Redevelopment of Darling Harbor - Essay Example

Name Course Lecturer Date Darling Harbor Introduction The history of Sydney would be incomplete without the mention of Darling Harbor and its striking background. It is one of the leading entertainment and waterfront leisure destinations. Its transformation from a traditional docklands to a post modern international playground has only been described as a great miracle in the Sydney. The precinct has continued to win several tourism and construction awards. This is attributed to the tremendous developments that have continued to be established in the area (Plowman 102). The harbor has increased grown from a traditional docking area to a modern and busy port and finally to a post modern tourist attraction. Darling harbor was named after Ralph Darling a lieutenant-General. It bears a rich history of Sydney as it was a large part of the city commercial ports. Part of the harbor was given the name “Hungry Mile” at the time of Great Depression. The name accorded was due to the huge present of dockworkers that were searching for jobs in the port. The area was redeveloped after 30 years to become a tourist attraction centre. One of the harbor houses was transformed to be a Sydney Convection and Exhibition Centre and was used as a venue for the Olympics Games. Apart from the rich history, the Darling Harbor does provide a wide number of activities for entertainment. It has continued to be an attracting center for the whole world. It is also important to note that the harbor has continued to celebrate the great transformations that have taken more than 30 years (Bill 221). The Darling Harbor in relation to the theme The historical site is described in relation to the tradition and post modernity theme. The tradition is seen to be customs or practices that have been handled over in generations. They involve different practices, customs and behavior. This also includes even the traditional structures and architecture which are handled from one generation to another generation. The traditions provide excellent historical features that are mainly applied in the museum or other sites of attraction. Plowman (22) asserts that some of them may be modified to facilitate modernization which eventually may result to post modernization. It is important to note that post modernity is related to modernity. Post modernity brings in the sense of complex atmosphere and reality is neither fixed nor determined. In addition, creates a sense of adventure and a great expression of life experiences. With all its possible excesses and complexity, is basically seen as an attempt to look for new and different versions of truth in this world. There has been a translation from tradition, modern and post modernization in the site. It is important to note that, in this case, for the harbor to be an effective post modernity attraction sites, traditions had to play a major role for the development of it. The history of Darling is given in order to capture the development of the site from a tradition perspective that will pave way for the creation of post modernity in the site (Natoli and Johannes 145). History Before the arrival of the Europeans, the Cadigal people were the original inhabitants of the region round the Sydney Cove. The Cadigal people named the place “Tumbalong”, place where seafood is found. The indigenous people used the harbor to transport food up Parramatta River. Various campsites were located at the shore especially in the warm season when the shellfish and fish were the main sources of food. Mussels, fish, cockies and oysters were plentiful for the whole community. Native trees and plants were mainly used as spears and fishing line. It is evident that the shores were well littered with the remnants of shellfish and oyster shells. The remnants accumulated over years and the Europeans named the bay, the Cockle Bay. Before then, after Sydney was established, it was referred to as the “Long Cove” due to its unique length of this bay (Sadlier 173). The English people were among the first European to establish interests on this area. The First Fleet commissioned by King George III was mandated to learn about the people leaving in the land. However, their arrival resulted to the spread of measles, smallpox, flu and colds in the region. This was very devastating for the people. After four years of settlement, a large population of the Cadigal people had dead as a result of the infections. History has it that bodies were lying in the coves of the harbor. It is also important to note that some Cadigal people did survive the arrival and the epidemics of the Europeans. From archaeological evidence, the Cadigal people continued living a semi-traditional life, even after the arrival of the European. At present the descendants of the first people to come into contact with the Europeans are still living in Sydney (Mclntyre 111). Early development In 1826, the harbor was renamed to Darling Harbor to honor the achievements of Governor Ralph Darling was the then governor at that time. In 1830s, the translation of the harbor from a tradition to a modern harbor was established. Governor Macquarie commissioned these developments. The developments were characterized by a change form a bustling market quay to a large goods-handling and industrial precinct. In fact, it became the busiest seaport in Australia. The Pyrmont Bridge was built in 1857. Carriages had to pay in order to cross the bridge. The harbor expanded and was able to accommodate sawmills and larger vessels. Late, in the year, a railway was built to facilitate the transportation of good in and out of the harbor. Early 1900s, the Corn Exchange was built and became a landmark forming a section of the city. A new Pyrmont bridge made of steel was constructed. It opened traffic