A STRATEGY FOR USE, REHABILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Q.U.T. UBRARY
711. 4099431 iE JOINT QUEENSLAND GARD TECHNOLOGY/ BRISBANE , WORKING PARTY
JANUARY 1985
GARDENS POINT BRISBANE czzo 1001348 2
GUEENSLAND INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Georg e St., Brisbane. Phone 223 2365. Telex AA44699. Telegrams: Ouintech, Brisbane. G.P.O. BOX 24 34, BRISBANE, QUE ENSLAND, AUSTRALIA, 4001.
DIRECTO R DR. R. D. GIBSON, BSc, MSc, PhD, FIMA, FAIM, MACS
15 Apri1 1985
The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor Alderman S Atkinson Brisbane City Council Brisbane 4001
Mr I G Cameron Chairman, QIT Council c/- Cameron McNamara Pty Ltd Spring Hi11 4000
My Dear Lord Mayor and Mr Cameron
I have the honour to present to you the report of the Gardens Point Study by the Joint Queensland Institute of Technology (QIT)/Brisbane City Council (BCC) Working Party.
Gardens Point is an area of historical and contemporary importance to the city of Brisbane and the state of Queensland. It contains Parliament House, Old Government House, QIT, Queensland Conservatorium of Music, the Morgue and the City Botanic Gardens which are a major outdoor park/recreational area.
This study examines in detail a wealth of site and attitude information bearing upon the interrelationships between component parts of the Point. It recommends strategies and designs that treat the area as a totality.
Volume 1 of the report sets forth an analysis of the peninsula with recommendations on opportunities for use, rehabilitation and development. Volumes 2 and 3 contain User Studies conducted for the study, and geological, horticultural, and other reports and references.
The recommendations are included in section 5, and if implemented, would make the Point area a focus of recreational and tourist activity.
I would like to acknowledge the contributions of Mr C F Sharp, Manager, Department of Health and Community Service, and Mr J Wood, Director, Property Management, BCC; Ms C J Bull, President of Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and Senior Lecturer, and Mr P Heywood, Head, Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture, QIT.
Yours sincerely
R D GIBSON O.U.T LIBRARY Chairman . Joint Working Party Prefix·...... DC., r ... J'fj: .L!:� �.lf:§./...... j Auth. Code: .G:Af. .. ./...... A c. 1\ <---- 1 0 0 1 3 4
14NOV 1989 CONTENT S
Section Page
1. Int roduction
2. The Study Process 3 2.1 Study Structure and Acknowledgements 3 2.2 The Repo rt Outline 4
3. The Strategy Development 6 3. 1 Study Area 6 3. 2 Backg round and Objectives 6 3.3 Analysis 7 3.4 Opportunities 8
4. Key Elements of the Strategies 10 4. 1 External Relationships 10 4. 2 The Internal Structure 11 4.3 Majo r Design Elements 12 4.4 Functional Provisions and Facilities 16 4.5 Facilities Excluded 20
5. Summary of Recommendations 22 5. 1 Issues and Actions Requi ring Joint Action 22 5. 2 Further Technical Studies Required 22 5.3 Early Stage Im plementation 23
List of Figures
Drawing No 20 Context Drawing No 26 Circulation Drawing No 31 Physical Conditions Drawing No 32 Use Constraints DrJw ing No 33 User Opportunities Drawing No 21 Concept Drawing No 22 Preferred Strategy Drawing No 25 Images Drawing No 23 Alte rnative Elements Drawing No 27 Development Gu ideli nes Drawing No 28 Entry Circulation Drawing No 24 Sections Drawing No 15 Study Prog ramme
Appendix 1 1. INTRODUCTION
Ga rdens Point, which includes Pa rliament House , Old Government House, educational establishments and the City Botanic Ga rdens , is at the heart of the City of Brisbane adjacent to the centra l business district. It is an area of great historical and horticultu ral significance and contains features that relate directly to the fo undation of the city; fo r example the city Botan ic Ga rdens was established in 1828. The gardens contain a wide variety of plants, including a rare collection of palms and fi gs, many of historical interest.
Since the area contains Pa rliament House , the Ga rdens are widely recognised as the setting fo r the Queensland seat of government and have an important significance on a State wide basis. Similarly Old Go vernment House , the headqua rters of the Queensland National Trust , is a state-wide fo cus fo r the preservation of histo rical buildings. For many years the area has also contained educational establishments. The present establishments are a small specialised Conservatorium of Music ( QCM) and a major Institute of Technology (QIT).
Over the last few years significant changes have occurred in the nature and extent of use of the area . The Ga rdens have experienced great changes in their use as the major outdoor pa rk/ recreation area in the central city. On the one hand the much larger Brisbane community continues to look upon the Ga rdens as a haven of peace and tranquility. On the other hand , major concerts and other entertainments have changed the pattern of use.
QIT is now a very large community of 10,000 students and staff containing one of the largest state investments in technology and training. This has associated prob lems of accommodation , traffic , parking and the movement of people as well as the outdoor recreational needs of a large body of young Queenslanders.
Looking to the future , problems of traffic and parking will be accentuated by the growing population of the city and of the QIT.
In recognition of these problems, Brisbane City Council ( BCC) requested QIT to carry out a detailed study of the area. This repo rt is a direct result of that request.
The Ga rdens Point Study was carried out in the period January to December 1984. The need to establish an accurate data base both of geological , ho rticultural , topograph ica I and traffic flow information , and of community pe rceptions and attitudes to the Ga rdens defined the preliminary stage of the study. This preliminary stage requi red input from a large number of QIT academic departments. It was fo llowed by a planning and design stage which was carried out by the QIT Depa rtment of Planning and Landscape Architecture and resulted in an overall development strategy.
This development strategy resulted from an analysis of the various preliminary studies and a physical analysis of the site. 2
The strategies propose basic criteria fo r the future planning , design and physical change of Ga rdens Point. They also propose elements which could be considered fo r inclusion which do not adversely affect the essential characteristics of the area and will provide it with a recognisable structure. The strategy drawings present a visual summary of the work to date , and can be used to canvass responses from the pubI ic and the instrumentalities whose areas of responsibility affect or are affected by Ga rdens Point. Their response will contribute to the next stage of planning and design of this area.
