Upward Urbanism: Sustainable Living Spaces Above Train Station
Upward Urbanism:
Crafting New Sustainable Living Spaces Above Train Stations
Design Thesis
The University of Melbourne
Thesis Statement
The Issue
Melbourne’s expansion
Urban growth too far
Travelling time
High density tall buildings on limited land
Apartments living space too small
Solution Mindmap
The Solution – Airspaces
Precedent – NYC Airyrights, Instant City
Precedent – SYD Airrights, Martin Place
Train station types in Melbourne
Community Benefits through Development
Benefits mindmap
The Site
33-35 Chapel St, Windsor, VIC
Images
The Context
Demographic – people
Demographic – Dwelling
Government regulation
Comments about Windsor train station
Future Planning
Site analysis
Urban
Site plan & Site Section
Street
How? – Structure
Precedent – Hudson Yards, Manhattan, USA
Precedent - 88 Walker Hotel and Office Building
Preliminary sketches
The Challenge – Heritage Regulations
Solutions
The Vision
Precedent – 24 Chapel St, Windsor, VIC, Australia
Preliminary sketches
Concept Diagram
Modular Design
Modular Design Process
Design Process
The Station Site Plan
Train level
The Community Centre
Ground floor
1st floor
Residential Levels
2nd floor
3rd floor
4th & 5th floor plan
6th & 7th floor plan
8th & 9th floor plan
10th & 11th floor plan
Units floor area calculation
Structure
Materials
Section AA
Section BB
Thesis Statement Elaboration
References
"Upward
Urbanism: Crafting Sustainable Living Spaces Above Train Stations"
This proposal offers the opportunity to transform Melbourne's current horizontal expansion into vertical expansion by developing the unused space above the train station into a residential community, thus respond to the growing housing crisis.
The units will have larger living and green space in comparison to the existing apartments. The aim is to meet the urgent need for housing in the urban area while maintaining the quality of life.
As the residence units will be built above the train station and utilize air-space from the community. In return, the design will also provide train station development and community centre that is open to the public to reciprocate the community.
The Issue
Current Problems - Melbourne's expansion
Note. Edited from State Revenue Office Victoria. (n.d.). Greater Melbourne map and urban zones. Retrieved from https:// www.sro.vic.gov.au/greater-melbourne-map-and-urban-zones
"Melbourne’s urban growth boundary will extend outwards over the next 20 years to incorporate six new fringe suburbs and provide new homes for up to 100,000 people." (Schlesinger, 2020)
Current Problems - Urban Growth too far change?’). It may also be applied to other towns and settlements in non-urban areas.
Large living space Large area to build Close to transportation Create new space
Solutions
Right above train station
Not increasing density in suburbs
The Solution
Utilizing airspace above existing buildings can be a solution for creating new living spaces.
Airspace
Note. Screenshots from GEBDESIGN. (n.d.). Instant City: Living Air-right. Retrieved from https://archello.com/project/ instant-city-living-air-right
More than 75% of people in New York City rent instead of owning homes. To solve this issue, a plan called "Instant City" suggests making cheaper homes and offering public activities. The designers want to use the spaces that haven't been used much before in the city --- the air-right spaces. "Instant City" aims to create a lively connection between people and the city, while ensuriing the comfortability during daily life in the city. (GEBDESIGN, n.d.)
"The 33-storey building curves above the neighbouring heritagelisted church because the developers purchased the air rights above it. " (Devine, 2019)
Note. From Devine, A. (2019). “air rights” worth big bucks for sydney real estate. Realcommercial https://www. realcommercial.com.au/news/air-rights-worth-big-bucks-for-sydney-real-estate
New Living Space
Existing Existing Air rights
Air-rights is a great development opportunity for Melbourne's urban area to increase the usable living space without expanding outward.
Airspace - Train Station Types In Melbourne
Ground Level Train Stations
Note. From Bowen, D. (2020, October 28). New Mentone and Cheltenham stations. Daniel Bowen. https://danielbowen. com/2020/10/28/new-stations-mentone-cheltenham/
Lifted Train Stations
Note. From Vadnjal, L. (2018, February 11). A new elevated train line and station will open in Melbourne This Week. Concrete Playground. https://concreteplayground.com/melbourne/travel-leisure/new-elevated-train-line-station-will-open-melbourneweek
Airspace - Train Station Types In Melbourne
Ground Level Train Stations
Lifted Train Stations
The construction of new buildings over elevated train stations can be restricted due blocking sunlight and potentially altering the existing urban landscape and sightlines, which are important for the community's well-being and environmental considerations.
