suburb; • use local quality materials where possible; • provide and enhance a sense of place in White Gum Valley; • support future development of the infrastructure through the community generated patches (see Section 3.2.2).

3.2 Variable Infrastructure The variable infrastructure can be considered those components that change from place to place and over time. It refers to the series of community-generated enhancements the suburb will undergo as it grows and changes. It is made up of patches that provide different land use functions that can be added to the

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invariable infrastructure. The variable infrastructure also supports the landscape in itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transition to a denser, more vibrant and multifunctional neighbourhood. As these systems are constantly changing we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t accomplish everything at once, so we have to allow for the landscape to change and adapt for future requirements. The variable infrastructure can be considered the unbuilt components of the landscape - the patches of land that lie between the threads of invariable infrastructure. These patches transition over time to usable public functions or ecological functions that enhance the public infrastructure. There are two classifications of patches, just as there are two classifications for the invariant infrastructure threads - ecological and social.

3.2.1 Social Patches It is intended that the community will play a large role in the development of these patches, both in terms of what they will consist of and where they will be positioned. While there exist some recommendations in place (see section 3.2.4), these are intended to guide members of the community in their role as stewards of the landscape. Decisions will be based on the wants and needs of the people who live in the suburb and should be reached as democratically as possible.

3.2.2 Ecological Patches Ecological patches provide the other necessary components of the urban drainage management - infiltration, storage, evaporation and cleansing. As density increases so will impermeable surfaces, so it may become necessary to increase the storage capacity of stormwater runoff by providing more patches dedicated to rain gardens and retention basins. These patches deliver other ecological services such as providing habitat for biodiversity and ensuring spaces for the planting of trees to reduce effects of urban heat island effect.

3.2.3 Planting Planting should aim to be native endemic species; however, exception apply to community patches. In these areas orchards, community gardens and vegetable plots necessitate non-native species. Planting along the Bluegreen Corridors should mostly consist of native species to ensure support of biodiversity.

There is an opportunity to develop an adaptive and responsive species list for planting appropriate for the varying street typologies. For example, Agonis 113

Flexuosa may only be appropriate for planting in streets when they cross through The Valley due to the variation in water and soil.

3.2.4 Patch Typologies Below is a list of potential patch land use typologies for social and ecological functions. These patch typologies can of course be added to. Patches may only contribute to one of these functions or they may contribute to both. To decide whether a land use typology is social, ecological or both you can use the following rule of thumb: • Generally, social patch typologies will be ‘hard infrastructure’ (impermeable surfaces and made of solid materials).; • Ecological patch typologies are usually always ‘soft infrastructure’ (permeable surfaces consisting of vegetation and soil); • Patch typologies that can be considered to fulfill both functions are those that provide social functions but function as infiltration areas if they are ‘soft infrastructure’ - ie community gardens or nature playgrounds.

Patch Typology

Social

Ecological

x

The Bluegreen Corridors (The Valley)

x

2. Children’s nature play area

T

3. Outdoor gym

x

x

4. BBQ facilities

x

x

5. Allotment gardens

x

6. Rain gardens or bioretention basin

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The Bluegreen Corridors

x

x

x

x

x

8. Orchard

x

x

9. Community gardens

x

x

The Main Drag (The Valley)

x x

x

7. paved plaza area

The Main Drag

x x x

x

x x x

x

x

6. Rain gardens or bioretention basin

x

x

x

7. paved plaza area

x

8. Orchard

x

x

9. Community gardens

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

10. abitat supporting biodiversity

x

11.community compost garden

x

x

12. Carbon forest

x

x

13. revegetation area

x

x

x x

x

x x

14. small sport courts

x

15. renewable energy

x

16. Terraced Ampitheatre

x

17. Enclosed nature space

x

x

x

18. Turfed area

x

x

x

19. Skate park

x

x

x x

x x

x

x

x x

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3.2.5 Patch Typology Ratio Table The following table outlines parameters or priori for the different street typologies. They can be understood as variables that in different degrees configure the project, so that the variation of parameters necessarily alter the outcomes.

Bluegreen corridors Percentage of ecological patches

80%

Percentage of social patches 20%

Bluegreen corridors (The Valley) 60%

The Main Drag 20%

The Main Drag (The Valley) 40%

40%

80%

60%

3.3 Vehicle Infrastructure Consideration is also needed for infrastructure that falls outside of the two types of defined infrastructure (invariable and variable). This is the infrastructure dedicated to vehicles. Often this infrastructure is made up of single-use surfaces such as roads and carparks that are very rarely made of permeable ground surfaces. This infrastructure, while considered an essential part of navigating and transport for people in the suburb, should be kept to a very minimum. The emphasis of infrastructure should instead be on providing a walkable and cyclable neighbourhood.