The study aims to provide:
An accurate data base fo r future planning and design of the total study area;
A comprehensive planning and design brief to guide decision making by all landholders and authorities contrail ing development within and adjoining the study area (State Wo rks , Main Roads , Port Authority , BCC, QIT , etc);
Physical analytical studies identifying problems and potentials within and around the site based on cu rrent planning;
One or more overall planning /design strategies;
An exhibit with which to obtain government and public response which will enable identification of an action plan fo r design and implementation.
In order to realise the fu ll potential of Ga rdens Point, further studies will be req ui red.
The wo rk contained in the report and attachments has been prepared by academic staff and postg raduate students of QIT. Much of the work resulted from student projects which fo rmed real-world exercises identified by the study. This is an essential component of the professional training offe red by QIT. However, these students projects are closely supervised by professionally qualified members of staff. In particular, student work included in this report has been professionally authenticated by academic members of staff. 3
2. THE STUDY PROCESS
2.1 Study Structure and Acknowledgements
(Refer drawing 15)
The study has combined work from many disciplines within QIT and the BCC. These disciplines have wo rked under the direction of the Project Team and reported to the Working Party which is comprised of representatives of the BCC and QIT. The working structure was derived fo llowing an approach made by BCC to QIT in December 1983 and the preparation by each of preliminary briefs of requi rements fo r the Point as perceived at that stage. The study process has enabled refi nement of these briefs to a point where design and expansion in most areas can be directed with confidence as to their effect on overall relationships.
Working Party
Dr R D Gi bson Di rector , QIT (Chai rman)
Ms C Bull Senior Lecturer, Department of Planning and Landscape Architectu re , QIT
Mr P Heywood Head , Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture , QIT
Mr C F Sharp Manager, Department of Health & Community Se rvices , BCC
Mr J Wood Director, Property Management, BCC
Pro;ect Team
Ms C Bull Senior Lectu re r, Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture , Q IT (Project Co-ordinator)
Mr J Bedford Research Assistant, Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture , QIT
Contributions
The study proceeded through fo ur major phases of data collection, analysis, planning and schematic design and repo rting.
During the fi rst two phases contributions were made by various Departments of the BCC, QIT and interested instrumentalities. During the fi nal two phases the Working Party directed primary planning decisions in the light of the data and thei r analysis. 4
Broadly the site-specific contributions fe ll into the two categories , physical characteristics and user requi rements.
The fo llowing surveys of physical characteristics were carried out:
Geophysical Survey
Horticultural Survey
Physica l Survey.
As well, data on existing services and buildings were collated.
The user studies included the fo llowing contributions:
Brief fo r the Ga rdens ( BCC).
Brief fo r QIT1s Requirements
Outline of FREEPS Requirements
Student Recreation Survey
Position Paper on Traffic and Pub lic Transport
Survey of Delivery and Emergency Access/Eg ress QIT
Ga rdens Point Recreation Study (Attitudes of Ga rdens Users)
Ga rdens Point Survey (The Attitudes of a Brisbane-wide sample to the Ga rdens and QIT)
Composite Design Brief
Details of all these contributions are included in Appendix 1 of this report. User studies are included in Volume 2 of this repo rt.
Many related reports , references and drawings were utilized during the study and these are also listed in Appendix 1.
The Project Team acknowledges the individua l contributions of all those who have wo rked on the study components over the study period.
2. 2 The Report Outline
The Ga rdens Point Strategy Report summarises the wo rl< of the entire study and is divided into a number of volumes.
Vo lume 1 - Study Summary
Vo lume 2 - User Studies 5
Volume 3 - Related Reports and References
Volumes 1 and 2 have been compiled fo r general distribution whilst Volume 3 is stored at QIT with the compiled maps , original strategy drawings and the Horticultural Survey , fo r specialist use in future design and development stages.
Reductions of the analytic and strategy drawings plus the study prog ram are included in Volume 1. A fu ll list of drawings is included in Appendix 1. 6
3. THE STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT
3. 1 Study Area
(Refer drawings 20 and 26)
The area considered was the enti rety of Ga rdens Point , south of Alice Street, including QIT, QCM , the City Ga rdens (Old Botanic Ga rdens), the BCC nursery and othe r lands under the control of various State authorities such as the Morgue and the Main Roads area to its immediate north and south. The Parliament House precinct was con sidered for its existing characte r and the use it gene rates but no proposals were made for wo rks within its boundaries. Where areas or relationships beyond the immediate study area were shown to have a major infl uence on the successful development and use of the Point, proposals were extended to include them. These areas include in pa rticular, Albert Street , Alice Street and the river.
3. 2 Background and Objectives
(Refer drawings 31 , 32 and 33)
The study was generated in recognition of:
The changing function of the City Ga rdens (Old Botanic Ga rdens) with the movement of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens to Mt Coot-tha and thei r degenerating condition ho rticulturally.
The increasing physical isolation of the Ga rdens from the city resu lting from the increasing demands on Alice Street as a major freeway feeder road.
The confused and inadequate se rvice access , circulation and pa rking systems se rving the peninsula.
The recognisably poo r setting provided to the two major historic buildings within the site i.e. Old Government House and Parliament House.
The increasing student population of Q IT and the need for accessible recreation space fo r Q IT and QCM students.
Recognition of the site problems has extended to a recognition of the need for rationalisation of land use withrn the enti re area. To the detriment of its potential , the peninsula is compartmentalised between various users , whose pu rposes are often unrelated and incompatible. The aim of the study was to devise means of:
Maximising the potential for use of the entire area by the people of Bri sbane and the students and staff of QIT and QCM. 7
Recognising , retaining and appropriately treating the historic elements and character of the Ga rdens and re lated buildings.
Emphasising the natural and man-made features and attractions of the peninsula and nearby riverbank.
Providing a variety of fa cil ities and venues fo r activities which are accessible to all age groups and sections of the community.
Retaining the traditional function of the peninsula as a vegetated fo reg round to the city centre fo r views from the south , east and west.
3.3 Analysis
(Refer drawing 32)
Analytical studies of the physical condition of the site and the attitudes and pe rceptions of users revealed particular problems which contribute to the inconsistent functioning of the peninsu la and detract from its potential.
