The Incorporation of Elements in the AMCORD Strategic Plan - Coursework Example

Preparation of a Structure Plan and a Sub-division Plan for an Area South-East of the University of Southern Queensland Assignment Three Group: Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 The Plan Structure and Report on the Subdivision Plan 3 The Incorporation of Elements in the AMCORD Strategic Plan 4 Integration of the AMCORD Elements of Design in the Plan 5 General Assumptions 10 The Requirements of the Council in the Design 10 Encumbrances on the Subdivision 11 Our Group Refection 11 References 12 Introduction An allotment of land based towards the Southeast of the University of Southern Queensland near the New England Highway which covers an area of about two hundred and twenty six hectares has been chosen to be used for the purpose of the future development of a new estate for new residential houses. When finally complete, the subdivision should be able to house approximately 8,000 residents. The relevant personnel have already conducted a market analysis for the client which comprises of the details which are needed for the successful subdivision and these include an inviting and friendly environment that caters for the needs of all the residents in the neighbourhood, numerous pedestrian and bicycle paths aimed at encouraging walking and cycling which are more eco-friendly as opposed to the use of motor vehicles, an array of allotment sizes which will capable of meeting most of the personal requirements of the dwellers and to promote not only an eco-friendly but also a modern standard of living which will adequately cover for the future. Based on the above standards of subdivision, the requirements meet the present Toowoomba Town Planning Scheme and therefore the estate will be capable of comprising both a friendly and modern residential subdivision that will not only be self-sustainable but also eco-friendly as well. This report therefore deals with the proposed subdivision that will be done on the land which is located along the Kearney Street and the New England and it is aimed at justifying and discussing the aim behind all the concepts and elements of this particular subdivision. The Plan Structure and Report on the Subdivision Plan The major objective of designing the proposed subdivision was to actually ensure that numerous elements which were capable of meeting the dwellers’, councils’ and clients’ needs and requirements were given consideration. One of the most vital considerations that had to be taken into account when making the subdivision was to ensure that there was the development of both a self-sustainable and eco-friendly community that made use of not only the earth smart technologies but also ensured that there was an encouragement of the community projects like the garden patches. The element was also aimed at ensuring that the need for personal individual transport was greatly minimized through the encouraging of walking and cycling to and from the estate. The aim of coming up with a design which was self-sustainable and environmentally friendly was to ensure that there was promotion of a healthy living lifestyle which ultimately reduced the negative impact of the eco-print on the environment. This was clearly achieved through the inclusion of the pedestrian and cycling paths along all the major streets in the estate and the inclusion of shops which provided the residents with the commonly needed requirements to ensure that they can’t travel long distances in order to buy such products. This greatly helped the dwellers in the estate to have a sense of togetherness, socialisation sprit and a community spirit thus making them to become more active. The Incorporation of Elements in the AMCORD Strategic Plan In the development of any strategic plan, the Australian Model Code for the Residential Development (AMCORD) laid down 5 major factors which ought to be incorporated and integrated in the structure plan namely: The Residential Development and Sustainability-This particular element was aimed that a particular community should be in a position of both realizing and using the natural resources which are provided. This particular element was achieved in the plan because there was a lot of natural fora in the land which was not used for construction thus making natural plants and flowers to grow. In addition to that, pathways for pedestrians and cycling were included in the whole of the structure’s plan in order to encourage an eco-smart alternative and a healthy alternative towards private transport. Urban Density and Form-The subdivision of the land is designed with an aim of making all the residents in the estate possess their own private backyards and also enjoy the public open space that is provided in the estate. There is a central location of the schools and shopping complex thus making them to become easily accessible to the dwellers using cycle or a short walk that have been provided in the estate. Housing requirements-Initially, it was observed that the subdivision of the land was designed to be a quiet and close-knit environment meant for students, families and elderly people. As a result, most of the dwellers in the estate will only need a smaller allotment of land that would basically facilitate the construction of a 3 or 4 bed-roomed houses and a small backyard as well. Despite of that, there are also larger sized lots for those individuals who way wish to construct larger houses with bigger backyards or those who may want to establish home businesses in the estate. It can therefore be genuinely ascertained that the estate indeed covers the needs of various sized lots in the entire proposed subdivision. The Main Infrastructure-The major or main infrastructure like drainage, pedestrian and cycling paths as well as roads have been fully incorporated in the subdivision. Naturally, most of the drainage has been developed from the land’s slope but there has also been the installation of other drainage lines. The cycling and pedestrian paths are an important component in the estate because apart from linking the community, they also make it easy for the residents in the subdivision to access all the areas or places within the locality thus creating an environment which is self-sustainable. Accessibility, Transport and Employment-The designing of the community within the estate was such that it was capable of helping it to create employment opportunities. This can be achieved through the inclusion of shopping complexes in the subdivision and also through permitting the establishment of home businesses in the community. The structure plan has been designed with a view of ensuring that all major facilities within the subdivision can be accessed easily through either walking or cycling and therefore making the use of personal vehicles to become only relevant when dwellers or residents of the estate needed to travel outside the community setting. The design plan has also been developed to include a city bus route that constantly stops at marked bus stops that are located at different places in the subdivision. Integration of the AMCORD Elements of Design in the Plan AMCORD also comprises of 5 important components of design which are helpful in both the design and development of the subdivision plan. To ensure that the factors