The Site
Windsor Train Station is a historic railway station opened in 1859. It's renowned for its Victorian architecture, featuring classic red brick. The station serves as a key transport hub in Melbourne.
SITE
Site Context
25-34 years old; Never Married; Worked at home; Couple family without children; Professionals
Note. Data from Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021). 2021 Windsor (Vic.), Census All persons QuickStats. Retrieved 2024, from https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/SAL22805
Windsor demographic - Age
The high population in Windsor are in their early 30s, who likely focusing on modern amenities, convenience, and community-oriented living spaces. Which suits the proposal of building living spaces above train station with community centre.
Family composition
Registered marital status
Note. Data from Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021). 2021 Windsor (Vic.), Census All persons QuickStats. Retrieved 2024, from https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/SAL22805
Method of travel to work
Occupation
Note. Data from Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021). 2021 Windsor (Vic.), Census All persons QuickStats. Retrieved 2024, from https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/SAL22805
Number of bedrooms
The design focus on 3-bedroom apartments to address the shortage in Windsor, where fewer residents have access to 3-bedroom units compared to the Victoria average. Thus fulfill the demand for larger living spaces.
Dwelling structure
Note. Data from Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021). 2021 Windsor (Vic.), Census All persons QuickStats. Retrieved 2024, from https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/SAL22805
Transport Integration Act 2010
"11 Integration of transport and land use
(1) The transport system should provide for the effective integration of transport and land use and facilitate access to social and economic opportunities.
(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), transport and land use should be effectively integrated so as to improve accessibility and transport efficiency with a focus on—
(a) maximising access to residences, employment, markets, services and recreation;
(b) planning and developing the transport system more effectively;
(c) reducing the need for private motor vehicle transport and the extent of travel;
(d) facilitating better access to, and greater mobility within, local communities.
(State Government of Victoria, 2010, p.32)
VICTORIA PLANNING PROVISIONS
AMENDMENT VC204
EXPLANATORY REPORT
"The updated policy introduced by the amendment encourages environmental sustainability , including walking, cycling and public transport objectives which aim to increase the share of trips by sustainable modes of transport and reduce vehicle emissions and road traffic congestion."
(State Government of Victoria, 2022, p.4)
"This is a old style architectural design building. Nothing special. You can catch a train here. Not a tourist attraction" (SEs, 2018).
The
Potential for a Landmark Building in Windsor
"The location is good with a short walk to tram stops in Chapel Street and to Dandenong Road. The architecture is historic, but behind the facade much has deteriorated. Station services are not good with waiting rooms and toilets closed to travelers" (platypus150, 2017).
The Potential for providing better experience for travelers
Research - Future Planning - Windsor Train Station
Note. From City of Stonnington. (2024). Windsor Siding master plan. https://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/About/Majorinfrastructure-works-and-projects/Windsor-Siding-master-plan
The proposing landscape park near the site will increase the urban revitalization, community engagement and environmental sustainability.
Site Analysis
The topography of the City of Windsor slopes from east to west, with the central area being divided in two by a train line.
City of Windsor
Contour lines
Site Analysis - Street
Chapel Street with lots heritage retail shops
Existing Heritage Train Station
Existing empty car park with car share
Small garden next to the site, connecting to the green space
Existing 5-storey residential apartments next to the site
Chapel Street is a mature commercial street that attracts nearby residents
The current train station disrupts the continuity of the commercial street
Chapel Street is a mature commercial street that attracts nearby residents
The existing car sharing and car park next to the site provides the opportunities for more efficient use of space, allowing for additional amenities or green areas, reduced construction and maintenance costs, and potentially lower environmental impact by encouraging the use of shared transportation options.
The current train station disrupts the continuity of the commercial street
The Site situated next to vibrant green space with existing transportation options, the site offers a unique opportunity for a development that harmonizes with nature while promoting urban connectivity.
How ?