Approach
Vehicular access to the area is confused by complicated one-way and rest ricted access systems to the immediate north and west.
There are no visitor guide signs at critica l intersections or address points on site approaches.
There are no simply identifiable and accessible entrances to each of the three majo r areas i. e. the Ga rdens, QIT, Parliament House.
The area is not se rved by specific bus or fe rry prov1s1ons which link it to the major bus networks and nearby river side developments.
Internal Connections
The lack of speci fic entrance courts and the evident access restrictions to Q IT causes bottle-necks and frustration to visitors.
The ridge on which QIT is bui lt creates a physical barrie r fo r access between the east and west of the peninsula.
The BCC nursery , the Morgue and the QIT ma intenance workshop create physical barriers between the continuous areas of low-lying land which ring the ridge and consequently rest rict comprehensive planning. 8
The fences and cars which ring Q IT and divide Pari iament House from the Ga rdens reinforce the separation of the major areas of the peninsula.
Noise
The South East Freeway generates traffic noise which affects the entire western fri nge of QIT and the low-lying areas between.
Alice Street traffic noise already affects the Ga rdens areas immediate to it. This influence will be increased with increased use of Alice Street and by any elevation of it.
The music of the FREEPS conce rts domi nates the entire Ga rdens area when they are being held , reducing the use of the Ga rdens fo r passive recreation.
Pedestrian Access
There are no recognisable pedestrian precincts within the peninsula where pedestrian use dominates vehicle use.
Identity
The strong historic identity of the Ga rdens and the important buildings of the Point is weakened by :
Poo rly resolved address points and recreation oppo rtunities within the Point.
Conti nuing construction and planting which fa ils to respect the dominance of the vital framework of historic buildings and vegetation.
Major visual and physical obst ructions caused by the la rge buildings and roads adjacent to the site.
Lack of a new focus to the Ga rdens which will replace that previously provided by its botanical functions.
3. 4 Oppo rtunities
(Refe r drawings 31 and 33)
Analysis also revealed a particula r series of opportunities unique to the Point which in combination with functional prob lems and requirements may provide the basis fo r planning and design criteria.
The Ga rdens Point area is seen by the public as a particularly important and symbolic part of Bri sbane , providing a fo cus fo r weekend visits fo r residents from outlying suburbs. 9
There was a strongly expressed opm1on from the public that the Gardens themselves were a place fo r passive pursuits dominated by garden elements i. e. planting and water and not constructions such as buildings and roads.
There is a strong framework of mature historic vegetation avai lable in the Ga rdens which can fo rm the basis fo r future provisions i.e. the fig avenue, the ·wate rside poincianas, the bunya avenue, the rainforest , the palm groves.
Future building developments on the west peninsula provide opportunities to better integrate QIT with its surroundings and to resolve its entrance and parking problems.
Modification of pa rking and through-circu lation systems offe rs the opportunity to better resolve access and visual relationships between parts of the peninsula.
The length of conti nuous river frontage provides a major scenic opportunity which can deve lop diffe ring characte r related to its own aspect and physica l condition.
The ridgetops and spurs projecting into the surrounding flat land provide natural viewing points and transition zones which divide the lower areas into a series of naturally defined spaces strung around the peninsula. 10
4. KEY ELEMENTS OF THE STRATEGI ES
Having identified the major aspects and problems of Ga rdens Point , in this section the key elements of strategies fo r the external unity and internal harmony are developed.
4. 1 External Relationships
(Refer drawings 21 , 22 and 25)
The strategies propose a series of common elements which are organised to positively reinforce :
The physical connection of Gardens Point to the city.
The image of Ga rdens Point as an accessible and compre hensive series of inter-re lated fa cil ities.
These elements are :
The maior Ql T Entrance located off Ga rdens Point Road with provision for:
Control/information point and pul lover.
Bus bay and turning area to link with major cross-peninsula access and QIT Ferry.
Pickup/drop off.
Short term parking for , say , 5 ca rs.
Signs and explanatory boards uti I ising Q IT corpo rate imagery.
The major City Gardens Entrance located at the Albert Street junction incorporating:
A simplified pedestrian crossing at Alice Street fo r pedestrians.
A pedestrian boulevarde to Queen Street along Albert Street.
Bus bays.
Pickup/drop off.
Signs , etc.
and allowing fo r significant increase in the use of Alice Street.
The Ceremonial Forecourt, Parliament House located off George Street with reduced access to QIT and restricted parking provision. , 1
The provision of explanatory signs at key intersections on approaches to the Peninsula.
Ferries - The prov1s1on of Ferry /Water taxi landings at a Q IT landing and a City Gardens landing to fa cilitate direct water access to the east and west of the peninsula and encourage access from Vulture Street Station and the Kangaroo Point residential and recreation areas.
Domain Place - The prov1s1on of a supporting bus (or minibus) loop to the Peninsula from the City Centre termini which uses the QIT as its southernmost stop and con nects to the water transport provision at QIT and the cross-peninsula pedestrian street.
4. 2 The Internal Structure
(Refer drawings 21 and 22)
Within the Point , the strategies demonstrate the application of certain · planning and design principles which have been derived from the physical condition of the site , its perceived character and its proposed uses.
Core Areas and Transition Zones
The plans recognise a series of core areas on the peninsula and identify uses and developments which are appropriate to them and also zones between each of these cores which will, with carefu l planning and design perform a linking and integ rative fu nction. The core areas incorporate the City Ga rdens , QIT and the Point. Whilst the essential function of QIT remains the same it offers at various places opportunities fo r cross-peninsula access , building expansion and opportunities fo r re-orientation. The City Gardens core comprises the original Gardens from the Rainforest north to the boundary with the old Queens Park. Within it there is a proposed concentration on elements which will amplify its garden character , fo r example, the lake and the promenades. The Point is given over to related provisions which attract greater use of the area but may compromise the horticultu ral stability and integrity of the City Gardens and the Old Government House Forecourt if located within them i.e. the informal play and concert areas fo r Q IT, fo r FREEPS , barbecue areas and student gathering spaces.
