How Public Spaces Impact the Way We Live
Australian architects are looking beyond the basics to consider how to create the ultimate location-specific alfresco venues. By referencing local histories and specific climates, they’re considering how best to benefit the end users’ needs to fundamentally shape the way we live.
Fish Lane Town Square
In a noteworthy display of urban renewal, architects Richards and Spence revitalised Fish Lane, an underutilised inner city laneway. Nestled between Hope Street, Grey Street and an imposing concrete railway overpass, the once forgettable grey city street is now a welcoming oasis of public space, restaurants, cafes, and creativity. Warm red bricks make up the facades of adjacent commercial buildings, referencing the area’s historic brickwork, while robust clay pavers line the pathways and vehicle zones. Given a brief to consider the space as a public urban park, the architects brought a whole new meaning to the term ‘urban jungle’; Public shaded seating is prioritised in Fish Lane Town Square, providing solace from the biting Brisbane sun, and a gargantuan 3000 plants line the paths, erupt from demountable raised garden beds and trickle down over the eaves of cafes.
Riverside Green
Partially built where cafes and restaurants destroyed during the 2011 floods once stood, South Bank is resurrected as a public parkland, restoring its potential for public use and enjoyment. The existing canopy is extended with 55 mature trees, spanning another 650 square metres and providing shade and an aesthetic uplift and a covered subtropical pavilion provides shade in the context of lush hanging greenery. Subtly textured granite pavers bring additional character to the waterfront location, quietly reflecting the colours of the Brisbane cityscape, while providing durability able to withstand significant wear and tear. With almost two decades of experience under his belt, landscape architect Dan Kallis has myriad experience designing public landscapes that resonate with users. The South Bank Riverside Green is an exemplary example of just this; its design allows a moment of space and calm in a verdant haven, giving solace from the hustle and bustle of inner city Brisbane.
Adelaide Festival Plaza
Part of the Adelaide Festival Precinct, the Adelaide Festival Plaza runs from Parliament House to the Adelaide Festival Theatre on King William Road, linking the significant venues with renewed public outdoor space. Encouraging pedestrian activity and expecting to draw large crowds, materials were considered carefully for their durability and for their reflection of the locale. Sustainably sourced Australian stones take precedence in the project, with Austral Granite in Juparana and Adelaide Black complementing both the South Australian landscape and Adelaide’s historic masonry buildings. An engineered stone in New Amber, an engineered stone that is less porous than natural stones is durable, making it ideal for large crowds. User comfort is prioritised, with the city’s climate influencing the aesthetic and practical design choices. Expansive arbours and trees provide shade, a 20 metre long water feature cools the expanse and turf provides spaces for play and relaxation.
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