Structure - Precedent - Hudson Yards, Manhattan, USA
Hudson Yards project built a whole neighborhood covering 26 acres and 17 million square feet of buildings above the existing train yards in America. (Jaffe, 2014)
Note. From Beckmann, A., Christoforou, C., & Squarzini, M. (2020). 10 hudson yards. STRUCTURE magazine. https://www.structuremag. org/?p=15986
Structure
- Precedent - 88 Walker Hotel and Office Building, Sydney, NSW
• "Above heritage building "
• "252-room 4.5-star hotel"
• "Over 12,500 sqm office space" (Abdel, 2024)
Note. Images from Abdel, H. (2024, February 18). 88 Walker Hotel and office building / fitzpatrick+partners. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/1013456/88walker-hotel-and-office-building-fitzpatrick-plus-partners
Structure
Note. Images from Abdel, H. (2024, February 18). 88 Walker Hotel and office building / fitzpatrick+partners. ArchDaily. https:// www.archdaily.com/1013456/88-walker-hotel-and-office-building-fitzpatrick-plus-partners
Structure - Preliminary Sketches
The Challenge
Windsor Train Station is a heritage listed building.
Note. From SMA PROJECTS (2017). The green building will hover above the Sandringham rail line. The Age, Retrieved 2024, from https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/plan-for-apartment-tower-to-hover-over-melbourne-railway-line20170322-gv466z.html
The project was located on chapel street above the rail line next to the site.
It was rejected because the 20-storey design was too high for suburb planning.
The council set a height limit of 12 storeys for the suburb. (Construction Advisor, 2017)
Thus the building height will be 12 storeys above ground.
Design - Preliminary Sketches
Orginal Train line spliting residental areas
From Divide to Unity
The site as a center for residential and community growth
Design
PROPOSED BUILDING
Existing Site Section
Proposed Site Section
The proposed building will have a two-storey developed train station and one-storey community service centre. Both spaces are used to compensate for the use of public space in the community.
Design - Concept Diagram
Design - Modular Design
Study + L’dry + Toilet
Master Bedoom + Ensuite + WIR
2 x Bedrooms with BIR
Living
Kitchen + Dining
Double height outdoor area
Two-levels Units
Design - Modular Design Process
2 x Bedrooms with BIR
Master Bedoom + Ensuite + WIR
Design - Modular Design Process
Study + L’dry + Toilet
Master Bedoom + Ensuite + WIR
Existing site with heritage train station
Demolish existing colorbond shed to improve the appearance of the heritage station
Concrete columns to support the building
Developed train station on Ground floor
Setback on both sides for better appearance and connection
Landscape in setback area to improve the connection with surroundings
Community centre on first floor with accessible lifts
Transition floor on the second floor for new residential grids
Main residential core on the south to split people flow from the station
Void in the middle for more sunlight
Circulation space on every two floors thus provide more living spaces
All the units have two levels with double height balcony
12 storeys above ground according to council's requirements
Roof garden on the 11th floor
Double Height Balconies
Circulation Spaces
The Station
The developed station will improve the passenger experience while preserving the appearance of the existing heritage train station. The materials used will match the existing station to ensure the new building blends into its surroundings.
The Community Centre
In return for using the community's public space to build residential buildings, the project will not only develop a train station but also propose the community center, thus benefiting the City of Windsor and community.
Residential levels
Each unit has a double height outdoor garden, not only for more sunlight, but also for the “suburban outdoor living style” when they are living in the urban area.