The transition zo nes perform the fu nction of buffe rs to the Gardens and incorporate the more structured built la ndscape associated with high use concentrations i.e. the pedestrian street along the George Street ridge , the fo recou rts to the important image buildings , Parliament House , Old Government House and the QIT Administration Building. On the west of the peninsula the transition zone includes the proposed new building and vehicle areas. To the north of the Gardens they incorporate fo rmal Gardens in the site of the original Queens Park which could accommodate festivals and exhibits such as Warana. In all instances , the prog ressive balance between built and 12
vegetated fo rm is one of transition requir ing careful design develop ment and consistency in application.
Establishment of Clear Connections
The planning specifically generates physical relationships between parts of the peninsula in order to generate more consistent use and to establish a recognisable patte rn of accessible areas. The connections util ise not only access systems but also visual relationships so that selected built or landscape elements are purposely emphasised by siting in relation to paths or vehicular approaches.
Connections include:
Pedestrian Street - Promotion of a cross-peninsula access from carparks and bus and ferry interchanges on the west of the peninsula to the Ga rdens via the Kindler Theatre , National Trust, proposed sports facilities , Community Building , Conse rvatorium and the Administration Building.
The linking of the Community Building by a re-orientation of its internal and external spaces south towards the Common.
The provision of a trad itional landscape foreground to Old Government House which restores a setting more appropriate to its history and links the building to the Ga rdens. This would include a cleared grass vista down slope to the proposed lake.
The establishment of a predominantly pedestrian street ' along the entire George Street ridge from Alice Street to the Conservatorium and the Community Building with specifically defined entrances from that street to the Ga rdens.
The establishment of the formal gardens along the Parliamentary Axis to reinforce the relationship between that building and the Gardens and allude to the original Queens Park.
The maintenance of the riverside promenade and cycleway.
4. 3 Major Design Elements
(Refe r drawings 22, 23 and 25)
Certain elements within the strategy pe rform not only the function of providing for facilities as currently requi red but also of promoting the overall objectives in a pa rticu lar way. 13
The Entrance/ Arrival Sequence
The two proposed major entrances requi re a strong identity in order to change cur rent pe rceptions about access in the area.
The strategy defines entrance sequences which are an accumulation of various physical elements organised to reinforce their identity.
At both QIT and the Gardens, the major entrances would be :
Visible from a distance.
Defined by particu lar arrangements of buildings, open forecourts and entrance structures to reinforce the sense of arrival.
Supported by an arrival point within the core area (Domain Place, the Pavilion) which serves as the primary orientation point fo r ci rculation systems, information and fa ci l ities. This arrival point extends the entrance fu nction into the site and esta blishes a sequence of experience giving time for visitors to orient themselves to the variety of experiences avai !a ble.
The Pavilion
The Gardens Pavil ion suppo rts the Lake as a fo cus for the Gardens but its particular function is as a landmark visible from most parts of the Gardens and from along Albert Street and Queen Street.
It is located as described (Entrance Sequence ) within the Gardens Core and is a fo cus fo r fa ci lities for that part of the site i.e. kiosk , exhibition store , garden store , information and toilets. It is the sing le major reference point and as such pe rforms a symbolic as well as practical function. The notional design proposed is indicative only of scale and role, and it is recommended that for such a vital visible element the highest quality of design is employed.
The Lake
The La ke is proposed specifi ca lly to provide a fo cus and theme to the Gardens. The natural depression in the Centra l area accommodated a lake until 1937 and it is proposed that it be re-established here in an extended fo rm , with its source in the ra inforest and a series of diffe rent lake areas extending as a linking element through to the Formal Gardens.
The lake would be visible from the major buildings of Old Government House, Administration and Parliament House as well as from the slopes to its west. The large wate r surface would provide re lief from the intense heat of the basin area.
Its edge treatments vary according to its relationship with adjacent uses, with more fo rmal treatments associated with the pavilion and 14
Bunya Promenade and informal treatments to the garden slopes west. The lake siting wi II provide, in combination with the river, a peninsu Ia effect to the walk along its east.
Bunya Promenade
The bunya pines (Araucaria bidwi I Iii) were amongst the fi rst major plantings in the Gardens (c. 1858) and were planted in honour of James Bidwill , Colonial Botanist. The Avenue fo rmation has deteriorated over time with the death of some trees. The proposed Bunya Promenade is a fo rmal walk oriented around the pines which would be incorporated as a landscape element in the Heritage Trai I. Their particular history could be explained here.
The Riverside Walk
The riverside is proposed as a focus of pedestrian activity with a variety of treatments and foci strung along its length so that it achieves the status of a major promenade within the city. The walk commences at the Yacht Faci lities Building where there would be the ferry , refreshments , viewpoints , boating activity and toilets. It proceeds along a fo rmal promenade extending the formal gardens to the water and fronting the yacht moorings area. Towards the Gardens Landing the walk becomes less fo rmalised with grassy embankments extending the Gardens character. It then proceeds to the interpretive zone where there are boardwalk offshoots through the mangroves and the rainforest. These would be annotated with explanatory boards about their natu ral history. The walk moves through the closed 'forest' of mangroves and vegetation around the Point where it opens to the views of the cliffs and bridge. It then proceeds to the Common and barbecue areas associated with the existing fig avenue and QIT landing where it faces the South Bank.
The Interpretative Zone
The Gardens area changes character in its southern section where it incorporates the less cultivated vegetation of the mangroves and the palm grove ("rainforest"). Both of these elements provide the opportunity fo r a significant transition zone between the Garden Core and the more active use areas of the Point. It is proposed that the rainforest is extended over the slopes , becoming the sou rce of the lake and incorporating an elevated walk which would connect the riverside promenade with the ridge. The mangroves add to the "natu ral" orientation of this area. The interpretative function would be aimed not only at the general public but also at schools where the natural area would provide a contrasting focu s with the heritage areas of the Gardens, Parliament House and Old Government House.
The Hill
The t:�rea of the existing Curators Cottage provides one of the most dramatic outlooks over the Gardens, river and city. It is also a confi ned space which must positively link the Gardens and the Point if the two areas are to be perceived as parts of an overall recreation 15
space. The Curators Cottage is sited in .the centre of this link. It is proposed to remove all facilities from the hill so that it establishes an obvious visual and access link north south across the spur. The Curators Cottage is removed or moved adjacent to the Conservatorium off the line of the site and serves both as a faci lities building for the southern Gardens (toilets , store) and as an Interpretative Centre with a rentable teaching room and space fo r small exhibits.