in 1902. The bridge had a swing which was powered by electricity from one of the powerhouse, Ultimo Powerhouse. Later in the century, the Paddy Markets were opened and this saw the growth of the harbor into a major distribution point (Rawlings 201). It is important to note that during the World Wars, the harbor was used to load and unload most of the war supplies. A migration scheme that was created by the government saw an increase in the number of inhabitants from the Australia post-war immigrants and refugees setting foot at the harbor. The old wharves in the harbor were demolished at this period. This was one of the various strategies that were applied to update the harbor. This resulted to the growth of Botany Bay which developed to become one of the major ports in Sydney. Trade and container terminal started to use the harbor (Bill 78). In the mid 1970s, the harbor was characterized with a series of hardly ever used train tracts and empty warehouses. Odd vessels were, however, seen to use the wharfs. It was evident that the harbor was ready to redevelopment. The fact that it was adjacent to the city and it magnificent waterside, were among the reasons for its redevelopment. The government saw the need to return the harbor to the people of Sydney. This was as a result of increase in the number of unemployment as a result of the Great Depression. The harbor had been neglected and run down. Commercial activities had decreased due to the lack of container terminals. Therefore, the government of New South Wales proposed the development of Darling Harbor as a tourist destination. In 1984, the last train carrying goods left the Harbor and the Transport Union Band did play a funeral match to pave way for redevelopment at the harbor (Lawrence 261). Redevelopment of Darling harbor According to Lee et al (67) the development of the harbor brings in the state of post modernity. In essence, there is evident of reintroduction of traditional and the classical elements. In addition, modern styles have been taken to extreme especially in terms of the building and reconstruction of various landmarks at the harbor. As most of the area had been demolished, the consultant, the designers and the architects developed a strategy that saw a beginning of redeveloping the harbor. The work started on the Sydney Convection and Exhibition Centre. Other buildings were renovated while others had to be built again. The harbor has been recognized for its redevelopment structures, in 1988, during the re-opening of the harbor, at the Australia’s Bicentennial Celebrations, the harbor won numerous tourism and construction industry awards. Darling harbor was re-opened by Queen Elizabeth II. At present, the harbor is seen to be a major post modern tourist attraction. One of the major elements that have been described to allow for this development is the Olympics Games that were held in Sydney in 2000. Approximately, $ 1.6 billion worth of public and private investment funds were combined to prepare the harbor for the Games. It is important to note that before its transformation, modernity was present as it was creativity and productivity was significant. However, in its way to be transformed into a post modern harbor, the previous values were discarded. The measures were said to be undertaken in order to ensure that it remained a premium tourist attraction. In 2009, the 21st anniversary celebrations characterized a transformation of the harbor. It led to the publication of various books concerning the harbor. Several attractions have continued to be post modernized and they include: the Chinese Garden of Friendship. The attraction was designed in China in order to celebrate Australian Bicentenary. This was given to Sydney as a gift from the Chinese city of Guangdong. The city is one of the largest outside Asia. These gardens were designed by excellent landscape architecture and the principle of embody dated back to the 4th century. The gardens do present the visitors with a peaceful and green environment in the midst of a busy city. It gives an excellent escape from the concrete environment of the harbor. The Cockle Bay Wharf is characterized by a mix of outdoor posh restaurants and eating places. It is one of those unique sites that give the harbor a much-needed and unique boost (Lawrence 154). IMAX theatre, a huge movie screen, not less than nine stories high with films that are shot in ultra high definition 80mm format is another post-modern feature in the harbor. Some of the excellent films in the recent years include an expedition to the Everest Mountain, a voyage round the earth using a space shuttle and a pleasure trip to the Antarctica. Most people have reported to have a positive towards these films. As one watching the films, one may have think that one is part of the film. It brings in a real experience of the places. Sound plays is said to be excellent. The speakers create a sense of realism. The experience of the theatre is awesome due to the quality of the films, the sound and the friendly environment. This creates an atmosphere of post modernism as a result of the establishment of architecture that is from the newest advanced technology (Sadlier 108). The Sydney aquarium is said to be one of the largest and post-modern aquariums in the present world. More than 6000 dissimilar Australia fish are displayed in a unique and fascinating in their clear natural habitats. The post-modern aquarium has been created in a way that visitors are able to stroll on the floor of the ocean through huge underwater tunnels. The Australian National Maritime Museum is another outstanding modern building in Darling harbor. In fact, the Museum is said to be one of the best of its kind in the world. Before it was modernized, the initial organizers used to collect fauna and flora