ABPL 30052: URBAN PRECICNT STUDIO: URBAN DESIGN FRAME WORK REPORT 12.5 U
ROYAL PARADE PRECINCT Introduction:
Royal parade has and will continue to play an important role within Melbourne. The report will analyse and explore the evolving character and form of the precinct from the origins of a glamorous boulevard to a leader in ecologically sensitive and sustainable urban design. The report will identify the site context and intervention focus for the precinct in which will act as the foundation for analysis and design. The design process will be examined, highlighting the steps taken from analysis to actualization. The importance of the process in informing the evolution of design will be examined highlighting steps taken in which lead to the design outcome. The report will examine the framework plan highlighting how the design will transform Royal Parade into a destination that will meet the needs of current and future populations. The relevance of theory, literature and precedence within the design process will be analyzed, highlighting the importance of its role throughout. Furthermore, the skills utilized and acquired will be discussed, highlighting their importance in shaping the design process, sharing of skills, and methods of communication. An important relationship between architecture, planning and design will be analyzed and explored through design outcomes. In summary a case and argument will be examined as to why this should be the adopted ‘plan’ for the precinct in the future?
Site Context: Royal Parade runs as a continuation from the northern end of Melbourne CBD as seen in (Figure 1). The site has evolved from playing a role as a significant historical and political boulevard; to the central research and education hub it is today. In 1878 the Melbourne City Council created a tree-‐lined boulevard "from Grattan-‐street to the Brunswick boundary" in which is known today as Royal Parade (AHD, 2013). The precinct falls within the Parkville activity center, boarded by Carlton, Brunswick and the CBD. The site acts as a significant thoroughfare facilitating public and private connections from north to south (ADH, 2013). The site has evolved into a key civic, administrative and community hub within Melbourne (ADH, 2013).
Figure 1: Site Context of Royal Parade. Date Made: Sept 2014.
Ongoing analysis and investigation of the site has lead to the definition of the chosen zone of
intervention seen in (Figure 2). The objectives and strategies formulated will be achieved within the timeframe (2015-‐2050) in which the site will be analyzed for its success in achieving these frameworks, and the second phase of intervention will be rolled out. The plan acts to address the current and projected needs the precinct stakeholders.
Figure 2: Intervention focus: Achieved within 2015-‐2050.
Design Process:
The design process involved a thorough and ongoing evolution of investigation, analysis, design and intervention. Group members shared their interdisciplinary knowledge in conjunction with analysis of literature and theory to inform and shape the design process. In reference to (Figure 3) the design process is broken down into the steps taken and revisited in which lead to the design outcome.
Figure: 3 Design Process: Analysis through to design actualization.
Key Analysis Focus : Transport and Mobility
The precinct is well-‐served by existing public transport, with two train stations on the periphery, main metropolitan bus portal and major tram spines running north to south. However, there are limited east-‐west public transport options in City North.
In reference to (Figure 4), the following observations are illustrated. Extensive pedestrian and bike infrastructure facilitates a high level of connectivity within the site (Figure 4).
A multitude of entrances into the site expedites high connectivity thus circulation. Furthermore, a series of traffic lights and crossings facilitate pedestrian movement through site, however such infrastructure is discontinuous and sporadic; generating limitations to navigate the site efficiently and safely (Figure 4).
Analysis Of Site
Develop Principles & Objectives
Establish Vision: Continue to Revise
Research Existent UDF: Inspiration
Use Literature To Inform Design
Revisit Site: Ongoing Propose Design: Overlay Design
Alternatives
Test Design Against Principles & Frameworks
Plan Timing of Design Interventions:
immediate & future
Test Outcomes For Specific User Groups:
Personas
Finalise & Refine Design: Model
Shared infrastructure occurring on the eastern side of the site presents limitations to cohesive flow of movement due to conflicting speeds thus hazards (Figure 4). Furthermore Haymarket acts as a major node, highlighting conditions facilitating modal split, thus high mobility throughout the site (Figure 4).