Materials and Form
(Refer drawing 27)
Site studies indicate a great variety of plant and building materials which detract from a cohesive image and historic reference. It is proposed that design development fo r all built and planted elements proceed within a policy which refi nes the primary criteria for historic reference and simplicity.
The scale of new structures should seek to link the mass of the ridgetop buildings with the surrounding spaces.
The structures (buildings , wal l, fe nces, steps, pavi lion, shelters , etc) within the Gardens and fronting public spaces in QIT should present a cohesive image in material and fo rm in order to reinforce their linking function. Selected materials should provide a reference in character to the historic natu re of the Point and be of a scale which reinforces their pedestrian rather than vehicular relationship.
Major structure planting should reinforce the historic planti ngs of the Point (the avenues of Figs, Poincianas , Palms and Pines) and be laid out to perform the traditional fu nctions of framing views and vistas as well as defining spaces and providing buffe rs.
Focal planting should be used consistently to reinforce the role of focal spaces. Palms are proposed fo r this fu nction. For example, at the entrance and arrival spaces ( Q IT Entrance , Domain Place) the exhibition space and the islands.
Understorey planting of shrubs , etc. should be minimised within each of the core areas and concentrated in selected peripheral areas or specific foca l points. This will maintain views between spaces and will enable security monitoring from vehicles or the ci rcu lation system. It will also emphasise the visual fo rm of the many existing grand tree specimens. 16
4. 4 Functional Provisions and Faci lities
(Refer drawings 26 and 28)
The functional briefs fo r the study identified a series of fa cil ities and provisions requi red. The analytical and planning process has assessed the suitability of each of these , given the constraints implied by optimum site use and overall relationships. The distinction between the ongoing site structure and the essentially variable nature of faci lities, which will change over time and with the change in community requirements , is emphasised here. At no time should the variable provisions threaten the integrity and survival of the major ongoing structure of the core areas and their buffe rs.
As they are developed , access systems and facil ities should be active ly promoted and described using signs and literature by both BCC and QIT.
Vehicular Access
Entrances and Arrivals (see Section 4. 1 and 4.3 and drawings 26 and 28).
Parking - The major parking prov1s1on is concentrated on the west of the peninsula , I inked to Upper Campus and the Gardens by level wal kways across the ridge. The parking capacity on the peninsula is organised to provide:
Executive Parking. Provision in the Administrative area of campus fo r around 20 ca rs for executive staff, the National Trust, the mail room and occasional disabled users around the west and south of the Administration building. This would be the only through access encouraged from George Street.
Conservatorium. In the short term parking would be retained in the cou rt south of the Con servatorium. Eventually this provision would be accommodated in the western carparks.
Western Carparks are organised in separately constructed and operated blocks under each new building. The three riverside blocks accommodate on three levels around 200 cars each with the new entrance building accommodating 250. These carparks would serve QIT at its existing level of provision during the week and the Gardens and the Common at weekends and over hol idays. The law science building and community building extensions apply the proposed pol icy of providing carparking under all new buildings constructed on the lower campus. Each carpark is separately accessible with its own stacking space from the 17
double laned Gardens Point Road loop. This maximises stacking at peak hours within QIT and prevents interference with the Parliamentary Precinct entrance and egress.
City Gardens. There is no regular parking provision within the Gardens which are proposed as a recognisably pedestrian zone.
Motorcycle parking is provided at Domain Place.
Service Access
Within QIT service access is retained as existing with Gardens Point Road acting as the primary feeder for the lower campus and George Street fo r the upper. The southern blocks would be serviced by the re-surfaced restricted access road beyond Domain Place.
Within the Gardens it is proposed that all paths be constructed to accommodate service and security vehicles on a restricted access basis with entrances from Alice Street and Domain Place to the central and lower gardens levels. There is no vehicular access to the Gardens from the ridge.
The Amphitheatre and Common are serv iced by the resurfaced restricted access road beyond Domain Place.
Pedestrian Access
The pedestrian network is established as a com bination of direct , level links across the major barriers of the ridge and Alice Street and less direct 'experiential' circuits and promenades. The combination of easy access into the peninsula and siting of a variety of pedestrian ( Bunya walk, Rainforest , Amphitheatre etc) experiences as foc i along the internal network is seen as a vital contribution to recreational use. Old Govern ment House, Parl iament House and the BCC Heritage Trai I would be incorporated within this system.
Entrances and Arrivals - (see Sections 4.1 and 4.3 )
The Pedestrian System. The peninsula may be categorised in three elevation a I zones , i.e. the upper levels, ;:entral levels and riverside promenade. It is proposed that there is a generally level circuit serving each of these with a combination of ramped and stepped access laterally between each level. 18
The Riverside Promenade is an approximately level circuit with provision fo r access by disabled users from Domain Place and the QIT landing.
The Central Levels which accommodate most recreation provisions are primarily accessible from Domain Place , the Gardens Point Road restricted access Road and the Alke Street Entrance.
The Upper Levels which accommodate QIT and most built community fa cilities would be accessible from level links to the Western Carparks and Geo rge Street.
Bicycle Access
The path width capable of accommodating service and secu rity access is also capable of accommodating the dual function of delineated pedestrian access c:�nd cycleway. It is proposed that the riverside circuit be connected to the lakeside walk but that garden promenades be retained for pedestrian use only. This would restrict bicycle use to the major circuits on the Point only.
Additional Teaching Buildings
The additional academic buildings required for QIT are accommodated by development of the strip of land between Q IT and the Expressway north of the cross peninsula pedestrian link and by redevelopment of the north west corner of QIT which currently houses Biology and Environmenta l Science , Electrica l Engineering , Electronic Systems Engineering and Applied Geology. This area would accommodate fou r new buildings over carparking levels. These buildings, in addition to providing additional teaching and parking space to QIT:
Provide a transition between QIT and the Freeway.
Provide a new entrance court to QIT by linking visually with the Parliamenta ry Annexe.
Enable construction of sound proofed teaching facil ities as a noise barrier between the Freeway and the traditionally constructed buildings along the western edge of campus.
Enable cross peninsula pedestrian I inks at a concourse level at the level of the QIT ridge.