mentioned above are successfully implemented, then the 5 design components mentioned below ought to be given utmost consideration: The Physical Infrastructure-When designing any given subdivision, it is important to note all the types of infrastructure in planning that need to be included. This will at most times include the on-street parking, general design of the streets, speed control measures, use of adequate and appropriate signs, street lightings and drainage points on the street. Most of the houses in the subdivision will become accessible using one way access streets that will be located at the back of the homes in order to provide a high sense of security and privacy in the residential subdivision of the estate. In essence, the one-way streets in the homes will also lead way to other collector streets that have a higher density of traffic among other feeder roads. The overall safety of the dwellers in using the roads has been enhanced through the reduction of the numerous arterial streets that could have been located in the subdivision. The Central Business District (CBD) of the subdivision like for instance the shopping complex and the hub will have a high level of street parking and vehicles in this environment will move at reduced speed while the parking will also be timed and monitored well. There will be provision of on street parking along some of the streets like for instance at the public space areas in the subdivision. In order to avoid much congestion on the street sides, parking in the one way streets will be extremely limited and this will also aim at ensuring that the shoppers in the facility prefer to use other means of travelling like walking and riding of bicycles. The subdivision’s aesthetic development is vital in the maintenance of a high standard and quality of living. In order to reduce the speed of traffic and help individuals become aware that they are nearing a built up environment, there are paved sections on the roadway upon going in the subdivision and the major hub area. The installation of gutters and kerbs along the streets will help in directing the flow of any excess water which will eventually become directed into the drainage points as well as providing an excellent finish towards the general subdivision. The Movement Networks and Neighbouring Planning in the subdivision-This is normally the first procedure that has to be undertaken in the planning and development of new subdivisions since such networks are responsible for ascertaining the major design of the estates subdivision and the structure f the road networks, the population density, the public transport routes an stops and also the population density of a given place. According to the general design of the subdivision, it has been made to become a community that is highly social and which is capable of encouraging the residents to become active in most of the community projects that may become available. The placing of the shopping complex and the central hub in the middle or heart of the proposed subdivision design will make them to become easily reachable by all residents. This will also lead to the development of a community spirit through ensuring that all the residents are capable of participating in all events regarding their community like for instance in social events such as games and in the creation of other social amenities. The design of the structures in the street was made in such a way that there was a reduction of the main arterial roads or streets that pass through the areas of residence. This has indeed been made possible through the inclusion of numerous one-way streets meant for local traffic. This is quite beneficial in that it provides the ideal environment for the family due to a reduction in traffic levels. As a result, this will make it safer for children playing in the environment and even those who are riding bikes on the street reserves. In addition to that, the low level of traffic actually minimizes the amount of noise in the subdivision. The inclusion of both the cycling and pedestrian paths in the subdivision which leads to the major shopping district and other spaces is quite essential because it provides for other means of transport. Such paths actually link the streets in the surrounding environment together thus making it easier for the dwellers to either cycle or walk to other homes in the environment. According to the Council rules, it is required that at least 10 per cent of the area in the subdivision should be allocated for use of a public open space. The subdivision should also include children’s play parks, football fields, walking trails and the community gardens that have spaces for picnics and ponds. This will provide the estate’s residents with a wide range of outdoor activities which they can opt to participate in. The Visual Aesthetics of the Streets-The streetscape of the street coupled with its neighbourhood is vital in the development of a neighbourhood of a high quality character. This will comprise the landscape and the design of the street and public homes and buildings. In relevant situations, the streets in the subdivision will also have some grassed median strips with various flowers and plants from within the locality. The design of the division to include some paved sections in the streets make it to become of high quality and also make other commuters in the community to reduce their speeds as they enter residential places within the estate. In the streetscape’s design, there is the incorporation of elegant street lightings instead of the normal lightings and thus making the place to become more beautiful. The benches in the park and the bins are made of street furniture to make the public open spaces and parks become conducive for recreational activities. Most of the residents in the subdivision will normally opt to use public transportation systems as opposed to the private means due to the presence of totally enclosed and air conditioned modern vehicles or buses that are easily available in most of the major bus stops. In order to maintain a high sense of privacy, it is expected that most of the houses within the subdivision will be fenced since most of the families may prefer rearing some outside animals. As a result, large or high fencing can greatly help in creating a social barrier between the neighbours in the subdivision and this may ultimately discourage the socializing spirit in the community. Due to that, many of the homes in the estate will have the back end of their houses fenced while the front yards will be left open to ensure the residents can mingle freely. Building Design and Site Planning-At most times, most of the streets and arterial roads which experience heavy flow of traffic can divide the subdivisions in the estate. This actually discourages most of the residents in the estate from crossing from one side of the road to the other to meet and socialize with others. In order to ensure that this does not happen in the estate, the commercial lots of land are strictly based in the CBD of the structure in a group having smaller surroundings of residential lots. This limits this location towards the local traffic and therefore leading to a reduction in traffic flow. Due to the fact that the subdivision is supposed to accommodate the needs and preferences of