Figure 4: Transport and Mobility Analysis: Connectivity and Circulation
Multiple modes of transport facilitate accessible and high capacity flows of movement throughout the site achieved through separation of infrastructure as seen in (Figure 5).
Figure 6: Road Hierarchy Systems of the Site.
A clear hierarchy of road infrastructure defines the precinct as seen in (Figure 6). The main arterial road Royal Parade acts as a thoroughfare, facilitating high volumes of traffic through the site. Concern is raised as such behavior draw benefits away from precinct.
Furthermore, service lanes and roads direct traffic and connect arterials, in conjunction with streets interconnecting residential and commercial activities within the site (Figure 6).
Thus, a concern for a growth in the number of residents, workers, students, and visitors to City North will put pressure on this transport system. The corridor is a significant route for transport including cars, trams and bicycles; thus there is an opportunity to reduce conflicts between these modes and enhance activity between districts.
Vision
The vision aims to transform Royal Parade into a highly integrated destination for Melbourne. The intervention focus aims on enhancing the existent transport system through radical transformation of antiquated infrastructure into a highly efficient and interconnected network. The vision aims to create a contemporised environment in which will act as a beacon of green urban sustainability. Thus the vision focuses on place making through achieving an inclusive, flexible, collaborative, inspiring, community driven, highly connected environment and sense of identity.
Principles
The defined principles were derived from and will facilitate achieving the vision. The key principles and objectives are valuable in contributing to the functionality and longevity of the site for current and future stakeholders. Outlined below are the chosen principles and objectives in which were defined as valuable for the site.
Creating Character & Identity focuses on creating community, ownership, and cohesion through creating powerful landmarks and improving street frontages and streetscape. Achieving a Sustainable Precinct focuses on creating a water and energy efficient design, regenerate urban green spaces and mitigating the heat island effect. Enhancing Accessibility and Connectivity focuses upon increasing the capacity of NS and EW connections, efficiency of public transport and navigation. Creating a Neighborhood Activity Centre aims to establish social and commercial activity hub for all users, improving small-‐scale business opportunities through rezoning, and promoting inter-‐generational contact.
Framework Plan: The framework plan ties together the vision and principles to inform the design outcome. In reference to (Figure 7) the framework plan is illustrated.
Figure 7: Framework Plan for Royal Parade.
The foundations of the framework plan aim to achieve the following, lending to its success within the precinct. (Figure 8).
Figure 8: Framework Plan Key Objectives
Why this should be the adopted plan?
The design possesses the greatest potential for creating a highly sustainable environment in which will facilitate the growing population and complex needs and systems of the future.
The design satisfies important issues and opportunities identified within the analysis, establishing a medium for social and economic vitality, and encouraging environmentally sustainable behavior through design. The plan confronts and instills change in antiquated systems of urban form and acts to encourage a more efficient and effective urban landscape. The plan focuses on liberating life within city centers through fostering opportunities for social and cultural vitality. Thus the design enhances the function of the precinct as a key transport path creating a highly permeable and connected hub. The plan will allow the site to evolve into a beacon of urban sustainability and innovative urban design. The plan will revise under-‐utilized areas of the site in effect reactivating the precinct to its greatest potential. Through utilizing the capacity that exists within current infrastructure the plan maximizes opportunities to achieve a more efficient and competitive precinct. Thus design realigns existing infrastructure to achieve a more sustainable, livable and economically viable future. Densification thus intensification aligns the site with a more sustainable and adaptable model for the future. With Melbourne growing at a rate of (1.3% per annum), the design will effectively accommodate the projected increase in capacity and diversification required.
Structure
• Organise space so parts relate
Access • Ease, safety and choice
Animation
• Sense of character and place through activity and vitality in pubic space
Mix Use • Integrate activities promoting synery between public and private space
Place • Create a sense of place that enhances identity
Safety • Suf\icient survallience, protection and security to minise risk
Inclusion
• Create space that facilitates medium for encounter and sense of belonging