Provide an opportunity for fu rther built QIT sporting facilities such as an indoor pool or roof tennis.
Amphitheatre/Sound Shell ·
These are provided on the site of the existing BCC Se rvice Nursery where the spur to the east fo rms a natu ral sound buffe r to the 19
Gardens core and the existing landform fo rms the basis of an amphitheatre. The space would serve as an info rmal sports ground fo r QIT (touch football, basketball) in close proximity to the Community Building. It is oriented South and the cliffs over the river would act as a backdrop to the stage centred in the break in the existing riverside trees. Service access would be provided from the restricted access road beyond Domain Place. The Captain Cook Bridge forms a noise generating barrier between the amphitheatre and the high rise residential buildings south west. The amphitheatre is proposed as the major FREEPS venue with other small orchestra l concerts provided in the Gardens core area. It is within walking distance of the Western Carparks.
The Common
A barbecue/picnic area fo r FREEPS users and QIT students is adjacent to the Amphitheatre sited on the Common. The Common also acts as the new western entrance to the Southern Gardens and as the forecourt to the zone where most intensive use is expected.
Yacht Facilities
The yacht faci lities fo r the internat ional yacht ma rina are located on the eastern extremity of the Parliamentary axis. The building is proposed as the northern limit of the moorings with :
Restricted vehicular access (service only) to Edward Street.
Small boat. tie-u p.
La undromat , vending machines , toil ets and change rooms. and possibly a small kiosk with viewing area. It is located at a distance from the Alice Street/ Edward Street corner where disturbance is expected with futu re developments of road I freeway routing.
The fa ci lity could be considered also fo r the cross river fe rry te rminal should the existing Edward Street fe rry require relocation as a result of the road adjustments.
The upper level of the yacht building serves as a look out fo r the river. It is level with the Gardens at that point with views back along the Pa rliament House axis.
City Gardens Pavilion
The Gardens Pavi lion (refer section 4. 3) centra lises the following fu nctions:
Carden Store - Tool sheds and work rooms for the Gardens ma intenance team would be located on the concou rse level with service access to Alice Street. Storage may include material annually used fo r exhibitions and festivals. 20
Toilets - Toi lets would be provided centrally at a starting point for use of the Gardens and at a gardens landmark visible from most area s.
Information - The upper level of the pavilion could contain display boards and pamphlets and a foc us for special event information.
Kiosk - A kiosk is proposed associated with the information area on the upper level overlooking the lake. It would provide for snacks with tables under shelter.
Small Boat Hire - At the lower level on the south side, a small boat hire operation could provide for rowing on the northern Ia ke a rea.
Ql T Maintenance
The plan proposes relocation of the Q IT Maintenance workshop to the new southern teaching building fronting Domain Place. Vehicular access would connect with the Gardens Point loop road.
Toilets and Showers
Toilets fo r the Southern Gardens are proposed in the Interpretative Centre ( Curator•s Cottage) if retained and relocated , and in the ground floo r of the QIT building fronting Domain Place. Showers and change facilities fo r the users of the informal sports area would be those provided as pa rt of the Community Building extension.
4.5 Facilities Excluded
Early briefs proposed two particu lar prov1s1ons which have not been incorporated in the strategies as a result of the user surveys. These are the restaurant and compounded recreation fa cil ities (tennis, swimming pools etc ). Strong resistance to the concept of isolating parts of the public domai n for restricted use was instrumental in the development of the concept of restricting active use areas to the Southern Gardens. The preference fo r informal uses , a garden character and a garden which provided for the population at large rather than exclusive use groups was strong ly expressed. Restaurants were perceived as exclusive additions to the Gardens and this combined with the physical difficulties of providing dro p-off vehicle access to the most suitable restaurant sites led to their exclusion from the strateg y.
Swimming pools and courts were excluded on the basis that they would introduce fences , built structures and pavements into an area perceived primari ly as a garden. Shou ld they be provided it is proposed they are incorporated within the new building areas. '
The requirement fo r a permanent site fo r the QIT creche has become apparent over the study period. Preference is expressed for a site with a play yard , safe access to the Gardens or the Common and 21
simple short access from drop-off or parking areas for parent drop-off and col lection. Short term provisions could be made in the Curator's Cottage or nursery house before their redevelopment but a permanent site on the southern interface between QIT and the Gardens should be sought. This area is directly accessible from both Domain Place and the Community Access spine from the carparks. 22
5. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
As identified in the introduction to this report , the study has aimed at deriving overall planning and design strategies which can be used as a medium to canvass responses and opinions from community and government instrumentalities whose work or operations influence Gardens Point. In addition , the study process has revealed:
Areas of the peninsu la where satisfactory resolution of physica l problems will require joint decision making on future phases of design , implementation and management.
Technical aspects where fu rther exploratory or analytical work is required prior to the next stages of planning and desig n.
Areas of work which are the sole responsibility of one of the landholders involved and may proceed to fu rther stages of design or implementation without involving all parties in detail.
This summary identifies as a series of recommendations , methods of most effectively utilizing this study as part of the continuous process of site development.
5.1 Issues and Actions Requiring Joint Action
It is recommended that Q IT, B C C and the State Government review the strategy and jo intly make detailed proposals and policy on :
Aspects of the plan which should be proceeded with as a matter of urgency and overal l priorities for implementation.
Land use allocations and reso lution of tenure.
Budget allocations and responsibilities between pa rties.
The continuing direction of design development within and adjacent to the Point, and the method of review of that development required in order to achieve the strategy objectives.
Implementation of the western ca rpark which potentially serves QIT, the Gardens and possibly Expo 88.
5. 2 Fu rther Technical Studies Required
It is recommended that the fo llowing studies be commissioned prior to or concurrent with fu rther planning and design.
A study on vehicu lar access to the city south and in pa rticu lar Gardens Point. 23
A study on public transport prov1s1ons for the city south and in particu lar Gardens Point.
A noise survey on the western peninsula to assess the infl uence of traffic noise on construction and use of the western Q IT campus and land between.
A noise study of the northern gardens in the area of the original Queens Park to assess the influence of existing traffic in Alice Street on this area and the projected traffic flows with re-routing.
5. 3 Early Stage Imp lementation
It is recommended that the following specific and simple implementation areas proceed at the earl iest opportunity.