Reinforced Concrete Columns
600mm: Train Level, Ground Floor, First Floor
500mm: Residential Levels (Fourth to Eleventh Floor)
Reinforced Concrete Slabs
Rockwool Flexi Slab Acoustic Insulation 400mm
With UB410 Beams:
Train Level, Ground Floor, First Floor
With Reinforced Concrete Beams:
Residential Levels (Fourth to Eleventh Floor)
Brick look facade
Fixed on the walls/columns on Train Level, Ground Floor, First Floor to match the existing heritage station appearance
Cross laminated timber facade
Fixed on the walls/columns on the double height balconies
Safety nets
Fixed in the atrium for better sunlight and ventilation in residential levels
Fiber Cement Panel Cladding
Fixed on the walls/columns on the residential levels, thus reduce impact during the construction
200mm
Section BB
3500mm Residential Units
200mm
3500mm Residential Units
200mm
3500mm Residential Units
600mm Transition Level
3900mm Community Centre
600mm Soundproof Level
7100mm Developped Train Level
Thesis Statement Elaboration
Melbourne, as a city renowned for its rich culture and dynamic growth, has experienced significant expansion over the past few decades. Schlesinger (2020) notes, "Melbourne’s urban growth boundary will extend outwards over the next 20 years to incorporate six new fringe suburbs and provide new homes for up to 100,000 people." This anticipated outward expansion to accommodate the city's significantly increasing population and the need for housing. However, overly sprawling horizontal expansion leads to increased commuting times and forces many people to trade large outdoor living spaces to tight apartments in urban areas. This prompts us to the question of whether there are any more sustainable, innovative alternatives for future developments. This question has led to the proposal of "Upward Urbanism: Crafting Sustainable Living Spaces Above Train Stations," which proposes a vertical solution of developing the airspace above the existing infrastructure to create living spaces. This project aims not only to solve the high housing demand but also to challenge the current apartment design strategies.
The development of airspace is not a contemporary invention, but a principle with history precedents. As Morris (1969) states, “The ancient Romans built dwellings on top of aqueducts.” Transitioning to the 20th century, the urban planning in United States started a significant transformation by zoning different urban areas for specific uses. (Hirt, 2012; McMillen & McDonald, 1999 as cited in Mualam, Salinger, & Max, 2019). The zoning approach promoted the separation of residential, commercial, and industrial zones. This approach brought order and efficiency to the city. However, it also fostered a dependence on private vehicles. In the meantime, outward expansion leads to far travel distances. Thus this approach led to a diminished urban diversity and an anti-urban sentiment that prioritized vehicular access over the convenience of city life (Talen, 2005 as cited in Mualam, Salinger, & Max, 2019).
Drawing inspiration from historical developments and the critique of modern urban planning. Some contemporary projects have successfully integrated living spaces above existing infrastructures. As an example, the Instant City project in New York City proposed residential living spaces above the existing building.
The designers re-considered the air rights concept and tried to solve New York’s housing problems (GEBDESIGN, n.d.). Similarly, this strategy also happening in Australia now. A tall building in Martin Place in Sydney bought the air right from a neighbour and had the building curved to create more space inside the building (Devine, 2019).
Following the exploration of air rights usage in urban development, we can lead to the solution that building above existing buildings is beneficial for solving urban issues. In addition, developers gain profits, retail tenants have a high flow of people, residents enjoy convenience and modern living, and the community will have more job opportunities and livability conditions around. An outstanding example is Hudson Yards in Manhattan. A new plaza with multiple residential and commercial buildings was built on the previous train yards (Jaffe, 2014). There was a similar concept in Melbourne a few years ago located on 24 Chapel Street. The developers wished to build a 20-storey skyscraper above train lines. However, due to the concerns about overdevelopment and overheight, the concept was rejected by the council (Construction
Advisor, 2017).
Back to reality, the proposed site is adjacent to 24 Chapel Street, Melbourne. Unlike the previous rejected proposal for a 20-storey skyscraper above train lines, this proposal involves constructing a 12-storey building directly above Windsor train station as the council's requirements. The building surrounded by retail streets, next to a 5-storey apartment, with Windsor station as one of the busiest train stations in Melbourne, it has a rich development opportunity. On the other hand, the proposed mixed-use building can be used as a centre for residential and community growth, offering an opportunity of reunion the splitting areas which are subdivided by the train lines.
While the proposal presents a promising vision for urban development, it's also facing challenges. Considering the heritage status of Windsor Station, it is impossible to demolish the existing station. The structure should ensure the new development not only respects the heritage building but also achieves the proposed goals. A recently built project in Sydney, 88 Walker Hotel and Office Building used concrete columns to suspend the floor, thus extending
above the existing heritage building (Abdel, 2024). This approach inspired me to use concrete columns to lift the building up, it ensures sunlight and air circulation while maintaining the appearance of the existing heritage station.