This scheme uses the process of removing driveways on the Main Drag and the Bluegreen Corridors as the starting point for achieving this goal. These driveways will make way for a more usable and safe connective linear passage for pedestrians and cyclists. In order to do this, the parking usually provided by personal car parks in private space is reconfigured into the public realm on underutilised verges (see Section 4.1). In addition to this, cycle paths will be a priority in the suburb. These paths will be constructed using a different surface material to the road so they stand out and ensure the safety of cyclists.

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This infrastructure can then be considered both invariable and variable. It is invariable in the sense that in order for the ecological threads and social threads to be successful, the vehicle infrastructure must be reconfigured first. Parking is provided for residents where their driveways are no longer usable; thus it is one of the initial permanent transformations of the site. However, it is also considered variable infrastructure because it’s function constantly changes and has the possibility to adapt over time. There is the opportunity to reduce the priority this infrastructure has in the landscape over time as public transport options increase and our cultural values related to personal car use begin to shift.

4. Building and Landscape Typologies 4.1 Parking Typologies There are a three different parking typologies which have been recommended for this landscape - front of house carports, cluster parking and consolidated cluster parking. All parking typologies and additional vehicle infrastructure is to strictly be built around existing mature trees to maintain shade and a sense of place in the suburb. Trees always take priority over carparking.

4.1.1 Front Of House Carports One parking typology is individual carport structures positioned on the verge space at the front of existing residential homes. This typology is the Front of House Carport; however, it should also be considered as having secondary functions as a sheltered outdoor room for community functions.

• The design of these carports should consider household waste collection i.e. space for a garbage bin; • It is assumed that any new infill development will not be provided with Front of House Carport in order to provide affordable living opportunities and attract residents who don’t drive adding vitality to the street with more people walking and cycling;

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• It might be considered that the use of these carports could attract higher council rates; • Ensure the roof of any sheltered car parks can contribute to the community by absorbing solar energy through solar panels, harvesting rainwater or through providing ecosystem services by using green roofs; • Consider the design of these structure to also provide shade along the footpath for pedestrians.

• Encourage a diverse range of materials, colours and styles of carports to encourage a diversity in the landscape just as people’s own indivual choices and styles are eveident in the range of housing decorations and garden types. This will then provide the suburb with it’s own sense of place that fits with the ideals of the suburban lifestyle.

See Section 4.1.4 for suggested locations of this parking typology.

4.1.2 Cluster Parking - Resident Parking

A second typology for parking is Cluster Parking which would be consolidated on underutilised verges on the north-west streets. This parking may be sheltered, providing security to vehicles and peace of mind for those residents who would be affected by this change. This parking typology allows residents who live on streets where Front Of House Carports may not be appropriate to still have access to secure spaces for their private vehicles.

• Ensure this parking is provided at appropriate walkable distances from residents house. This code recommends a maximum of 50 metres. In instances where this is not possible, permanent parking may be provided in individual car space in the short term visitor parking (See Section 4.1.3); • Consider options for incorporating a community car sharing program where residents can rent cars from dedicated parking bays within this cluster parking only when they need them; • Consider options for this parking shelter to also incorporate shared household waste collection; • Ensure the roof of any sheltered car parks can contribute to the community by absorbing solar energy through solar panels, harvesting rainwater or through providing ecosystem services by using green roofs.

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See Section 4.1.4 for suggested locations of this parking typology.

4.1.3 Consolidated Cluster Parking - Short Term Visitor Parking A third parking typology is cluster parking for short term visitors that can be placed in areas of high attraction and places with businesses such as the Main Drag. Generally this parking neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be covered and should be kept to a minimum.

In instances where residents do not have appropriate walkable access permanent parking permission may be given for car bays in this cluster (see section 4.1.2).

See Section 4.1.4 for suggested locations of this parking typology 4.1.4 Car Park Typology Recommendations Bluegreen corridors

The Main Drag

The Main Drag (The Valley)

Cluster parking - resident

X

X

Cluster parking - visitor

X

X

Front of House carport

X

Bluegreen corridors (The Valley) X

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4.2 Post-Driveway Retrofit Typologies Residents who have their parking reconfigured to the verges will be given options for how they can repurpose their driveway. Priority for particular driveway conversions will be in place depending on the street typology.

4.2.1 Driveways to Greenways Driveways to greenways is an incentive program for the conversion of ex-driveways into infiltration surfaces called greenways. There are a variety of options for this conversion such as rain gardens, water harvesting plants, greenhouses or vegetable gardens.

4.2.2 Driveways to Dwellings The space where driveways used to be can also be repurposed for small secondary dwellings of one or two stories positioned right up to the property boundary.

4.2.3 Driveways to Business The space can also be repurposed for small businesses, artist studios or offices positioned right up to the property boundary.

4.2.4 Garage Retrofit - Business or Studio Old garages and carports can be repurposed for offices or creative studios as a means to provide work opportunities in the suburb and encourage a vibrant and

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artistic community.

