Approach to Multicultural solution for HSW
Through analysis of
Brisbane’s current cultural standing, the site potential, the aspects of the
folie, other successful (and unsuccessful) multicultural destinations and
relevant cultural information a master plan was developed.
Brisbane’s current cultural standing:
An analysis of the Brisbane’s
ethnic diversity was conducted to help understand for whom the development
would be accommodating for. Interest was also heavily invested in the religious
diversity, as this plays an important role in the cultural compatibility of the
proposal and the users experience of the space. It was realized through thought
experiments and brainstorming that to accommodate solely for any range of
specific cultures would be fundamentally flawed. The solution must be versatile, unbiased and
free from cultural stereotypes. This is not to say the design is to ignore its
surroundings, macro or mirco. The design must also be vernacular in both
aesthetic and function.
Southbank acts as an
excellent example of a passively multicultural development. Passive in the
sense that there is nothing specifically targeting different cultures, but
provides a wide range of facilities and mixed use space, most of which are
easily accessible and free to all. This is accompanied by the wide range of
commercial development in the area (both integrated with and separate to the
public space). This passive/active approach to multicultural design is
successful and there are many other examples of similar spaces around the
world.
The Site:
Constraints:
The cliff face is a harsh
surface, with unpleasant qualities at it’s base. It blocks sun light also. In
other areas of the river the cliff face offers a pleasant experience, it is due
to the accessible and relatable nature of the stone. Kangaroo point cliffs have
well landscaped areas leading up to and taking advantage of the cliff face.
This MUST be done at HSW. The cliffs can not simply be ignored because they are
currently undesirable. Either transform them into something pleasant, or build
on them to capitalize on the more positive elements of the site. In the former has
a greater potential to be experiential/engaging as it is maximising potential
appreciation of the site; cliff, grass and river. The second approach, to build
on the cliff creates a very positive space between the building and the river,
however neglects the cliff in some ways. This is not necessarily a negative
thing, but if the cliff can be successfully used, it should be.
Sheds are ugly and useless.
They have to be there, so the only thing to do is utilize it.
Opportunities:
The river is one of
Brisbane’s largest identities and must be integrated into the design. This is
easy enough. The green space is self explanatory also.
Aspects of the Folie:
The materiality and
forms of the folie were a metaphorical representation of the learning process.
(broken into 5 key elements). Of these,
the most relevant to multicultural design will be redesigned into the new structure
to represent learning within multiculturalism.
The folie itself may
be used as an installation/’pod’ like structure throughout the development...
Key elements of
proposal:
Mix of versatile
public space (passive)
More specific use
commercial space (active)
This combination
creates a destination that is accessible to all. Alternate the use of space,
(commercial, public, commercial, public) maximises exposure and use of the
development as a whole.
Cliff: spot lights line
it creating a pleasant light show on the rock wall as well as a secure path for
pedestrians. The creation of a new ‘level’ intermediate between the river level
and the top of the cliff will help activate the site on a different plane.
‘Progression’, is
represented through the forms. Progression in the way people view diversity.
Elevator linking low
point in cliff (park at top) with site. Also stairs. People will use both but
stairs wont go unused as a lot of the traffic is joggers so they will use them
to their advantage.
This was all brainstorming and none of which are resolved solutions or concept proposals.
