Federation Square East Development Proposal - Case Study Example

Federation Square East Development Proposal Table of Contents Federation Square East Development Proposal 1 Table of Contents 1 The Federation Square East Development: 2 Fast facts: Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Construction: April 2014 onwards Developer: ABC Buildings and Constructions Key statistics: Site area: 3.3 hectare site Dwellings: Buildings to be able to accommodate 25,000 people in open and enclosed areas. This includes terraces, detached apartments and dwellings Building types: High-rise to accommodate more people in less space The Federation Square East Development: Background of the site: This is a Brownfield Riverside site in the city centre, which contains a branch of National Gallery of Victoria and stands beside Lab Architecture and Bates Smart. The site has been, as of now, dubbed as a "black hole in the city landscape" by the Victorian government but wants to transform it into a precinct that can have mixed use; focus being on improving connections with its surrounding areas and civic functionality. Since the site being a tricky one, government does not have any pre-determined set of outcomes in mind. But primarily it is envisaged that the site, when developed, revitalises the Yarra River's northern side and is able to gel with both the river and the sporting, cultural and entertainment precincts. Design concepts: This will be an innovative and intensive residential-cum-recreational development north of the Yarra River and east of the Federation Square. The key elements of the Federation Square East development plan would include: A place that can be used for community gathering and would include restaurant, children's playground, cafe, childcare centre and a six-unit retail space. A matrix of parks that can link with the facilities across the Yarra River and with Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD). An overall and a matchless landscape concept that integrates sport and recreational facilities, centralised open space and through a tiered level of parks and reserves. Two high-rise multi-storied units that can create living space for guests from events happening in CBD if and when required. Dwellings that face the Yarra River or communal open space. Features that would match Chicago's Millennium Park in which train tracks were covered resulting in a large tourist attraction. The mixed-use development plan would be around two major public spaces: one covered, which will be the atrium covering railways lines with decks and another open, St. Paul Court and The Square. The intersection between Swanston Street or St. Kilda Road and Flinders Street would be remodelled as such that it compliments the whole redesigned area. Design features: The complex of buildings will be oriented to the west and would form a U-shape. The atrium, on the eastern end of the square, will be formed of glazed walls. The paving of the St. Paul Court and the atrium will match with stones elsewhere in the CBD. Ochre-coloured blocks will be a preferable choice since they will invoke 'images from the past' to give the surroundings a heritage look. It will be an attempt to pave the footpaths such that they give the undulating surface a rich textual look. Giant screen and plaza: There will be a fixed public screen; size so large that it gives an unhindered public viewing experience of events happening in the CBD. Since Federation Square's east side is supposed to be a facility for use for an estimated 25,000 people, they must get a live experience of sporting and entertainment events taking place on the other side of the river. This will also lure crowds to this side and ease a bit of congestion on the other. Buildings: Buildings will be based on a desconstructivist style, both in their exteriors and interiors. The shapes would be modern and minimalist and slots angular and geometrical. Even as there would be some variations, the buildings would feature a mix of perforate zinc, sandstone, glass, zinc over a frame that will be metal exoskeletal based on scalene triangles geometrical patterns. Shards: These will be designed on the pattern of Jewish Museum Berlin and will be completely covered in angular slots and metallic surfaces on the southern and eastern side. Western side will be glass-clad. Laneways: Sandstones will be used to pave these. But before that is done, the number of unnamed laneways will be identified for further development. Riverfront: This will be further embellished with Australian eucalypts and exotic deciduous species. Areas between lanes and stairs opening into the riverfront will be landscaped, preferably with shady tree ferns. Atrium: This will be above the railways tracks and will serve the twin purpose of concealing the tracks and serving as one of the major public interest areas. The tracks will be covered with a deck, a couple of storeys high enough to include a boutique hotel, office spaces, public space for art, shops and area of public performance. The top will be landscaped with a garden with multiple entry points down into these facilities. The decking options will be worked out jointly with Aurecon Australia and Metro Trains. Labyrinth: This will be a passive cooling area which will be sandwiched below the middle of the square and above the railway tracks. This will be a concrete structure and will be made of honeycombed, interlocked walls. In order to maximise their surface, walls will be having a corrugated profile; each wall 60 cm apart from the next. Cold air will be pumped into the combed space during summer nights, which will cool down the concrete by pumping out the heat absorbed during the