and would entertain and fascinate the public (Natoli and Johannes 144). The museum was then able to acquire unique exhibits and it was able to expand its ornithology collection. The early curators were able to set up different animal displays that attracted visitors to the museum. Later, the museum officials started to acquire collection for scientists and research purposes. After 3 decades, the curators started to collect different artifacts from the aboriginal and indigenous people who lived in Australia. The anthropology collections in the museum increased as a result of site excavations which were carried out in Australia. The historical collections were also increased. Most of the historical collections mainly are from the colonization era. More research centers were also added (Natoli and Johannes 176). At present, the displays are arranged thematically and the collections of the indigenous people have continued to be one of the most praised displayed in the museum in the harbor. The museum is seen to increasingly continue to take great interest in the environment of Australia, the biodiversity, people’s culture and the natural resources in the country. Apart from being a major tourist attraction, the museum has continued to offer all sort of education to the people of Australia. The museum also harbors objects that are related to the arrival of the First Fleet in the harbor, immigration wave, the indigenous sea trade and seamanship. There are various large vessels including the Vampire. This is a destroyer that was built in the 1950s. In addition, dance companies and local musicians do offer entertainment to the people who visit the museum. Powerhouse Museum is another museum within the harbor that is located in previous power station. It basically deals with technology and is referred to as a science museum. Exhibitions do vary from computers and space design. The Motor World Museum and Gallery holds a collection of more than 300 motorcycles and cars ranging from Model-T Bp tanker to a Vauxhalls and Delo rean. The museums create a sense of post modernity as there is a incorporation of historical particulars in a hybrid. There is presence of exaggerated styles in the museum especially the one involving the cars and the decorating elements (Bill 56). According to Rawlings (135) another outstanding landmark in the city is the Sydney Harbor Bridge. The modern bridge is said to offer an excellent view of the Darling Harbor, beautiful city and the Sydney Opera House. The harbor holds various modern and post-modern restaurants, entertainment centers and shopping center. The outstanding features in the harbor create a feeling of adventure as many visitors are able to experience a lifetime enjoyment. In fact, this is the main reasons for the creation of these sites and the continued support from the government and the city dwellers. In addition most visitors are said to visit the harbor in order to be able to find new truth and to a greater extent a different version of the city (Plowman 124). Darling Harbor does host several outdoors events that are seen to carry out their traditions. These include: Street Theatre Festivals, the Fiesta Festivals, the Hoopla Acrobatics, Australia Day Celebrations, the Darling Harbour Jazz, Blues Festival and the New Year’s Festivals. Most of these festivals create an atmosphere of traditional environment. It is seen to be interesting to hold traditional festivals in post modern infrastructure. Indeed, one cannot dispute the relation of traditions and post modernity in creation of tourist destination in the current world. Of importance to note is that plans are underway to continue developing the Darling Harbor in order to be able to attract and maintain the visitors who are said to come from different countries in order to enjoy the beautiful landmarks and the rich historical culture in the harbor. Conclusion Indeed, one cannot dispute the fact that Sydney has continued to enjoy a vast resource of the tourist attraction sites. Darling Harbor is a major tourist attraction. Its rich history runs from the settling of the indigenous people who lived along the shore. The Cadigal people, the main indigenous people in this region, benefited from the ocean as they were able to obtain food and transport. With the settlement of the Europeans, drastic changes were evident. The traditions of the people were somewhere interfered by the settlers’ culture. In addition, modernity was seen to set in. The harbor attracted development in the late 20th century. Post modernity was introduced through architecture. Several landmarks and traditions have continued to be a major tourist attraction in the harbor. These include: the museum, the bridge and the IMAX theatre. Post modernity has continued to be evident in most the current attraction. However, it is important to note that post modernity is seen to be related to modernity. In addition, the right definition of this term has also been related to traditions too. Cited Work; Plowman Peter. Ferry to Tasmania: a short history page. New York: Wiley, (2004). Print. Lee Mylne, Marc Llewellyn, Ron Crittall. Frommer’s Australia 2011. Sydney : Wiley& Sons, Inc. ,(2010). Print. Bill MacMahon. The architecture of East Australia: an Architectural history. London Edition Axel Menges, (2001). Print. Joseph P. Natoli and Bertens Johannes, Postmodernism: the key figures. Sydney: Wiley & Sons, Inc. (2002). Print. Darryl Mclntyre, Jones Ian and MacDonald Robert. City museums and city development Plymouth : AltraMira Press, (2010). Print. Charles Rawlings. Sydney. Sydney: Lonely Plane Online Shop, (2009). Print. Richard Sadlier. The aborigines of Australia. Sydney: BiblioBazaar, (2009). Print. Joan Lawrence. Pictorial History Randwick. Melbourne: Kingsclear Books Pity Ltd, (2002). Print Read More