The proposal is to construct a 12-storey building above Windsor Railway Station as per the council's requirements, which includes a community centre on the first floor. The development of the railway station is intended to compensate the community for the use of public space. Residential units will be located from the second floor to the eleventh floor above the community centre. To enhance the living experience, all residential units in the building will have two levels, with double-height balconies providing more sunlight and outdoor living spaces, allowing residents to move between levels using their own internal stairs. This design reduces public circulation spaces to half, with corridors only on every two floors, thus maximizing space for living areas. Furthermore, an atrium in the middle ensures there is enough sunlight reaching both the corridors and the interiors of the units. The vision is not only solving the housing crisis by creating new living spaces above
the train station but also enabling residents to enjoy a "suburban outdoor living style" in an urban area, blending urban convenience with suburban comfort.
References
Abdel, H. (2024, February 18). 88 Walker Hotel and office building / fitzpatrick+partners. ArchDaily.
City of Melbourne. (2024). Heritage Design Guide. City of Melbourne. https://www.melbourne.vic.gov. au/building-and-development/heritage-planning/heritage-design-guide/Pages/additions.aspx
City of Stonnington. (2024). Windsor Siding master plan. https://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/About/
Construction Advisor, Proposal for Victoria’s first residential skyscraper over railway lines to go to VCAT. Construction Advisor. (2017). https://www.constructionadvisor.com.au/proposal-forvictorias-first-residential-skyscraper-over-railway-lines-to-go-to-vcat/
Department of Infrastructure.(2002). Melbourne 2030 planning for sustainable growth. Department of Infrastructure. Retrieved 2024, from https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_ file/0016/20491/Urban-Growth-Boundary.pdf
Devine, A. (2019). “air rights” worth big bucks for sydney real estate. Realcommercial. https://www. realcommercial.com.au/news/air-rights-worth-big-bucks-for-sydney-real-estate
Dow, A. (2017, March 22). Plan for apartment tower to hover over Melbourne railway line The Age. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/plan-for-apartment-tower-to-hover-over-
melbourne-railway-line-20170322-gv466z.html
GEBDESIGN. (n.d.). Instant city : Living air-right: GEBDESIGN. Archello. https://archello.com/project/ instant-city-living-air-right
Jaffe, E. (2014, March 19). How New York is building an entire neighborhood on top of a rail yard
Mapnificent. (n.d.). Dynamic public transport travel time maps. Mapnificent https://www.mapnificent. net/melbourne/#12/-37.8141/144.9633/5460/-37.8141/144.9633
Morris, E. J. (1969). Air Rights are “Fertile Soil.” The Urban Lawyer, 1(3), 247–267. http://www.jstor. org/stable/27892660
Mualam, N., Salinger, E., & Max, D. (2019). Increasing the urban mix through vertical allocations:
Public floorspace in mixed-use development. Cities, 87, 131-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/
platypus150 (2017). Windsor railway station - All you need to know before you go (2024) Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g255100-d1194487-Reviews-Windsor_
Railway_Station-Melbourne_Victoria.html
Schlesinger, L. (2020, December 8). Melbourne urban sprawl to extend into six new suburbs over next
20 Years Urban.com.au. https://www.urban.com.au/expert-insights/investing/melbourneurban-sprawl-to-extend-into-six-new-suburbs-over-next-20-years
SEs. (2018). Windsor railway station - All you need to know before you go (2024). Tripadvisor. https:// www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g255100-d1194487-Reviews-Windsor_Railway_
Station-Melbourne_Victoria.html
SMA PROJECTS (2017). The green building will hover above the Sandringham rail line. The Age, Retrieved 2024, from https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/plan-for-apartment-towerto-hover-over-melbourne-railway-line-20170322-gv466z.html. State Government of Victoria, 073 Transport Integration Act 2010 1–360 (2010).
State Government of Victoria, VC204 Planning and Environment Act 1987 1–6 (2022).
State Revenue Office Victoria. (n.d.). Greater Melbourne map and urban zones Retrieved from https:// www.sro.vic.gov.au/greater-melbourne-map-and-urban-zones
Vadnjal, L. (2018, February 11). A new elevated train line and station will open in Melbourne This Week Concrete Playground. https://concreteplayground.com/melbourne/travel-leisure/newelevated-train-line-station-will-open-melbourne-week
VicPlan. (n.d.). VicPlan. Department of Transport and Planning. https://mapshare.vic.gov.au/vicplan/
