Landscape Architecture Thesis_Indigenous Space at Parkville Campus

SUBJECT OVERVIEW:

Unlike many universities in the settler societies of Australia, New Zealand and Canada, Melbourne University contains no specific space or facility that acknowledges indigenous academics or students or the traditional owners of the campus. This studio explores architecture and landscape possibilities for such a space on the Parkville campus. Specifically, the studio asks students to explore how to make such a place work in the institutional and educational context of Melbourne University.

This subject is the culmination of each student's studies in the Master of Landscape Architecture. Through this studio, I learn how to do the design as a completed process. From identifying the problem to find out a solution for the problem, from surveying current situation to provide the theoretical position, and from site analysis to the final proposal, the links between every step should be logical. In order to make the convinced design, every argument should be supported by strong reasons and sufficient investigation.

This design task is no easy, especially for an International student. I met a range of difficulties and felt frustrated and confused a lot during semester, but it is worth it.

According to the data collection and analysis, there is a problem taking my attention.

That is the low completion rate of the Indigenous students at Melbourne University. From those data, we know that in the recent year the number of Indigenous enrollment is around 200 but only quarters of them are able to finish study, so I keep on researching and trying to find out the reason for this kind of phenomena.

Based on further research, one of most significant factors is social and cultural isolation. One of possible solutions for the problem is cultural exchange. It has been considered as a central effect to keep and persistence study at University. So I want to find out how the cultural exchange programs currently are operated and how many programs of cultural exchange are held at campus.

From the investigation, actually there are variety of cultural exchange activities and events within Melbourne University. But why so many of Indigenous students still feel they are cut off the main stream society. It is assumed that there is not enough to encourage cultural exchange just depending on current curriculum and teaching programs. As part of non-indigenous students, in my opinion, those activities have not affected significantly.  Thus, I agree that a particular kind of physical form of cultural exchange is needed at campus. So I begin with my search on a physical form. What are its features? How will it impact on a new campus life?

From investigating other the influence cultural exchange programs, I found that equivalent is very important. Thus, the aim of my theory position is that using equivalent expression way to approach a balance status. Neither mode should dominate the other. The whole design should be as an integrated structure that encourages cultural exchange and social interaction between Indigenous and non- indigenous people at campus.

                              

From map collection section, I found that there are two interesting places at the campus. One is sitting on South Lawn where it is the main green cover space. The other one is sitting beside Union Lawn where it is the main hard paving open space. Behind both of them have interesting historical stories. For instance, the ceremonial axis was added on south lawn in 1970s. At the end of this axis is the oldest building at the university, Old Quadrangle and it is also known by the Tudor Gothic architectural style.

The other one is from Masson road to the Old physics building which now is the center of indigenous student education. As known, the former lake on Union Lawn was progressively filled in after this east-west linear development. So in order to achieve a balance and equivalent results, in my opinion, two same length axes would be generated within University, one is the original North-south axis and the other is East-west axis. In order to generate two characters for the South Lawn and Union Lawn, approach of the design would adopt two expression strategies.

From the master plan, on South Lawn, straight form avenue, artificial flat grass land and trimmed boxwood plants could more directly convey a traditional culture through the Tudor Gothic style. It is a stable and square. The whole space deliver a sense of order and hierarchical. The straight axis is emphasized by strong leading position to the Old Quad building.

Compared with the South Lawn, the Union Lawn, the style should be more dynamic. Free combination, article curve and changeable topography would be approach through the design. It does not like the South Lawn, there is no obvious straight line shown on the ground for the visitors to see, but you can feel it when you pass by.

From sections, I want to deliver two different experiences to visitor through level change. The feeling of different space reflects different culture, I hope people could realize that what the difference are, after then they would start to understand better each other.

Story line

Based on my understanding of Indigenous culture and history, a story line would add on the east-west axis. It is separated into four parts.

The first part is Leave. We had known that Indigenous were the true owner of Australian land, but they chose left when white people came. The colonial changed land and development it follow a European style. So the tiled block I want to it represents the destroyed landform. Through the same angle shown on the middle, a visual line could be discovered by the user. At the same time, it would provide a sitting area on Masson Road.
                                        

The second part is lost; the place once was covered by a viable and calm swampy, but it had gone. I employ concrete form to present water. Undulating water wave is fixed one the top of these tubes, and then let them to form a maze. I encourage people to feel other’s life when they pass by.

                                   

The third part is suffering. It is known that displaced is not easy. I used the existing balcony where locates on the Raymond Priestley building façade. It is changed as an exhibition space. The space would be little bit dark; sun can only go through from roof. It would be look like cage.

                                    

The last part is new start; the meaning of flag would be revealed through the journey along the axis and intensified by the contrast of the dark and suppressed ‘suffering’ and bright new start. At the same time, I am so impressed by the Melbourne beautiful sunset. The place could provide a viewing platform to appreciate the sunset.

Around the Union Lawn axis, remain space should emphasis it. For instance, sloping landform on the Union Lawn where connects to Masson Road would encourage people to engage the story. The transitional area would employ water sculpture as a connection. For one side, it could memory the former swamp where it was, and the other side, it could provide sitting area for students. From the CC section, the surface level of water sculpture is same with ground level. 

The open space in front of Old physics (CIE) would be the gathering space provided for Indigenous people within the University. It is the location where the two cultural axes cross together as well. It represents the friendship between the two different cultures would be forever.