different calibres of people, there lots are sized differently and they have been situated strategically around the plan of the structure. For those families having either children or dogs, the plan of the subdivision caters for larger lots comprising of more backyard spaces in order to provide them with an outdoor play space which is secure. Despite of that, the elderly people in the subdivision will actually require smaller lots having smaller backyards which also will need less maintenance. It should be noted by all and sundry that the layout of each specific lot is quite essential in the designing of the contemporary residential subdivision since the levels of sunlight is an important factor which needs to be given first hand consideration due to numerous reasons. It is worth noting that almost all the new modern housings are heavily dependent on the solar power for electricity production. This is due to the fact that solar power is quite a sustainable energy source which needs a specific amount of sunlight in order to make it effective. Each particular lot is rectangular in shape and made in such a way that the solar panels can be well placed on the roof tops to get maximum sunlight. The developers in the subdivision are strictly prohibited against construction of housings aimed at fencing the line. This is due to the fact such close constructions will prevent the sun rays from reaching the next or neighbouring house. In the modern society, many of the potential homebuyers regard privacy as being their first priority in their endeavour to purchase a house. As a result of this fact, the subdivision has incorporated numerous features in the design to present an increased sense of privacy. To reduce traffic noises and limit the streets in the subdivision to local traffic, there has been the inclusion of private access lanes. Under the current arrangement, the area in the existing subdivision actually has no proper fencing located around the entire of the subdivision. The design of the structure plan therefore proposes that the council fencing should be put up around the whole subdivision in order to provide maximum privacy and also help in the reduction of noise emanating from the roads. The Management of Storm Water catchment areas- This implies the affective management of wastewater and how such water can be effectively be recycled. The presence of the guttering and kerbs on all the streets is aimed at directing the water into an underground drain thus helping to prevent such excess water from remaining on the road after a heavy rainfall. There is no need for construction of heavy drainage systems in the structure plan because the parcel of land which is located on far southern side and the Southeast corner is not conducive for building and therefore has been intentionally been left to be used as a public open space. The land at this place is therefore heavily dependent on gravity feed system for its drainage and thus the water freely flows into the grasslands and man-made ponds to aid keep the ground wet and thus minimize the risk that can be caused by bush fires. It should be noted that indeed, most of the residential land in the structure’s plan is located on a flat terrain and therefore there has been provision of basic storm water drainage alone. General Assumptions When considering the process of designing the structure plan, it was prudent to make some assumptions. Given the fact that the design brief was not effectively considered in order to determine what the client and the Council needed, assumptions had to be made about the types of streets that had to be included and also the inclusion of other public facilities like community activities and shopping centres. Assumptions were further made that the forms of street in the structure plan should actually cover the privacy and the feelings of the community hence the inclusion of local access routes or streets at the back of the houses. Moreover, it should be noted that the design brief lacked information regarding the inclusion of the public facilities in the structure plan and thus assumptions were made to that effect to include the CBD in the subdivision since there were a few facilities and local facilities in the immediate area. The Requirements of the Council in the Design Despite the fact that it was clearly stated the subdivision was capable of accommodating about 8000 residents, it was realized upon further scrutiny that some of the land was steep and therefore unsuitable and unstable for building purposes. This could ultimately pose as a major problem to the entire process of designing due to a reduction in the building space. There was a reduction of the lot sizes in order to create room for the building of more individual homes on the remaining parcel of land which was effectively utilized. Based on the design requirements of the Council, it is required that a specific percentage of land should be set aside for every potential use. As a result, 10% of the land had to be set aside and was used in the creation of open space zones in the structure plan. Encumbrances on the Subdivision One major encumbrance that was established in the subdivision was the major natural watercourse which passed through the South-Eastern part of the estate. The watercourse ran its course in land which was regarded as being unstable for development because it was too steep and was therefore regarded as being open space which was used in feeding the storm water into the large ponds. Such a drainage system was beneficial because it reduced the number of artificial drainage system that could be installed on the subdivision. It also created a natural and relaxing environment for the dwellers to visit and enjoy themselves. Our Group Refection Our group found this assignment to be quite challenging and complex and therefore ensure that there was total input of all the members. However, it provided us with a hand-on-experience opportunity and therefore gave us a good insight of the actual work that was done on the ground. The assignment consumed most of our time and we were forced to work during the night to ensure that we complete the assignment on time. References University of Southern Queensland, 2012. Planning Zones. SVY3201- Semester2, 1, 1:7500, Toowoomba: University of Southern Queensland. University of Southern Queensland, 2012. Potentially Steep and Unstable Land. SVY3201- Semester2, 1, 1:7500, Toowoomba: University of Southern Queensland. University of Southern Queensland, 2012. Contours 2m Intervals. SVY3201- Semester2, 1, 1:5000, Toowoomba: University of Southern Queensland. University of Southern Queensland, 2012. Large Site Plan. SVY3201- Semester2, 1, 1:7500, Toowoomba: University of Southern Queensland. USQ, University of Southern Queensland, 2012. Sustainable urban design and development. 2nd ed. Toowoomba : University of Southern Queensland. USQ, University of Southern Queensland, 2012. Sustainable urban design and development Introductory Book. 2nd ed. Toowoomba : University of Southern Queensland. University of Southern Queensland, 2012. Large Site Plan. SVY3201- Semester2, 1, 1:7500, Toowoomba: University of Southern Queensland. University of Southern Queensland, 2012. Contours 2m Intervals. SVY3201- Semester2, 1, 1:7500, Toowoomba: University of Southern Queensland. Read More