4.2.5 Garage retrofit - Dwellings Old garages and carports can be repurposed as a secondary dwelling or extra bedrooms as a means to increase affordable living opportunities in the suburb.

4.2.6 Post-Driveway Retrofit Typology Selection Guide

Bluegreen corridors

Driveways to dwellings

Bluegreen corridors (The Valley)

X

The Main Drag

The Main Drag (The Valley)

X X

Driveways to Business of studio Driveways to Greenways

X

X

X

X

Garage retrofit - dwellings

X

X

X

X

Garage retrofit - small Busi- X ness or studio

X

X

X

4.3 New Dwelling and Mixed Use Developments 121

In order to reach the density R-codes (see section 2.2.3) there will need to be significant new development into the areas of designated density increase. This density can be incorporated with new mixed use buildings and a range of dwelling typologies, that can replace the current popular infill typology of battleaxe dwellings.

It should be encouraged that housing developments be opportunistic developments rather than piecemeal approaches for private benefit – there is such a large benefit in designing dwellings in cluster developments in terms of cost, maintenance and efficient use of shared open space.

The following should be considered for new developments: • Underused verges may be sold for development in areas identified where verges are not integral to the Patchwork Infrastructure; • Relax setbacks zones so building can extend to the property boundary; • Provide new green pedestrian connections through cluster developments where possible; • Preserve as many existing mature trees in backyards; • Any new inter-development roads should enter the site from the north-west to ensure limited crossover points on the three parallel intervention streets; • Carefully consider where new developments will be located in terms of overshadowing and solar aspect.

4.3.1 Building Typologies for Different Street Typologies

By providing a range of typologies of built form and parking solutions the neighbourhood will be diverse in character on the different streets, but also provide a range of different solutions rather than one overriding solution. This intervention can be a testing ground for such typologies in other suburban retrofits.

5. Incremental Development 122

The Patchwork Infrastructure is a framework for incremental development over time that acts as a catalyst for further density and flexibility for change when this density comes.

5.1 Phase One: Main Drag and Bluegreen Corridor Foundations The first phase is the reconfiguration of parking to suggested parking typologies and the implementation of the ecological and social threads of the invariable infrastructure (see Sections 3.1 & 4.1) 5.2 Phase Two: Density Development The second phase is the increased infill development of the suburb via the recommended infill and development typologies (see section 4.2 & 4.3) 5.3 Phase Three: Patch Development The third phase is the transition of the landscape by variable infrastructure development through ecological and social patches (see section 3.2) This is a continuous phase which allows the suburb to grow, change and adapt over time. This phase will also, through the implementation of ecological patches in The Valley, allow the opportunity for repurposing existing sumps, allowing them to become multifunctional public open spaces.

5.4 Further Development of the Suburb This initial Patchwork Infrastructure intervention of the Main Drag and Bluegreen Corridors should act as a prototype for further development in the suburb.

Other streets can be developed with a range of priorities based on the ecological and social framework set out in this code.

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Bolleter, Julian. “Synergistic density: Exploring the potential of correlating infill development with upgraded open space in greyfield suburbs.” Paper presented at the 6th Making Cities Liveable Conference, Melbourne, June 17-19, 2013.

City of Fremantle. Climate Change Adaptation Plan. Fremantle, 2011.

City of Fremantle. Green Plan. Fremantle, 2001.

City of Fremantle. Strategic plan: 2010 – 2015. Fremantle, 2010 Department of Planning, Directions 2031 and Beyond: Metropolitan Planning Beyond the Horizon. Perth: Western Australian Planning Commission, 2010.

Hall, Tony. “The Death of the Backyard.” In The Life and Death of the Australian Backyard, 41-72. CSIRO Publishing, 2010.

Hedgcock, David. “Watering a Thirsty City: Planning for Perth’s Water Regime.” In Planning Perspectives From Western Australia: A Reader in Theory and Practice, edited by Ian Alexander, Shane Greive and David Hedgcock, 85-103. North Fremantle: Fremantle Press, 2010.

Hung, Ying-Yu. “Landscape Infrasturcture: systems of contingency, flexibility, and adaptability.” Landscape Infrastructure: Case studies by SWA, Edited by YingYu Hung, Gerdo Aquino, Charles Waldheim, Julia Czerniak, Adriaan Geuze, Mathew Skjosberg and Alexander Robinson.Basel: Birkhauser, 2011.

Jenson, Marina, Antje Backhaus and Ole Fryd. “Stormwater management in the urban landscape - overview of elements and their dimensioning.” Landscape and Urban Planning (forthcoming): 1-21.

Newton, Peter. “Beyond Greenfield and Brownfield: The Challenge of Regenerating Australia’s Greyfield Suburbs.” Built Environment, Vol. 36, No. 1, 82.

Weller, Richard and Julian Bolleter. “Growing Pains: The Twenty-First Century Urbanization of Australia.” Landscape Australia 128 (2013):13-14.

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