Construction of the George Street/Parliamenta ry Forecourt in accordance with the general principles already agreed between State Works Depa rtment, BCC and Q IT.
Design and construction of the Law I Health Science building within QIT to include provision fo r the major cross peninsula concourse link, basement pa rking and appropriate site development where it fronts the Old Government House.
The fo rmulation of budgets fo r key areas within QlT's responsibility (Administration Building I National Trust/ Community Building Area , Gardens Point entrance ) for inclusion in works prog rams.
The relocation of the BCC nursery and construction of the amphitheatre.
Design and construction of the Southern Gardens/Q IT interface.
Design and construction of the La ke.
Relocation of the Curator's Cottage.
Siting of the Q IT creche. CO TE .. _ GARDENS CIR·CULAT � POINT tW STUDY � TOPOGRAPHY � / KNOLL/HIGHPONT / I • t .FLAT' LAND 1
-- RI>GELINE AND SPURS
c• LEVEE . ... APPROXIMATE WATERSHED / = 9) INTERNALISED DRAIMAGE CJ (--J--,
' V�TION
� I=V&:RnA .. (Figs �
--. r=:"I@,:JI�.:: .. RAitFOREST GARD� .. MANGROVES ' r-., SCATTERED MIXED PALM � - c..--...... J1 • I:AWN - � - .... , FEATURE GARDENS � ( Rockery, Annuals.) U ' -, POND RELATED PLANTitGS r j 'WA 1 PALM GROVES � ----- / � ...... --..:..., � -- -,_.- /
GARDENS POINT ,31 STUDY J / :/
I
I I I
II
. ..A. J'IWfiC GENERATED V �NOISE PROBLEMS I
f --\BUILDINGS/BAARIERS RESTIICTlNG v \--JACCESSI SPACEALLOCATION
GARDENS us AINTS POINT j2 STUDY _, ··-tMA.JOf' PEDESTRIAN --t � 0 MAJOR .SllE ENTRANCES 0 &ECONOMY 'ENTRANCES' CIN'TRAL FOCUS/"HEART'OF GARDt:N * .RIVER TRANSPORT ACCESS POINT � SIGNFICANT VIEWS AND VISTAS
r=:iPOTENTIAL VEHICULAR PARKING ::l CrrY TO GARDENS TRANSlTIPN ZONE t:� LARGE SCALE ACTIVE RECAEAnON c::1 ...... ,. PROMENADE • �KIOSK'/VAURANT SITE
I _J GARDENS R 0 0 T POINT STUDY 33 " '7� ' LEGEND ---'-A / nwtSmON ZONEs . • CITY I GARDENS
Q.LT. I TOWN REACH
\
I I
I I I I I L - j I I 1/
------
GARDENS POINT CO CE T STUDY ,@ l GARDENS POINT STUDY @2. 2 THE LAKE AND llE crTY UAADENS PAVUON
6 CITY GARDENS LAKE FROM OLD GOveRNMENT HOUSE
GARDENS POINT 25 lA STUDY "----' --- '
·' '
\ I
J
I l/ , ,
- - J_
I '"" PROPOSED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
c;[ -,t([} �-�--�GARDENS ·-- POINT 1) STUDY "-- -;) ALICE STREET
ALBERT STREET SERVICE AND CONCOURSE SPECIAL VEHICLE ACCESS VIA ALL RESTRICTED VEHICLE A��:r::;,;:� AVEJ? WALKWAYS
SERVICE AND LOADING BAY AT LOWER LEVEL GARDENS PAVILION
-
-·
...... •••••• --Mllt
VEHICULAR CIRCULATION ·.--;::::-- � OLD GOVERNMENT CITY GAIII>EMS ALICE STREET HOUSE AXIS PA OVERPASS I VIl.JeH I I
...
..;;.
' I
! TOWN REACH alE PALM GROVE YACHTING FACILmES .. GARDENS CONCOURSE AND POOL FESTIVAL SPACE T I CJ_
: '· -
r·
rrru;h:OF CITY REACH .; ACCESS OOEENSLAND.. JNs �CHNOLOGY ADMIN. BUI4lJNG INFORM� GAfiiOBIS I I - .-r - -:..1 �·�.,., ' ; . ..
... ·/�,'
.�G INFORMAL GAIRDEoNS RIVERSIDE WALK CITY
ALICE THE COMMON
GARDENS SECT�IONS POINT � STUDY � ource e e:v 1984 l( 1985 J S P opl jr- �fe�--r-m-a- r-- r-a--r--�m-a_ _· -1--�u -n--��u�l �--a -u -�--s-e-�--o-c�t �--n- -v��d�e-c��-a n� ��fe� -J b o v j i Q o o l i b , RC.C. If.LIM. EIAEF ...... ,,,
� -.
·• •u�
SIIXL • M•D.T MIICIIGY ....., ..... Jntt.l�lo ...... lat (.Mltf.
...... _ <#_ .....,..,.. ftT ICli•oU �l,..,.iS ...... 'f'll$ lil... ..