day. The next day the same process will be repeated with a difference that the cold air will be sent in through the labyrinth through floor vents into atrium. This is a proven scientific method which will enable the atrium to stay at least 12 degrees cooler than what it is outside. The best advantage that this system offers is that it consumes energy 10 times lesser than the conventional air conditioning and produces 10 times lesser carbon dioxide. When the process is reversed during winters, the effect thus produced is just the opposite. In this process the labyrinth will store the warm air pumped into it during daytime, and then back into atrium during the day. Conformation of the plan: While the final plan will evolve after much iteration over a period of two months ending December this year, the urban design principles that it will adhere to will include the following: 1. Good permeability and connectivity in pedestrian-oriented development 2. Networks of roads that is highly connected 3. TOD or transit-oriented development 4. Public space that of high quality 5. Best streetscape amenities 6. Road hierarchy that is reinforced by street tree planting and in order to provide character to the neighbourhood there will be a provision of reserve tree planting 7. Proper solar orientation 8. Low-impact, innovative solutions for water treatment 9. Proper disposal of sewage Each concrete facility will be fronted with proportionate size of neighbourhood parks. These parks will be based on the concept of 'neighbourhood commons'. The density of the development will be taken up in consultation with the Victorian government. As mentioned above the two high-rise units will be developed such that they do not appear out of place or not in sync with the surrounding areas. The main features of these units will be as below: 1) The front will open into pocket parks and there will be rear vehicular access in each that would led directly into the basement parking. 2) A few compact dwellings will be built between the two high-rise dwellings which can house the administrative and other staff relevant to these 3.3 hectares of property 3) All dwellings will be built according to the high Australian standards of construction using quality material and finishes. 4) In development of the parks as part of the open space the following features will be kept in mind: There will be no front fences All concrete constructions will be overlooking either parks, the river side or other properties. This will ensure the compactness in the whole development and give it a coherent look All rear access lanes will have good sightlines Monitored security Elimination of entrapment spots Character of the design: The existing character of the area, as mentioned by the Victorian government is that of a 'black-hole'. It lacks any landform that can be called as distinguished. The distinctive character of the 3.3 hectare land will be based on the cohesiveness of greens and concretes. The common green spaces with installation of state-of-the-art technology will foster an amalgamated character between open and closed spaces. Something of that sort does not at all exist now. In order to embellish it further distinctive planting and colour palette will be used such that in the years to come it becomes difficult to alter it manually thus making the area a landmark on its own and yet a distinctive and cohesive part of the CBD across the Yarra River. Creativity: This will be an integral part of the urban precincts around it, both on this and the other side of the river. Yet it will provide an alternative environment for those who want a change from what they have been seen in CBD for years and those who are interested in exploring architecture from the vantage point of extreme landscaping. Connections: The Federation Square East site is bounded by Flinders street to the north, Federation Square to the east, Birrarung Marr to the south and the Exhibition Street Extension to the east. Most of these sites are under the railways right now. Of the 3.3 hectares, 1 hectare is currently being used for service roads and car parking; and the remaining 2.3 hectares are under railway lines. Inter-connected reserves in combination with narrow roads will yield a pedestrian -friendly environment, which will help visitors and residents to walk safely and freely throughout the developed area. Around 60 percent of this area will be open space and the remaining under dwellings and other facilities. The open spaces will have commons, walkways, roads and linear parks. There will be cycle lanes but behind the dwellings only. Connections between all roads will be developed through subways tapered such that it becomes easier for even bicycle riders to ascend or descend with ease. Yarra River: At the moment there is only one bridge that connects the two sides of Yarra River. Once the project is underway, another bridge will be built which will open on one corner of the newly developed area, somewhere around the dwellings. This will create a direct access to the dwelling, beyond the same to other areas behind the Federation Square east or to the multi-tier parking below the dwellings. The bride will have a pedestrian side too, which will be used mostly by visitors coming to the side from CBD. It will not be for heavy vehicular traffic but will be able to take four wheelers intending to be either into dwelling or the landscaped area exclusively. Given the history of Yarra River, the bridge will be culturally built. The side railings can be tagged with portraits printed on rust-proof steel and displaying memorable moments from rowing regattas, Moomba festival, Dragon boat festivals, and Melbourne festival - almost everything that this river has been witness to numerous spectacular events. The bridge will be an important gateway to the 3.3 developed areas because of its importance to Aboriginal people, and even its name that derives its meaning from Yarra, an Aboriginal word meaning 'ever flowing'. There will be a historical mention of Charles Grimes, who led to this river the first party of Europeans in 1803. Charles Grimes was then the Acting Surveyor General of New South Wales. The bridge, just like the another one already existing now on the river, will be as much instrumental as the other one in establishing Melbourne skyline with this new development. Somewhere around the banks of the river an addition will be made in the number of eateries, small picnic spots, jettys, fishing platforms and barbecue. In addition to this there can be paths and trails lining the periphery of the square which can be used by joggers and walkers. Adherence to regulations: ABC Buildings and Constructions will make all possible efforts to adhere to the building and other regulations as proposed by the Victorian government in 2006 (S.R. No. 68/2006) in the matters that have prescribed: a) standards of demolition (if necessary) and of construction b) standards relevant to the safety of the developed area since it falls within public entertainment category c) standards as laid down for use or maintenance of the facilities within the area d) standards as prescribed for the high-rise or single dwellings e) standards as prescribed for spa or swimming pool safety f) standards as prescribed for operation and maintenance of the cooling systems g) standards as related to construction methods, building products, components and systems and designs And adherence to all regulations made under sections 7, 9, 15A, 75H, 261 and 262 of, and Schedule 1 to, the Building Act 1993. The project proposal also undertaken that it will be in constant touch with other regulatory authorities before, during and after the development of the proposed area. It also understands the terms and Acts pertaining to the activity which have to be born in mind if the project is allotted to it. These include but are not limited to only the following: Consultation of Road Management Act 2004 in case of an arterial road or freeway Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Act 1958, with specific role of Melbourne Water Corporation with regard to matters on drainage Electricity Industry Act 2000 and notably its section 85 with regard to electricity matters Fire performance requirements inclusive of the following: CP2, CP1, CP5, CP4, CP6, CP3, CP7, CP9, CP8, EP1.1, DP5, EP1.2, EP1.4, EP1.3, EP1.6, EP1.5, EP2.1 or EP2.2 of Volume One of the BCA; DP2, BP1.1, DP4, DP3, or DP6 of Volume One of the BCA; P2.3.1, P2.1, or P2.3.2 of Volume Two of the BCA. SWOT analysis: Strengths: 1. There are nearly 186 attractions in Melbourne, this can be 187th 2. The site is part of the Federation square; rather it is the Federation Square; that is the best thing Australia has 3. It has trams moving by, Moomba festival, Flinders Station, Bourke St Mall and Town Hall 4. Thriving food and wine culture around it so abundant that people would want to come back for more Weaknesses: 1. Federation Square East has not been having great positive image in the people minds so far; so it might be either difficult to change that or it might actually take some time. that is irrespective of the development 2. There is not enough clarity as to how much would be the government funding and what will be the stake of private developers 3. This is the only opportunity to link Yarra River, the city and parklands, but while that is an advantage; having no other choice makes it a disadvantage too 4. There have been protests regarding the proposed development, which might not leave the future work unhindered 5. The costs are high, returns not so well calculated Opportunities: 1. This will be an opportunity to deck the rail yards and landscape the area 2. This will be another link to connect the two sides with greater ease and accessibility 3. The points of access between two sides would be the most closer they can get by 4. This will be an opportunity to conceal what is infamously known as Melbourne's black-hole Threats: 1. Not many, since this is a government-run project 2. Lack of clarity, however, might prove a threat Cost estimation: The project will be in three phases: 1) Feasibility, which is estimated to cost around $3 million. 2) Landscaping and decking the rail yards, which is estimated to cost around $400 million. 3) Remaining development, which is estimated to cost another $200 million. References: Aspect Personnel (nd). Major Projects Victoria unveil Federation Square East design. Available http://blog.aspectpersonnel.com.au/?p=204. Accessed 15 October, 2013. Brown-May, A. and Day, N. (2003). Federation Square, South Yarra, Vic: Hardie Grant Books Coslovich, G., (2003). The Square's vicious circle. Available http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/04/25/1050777407188.html. Accessed 15 October, 2013. Dowling, J. (2013). Fears grow for rail yard park proposal. Available http://www.theage.com.au/business/property/fears-grow-for-rail-yard-park-proposal-20130428-2imok.html. Accessed October 15, 2013. PleaseTakeMeTo.com (nd). Yarra River Information. Available http://www.pleasetakemeto.com/australia/yarra-river/information. Accessed 15 October, 2013. The Australian (2013). Ron Walker's bid to lead city square's evolution. Available http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/ron-walkers-bid-to-lead-city-squares-evolution/story-fn9656lz-1226697350116. Accessed 15 October, 2013. Read More