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.