The aim of coming up with a design which was self-sustainable and environmentally friendly was to ensure that there was promotion of a healthy living lifestyle which ultimately reduced the negative impact of the eco-print on the environment. This was clearly achieved through the inclusion of the pedestrian and cycling paths along all the major streets in the estate and the inclusion of shops which provided the residents with the commonly needed requirements to ensure that they can’t travel long distances in order to buy such products.

This greatly helped the dwellers in the estate to have a sense of togetherness, socialisation sprit and a community spirit thus making them to become more active. The Incorporation of Elements in the AMCORD Strategic Plan In the development of any strategic plan, the Australian Model Code for the Residential Development (AMCORD) laid down 5 major factors which ought to be incorporated and integrated in the structure plan namely: The Residential Development and Sustainability-This particular element was aimed that a particular community should be in a position of both realizing and using the natural resources which are provided.

This particular element was achieved in the plan because there was a lot of natural fora in the land which was not used for construction thus making natural plants and flowers to grow. In addition to that, pathways for pedestrians and cycling were included in the whole of the structure’s plan in order to encourage an eco-smart alternative and a healthy alternative towards private transport. Urban Density and Form-The subdivision of the land is designed with an aim of making all the residents in the estate possess their own private backyards and also enjoy the public open space that is provided in the estate.

There is a central location of the schools and shopping complex thus making them to become easily accessible to the dwellers using cycle or a short walk that have been provided in the estate. Housing requirements-Initially, it was observed that the subdivision of the land was designed to be a quiet and close-knit environment meant for students, families and elderly people. As a result, most of the dwellers in the estate will only need a smaller allotment of land that would basically facilitate the construction of a 3 or 4 bed-roomed houses and a small backyard as well.

Despite of that, there are also larger sized lots for those individuals who way wish to construct larger houses with bigger backyards or those who may want to establish home businesses in the estate. It can therefore be genuinely ascertained that the estate indeed covers the needs of various sized lots in the entire proposed subdivision. The Main Infrastructure-The major or main infrastructure like drainage, pedestrian and cycling paths as well as roads have been fully incorporated in the subdivision.

Naturally, most of the drainage has been developed from the land’s slope but there has also been the installation of other drainage lines. The cycling and pedestrian paths are an important component in the estate because apart from linking the community, they also make it easy for the residents in the subdivision to access all the areas or places within the locality thus creating an environment which is self-sustainable. Accessibility, Transport and Employment-The designing of the community within the estate was such that it was capable of helping it to create employment opportunities.

This can be achieved through the inclusion of shopping complexes in the subdivision and also through permitting the establishment of home businesses in the community. The structure plan has been designed with a view of ensuring that all major facilities within the subdivision can be accessed easily through either walking or cycling and therefore making the use of personal vehicles to become only relevant when dwellers or residents of the estate needed to travel outside the community setting. The design plan has also been developed to include a city bus route that constantly stops at marked bus stops that are located at different places in the subdivision.

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