...... �� �""""'\.&l'ftli:...... -.,_'i. � �Uan
La.,J,
G.-•-.11··•·•··
...... 1111111M
'Q.I.T. �- (f Project Tum � >- - r, t � ":" :1.; ·- i _., r� _,� .'�..;.- . "·· .. t ' . " ,, �--- � -;�.:-1'-r.: :-�� , � v�r.:.. ���� .. �. - 01'1-lll""' - lilllo.l...l -- ---,
I ' r r !::5.:.5· B.C&IQJ.T.Wori< ing Party ...... _ ' --- ' .. �- I· ·�.,...,.. • �� � • �lf W.t ...... �
• STUDY PROGRAMME GARDENS • • _.._ ,...nl&lll... SPJ�f® 30·'5·84 APPENDIX 1 1. 00 Physical Conditions- (Study Specific} Surveys
(1 ) Geophysica l Survey
Drawing No. GPS. 18 Bouguer Anomo ly Ma p, Dec 84 Department of Appl ied Geology , Lloyd Hamilton , Head of Department and Joe Williams, Lecturer
Drawing No. GPS. 29 Seismic & Drilling Depth Map, Dec 84, Joe Williams , Lecturer
(2) Horticultural Survey
Bound Data Sheets , Aug 84 Department Planning and Landscape Architecture , Alan Chenoweth (Lectu rer) with Harold Caulfield (Past Curator of Botanic Gardens) , John Bedford (Student GDLA)
Vol. 1 Nos. 1-367 Vol. 2 Nos. 368-689 Vol.3 Nos. 690-1093 Vol. 4 Nos. 1094-1229 Gardens
(3) Physica l Survey
Drawing No. G PS. 16 Enhanced Orthophoto Ma p 1:1000 , June 84 Department of Surveying , Dr Enrico Clerici , Head of Department Drawing No. G PS. 17 Enhanced Orthophoto Ma p 1:2000 , June 34 Department of Surveying , Kevin Jones, Senior Lecturer (on secondment from Depa rtment of Mapping and Surveying) Drawing No. GPS. 19 Topographic Survey Map , Sept 84 Depa rtment of Surveying , Bruce Chapman, Senior Instructor Drawing No. GPS.30 Vegetation Survey (to be finalised 1985)
( 4) Services
Combined Services Data Drawing No. GPS.3 , March 84 Students of Bachelor Applied Science BAS2b , 1984 Drawing No. GPS.4, March 84 Students of Bachelor Applied Science BAS2b , 1984
2. 00 User Requirements and Attitudes (Study Specific Reports and Papers (Vol . 2}
(1) BCC Brief fo r the Gardens , January 1984, BCC, Department of Health and Community Services
(2) QIT Brief fo r QIT Requirements , February 1984 QIT, Director
( 3) FREEPS , May 1984 BCC, John Aitken
(4) QIT Student Recreation Survey , May 1984 QIT Union , Ken Fussell
(5) Position Paper on Traffic and Public Transport, July 1984 QIT Department of Civil Engineering , John Corner
(6) Emergency and Delivery Vehicle Access , Egress at QIT, November 1984 QIT Department of Civil Engineering , Stephen Gerber, lan Farrington (Students Ass. Dip. Civil Eng )
( 7) Gardens Point Recreation Study (The Attitudes of Gardens Users) , August 1984 Q IT Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture , (Students Grad. Dip. Urban and Regional Planning 2)
( 8) Gardens Point Survey conducted in the Brisbane Statistical Division (The Attitudes of a Bri sbane wide sample to the Gardens and QIT) , September 1984 QIT Department of Management, (Student of Admin istration Analysis; Michael Toohey )
(9) Gardens Point Study Design Brief, September 1984 QIT Department of Planning and La ndscape Architecture , ( Catherin Bull for LPP718 Advanced Landscape Design class)
3. 00 Related Reports, References and Data (Vol . 3}
(1) Historica l Notes on Brisbane Botanical Gardens , September 1983 Ross D McKinnon , Curator , Botanic Gardens
(2) QIT Corporate Identity - Pilot Study , May 1984 Q IT Department lndustriai Design, (Student Study under direction Vesna Popovic, Ken Stewart) (3) Historic Gardens in Australia - Guidel ines fo r Preparation of Conservation Plans , 1983 Australian Garden History Society
(4) QIT Strategic Plan , July 1973 QIT Architect
( 5) Q IT Landscape Masterplan, December 197 4 UDPA Planners (Queensland)
(6) QIT Enrolment Projections Report to the Academic Planning Committee , September 1984 QIT Registrar
(7) Design Brief fo r the Proposed Building for the Schoo ls of Law and Health Science , 1983 Q IT Architect
(8) Heritage Walk (Walks and Drives of Brisbane 4) , Heritage Trail (Brisbane City Centre) National Trust of Queensland , BCC
(9) RA lA Pa per on Brisbane City Centre , 1984 Royal Australian Institute of Architects (Queensland Chapter Planning and Env Committee )
II.00 Background Drawings
( 1) QIT Community Building Extensions, 1980 - Sketch Plans Q IT Architect
(2) George Street Pa rliamentary Forecou rt 1984 - Drawing No. E31 28-458 (A2) State Works Department
(3) Government Precinct Development Block 1 - Drawing Nos. E3 128-300 -A337/8/9/40 State Works Department - not dated
(4) Proposed Mon key House 1932, Drawing : 1344/1 BCC
( 5) Proposed Aviary Drawing : 1356 - not dated BCC
(6) Edward Street Bus Terminus 1951 Drawing: not dated BCC
(7) Entrance Gates 1951 Drawing : not dated BCC
(8) Entrance Gates Geo rge Street 1960 Drawing : (2) BCC (3) Historic Gardens in Australia - Guidelines fo r Preparation of Conservation Plans, 1983 Australian Garden History Society
( 4) Q IT Strategic Plan , July 1973 Q IT Architect
(5) QIT Landscape Masterplan, December 1974 UDPA Planners (Queensland)
(6) QIT Enrolment Projections Report to the Academic Planning Committee , September 1984 QIT Registrar
(7) Design Brief fo r the Proposed Building fo r the Schools of Law and Health Science , 1983 Q IT Architect
(8) Heritage Walk (Walks and Drives of Brisbane 4) , Heritage Trail (Brisbane City Centre) National Trust of Queensland , BCC
(9) RA lA Paper on Brisbane City Centre , 1984 Royal Austra lian Institute of Architects (Queensland Chapter Planning and Env Committee )
II.00 Background Drawings
(1) QIT Community Building Extensions, 1980 - Sketch Plans QIT Architect
(2) George Street Pa rliamentary Forecou rt 1984 - Drawing No. E31 28-458 (A2) State Works Department
(3) Government Precinct Development Block 1 - Drawing Nos. E31 28-300-A337/8/9/40 State Works Department - not dated
(4) Proposed Mon key House 1932, Drawing: 1344/1 BCC
(5) Proposed Aviary Drawing : 1356 - not dated BCC
(6) Edward Street Bus Terminus 1951 Drawing: not dated BCC
(7) Entrance Gates 1951 Drawing : not dated BCC
(8) Entrance Gates George Street 1960 Drawing : (2) BCC 5.00 The Strategy Drawings
Drawing No. G PS. 20 , Context Plan , Nov 84 Drawing No. GPS.21 , Concept , Nov 84 Drawing No. G PS. 22 , Preferred Strategy, Nov 84 Drawing No. G PS. 23 , Alternative Elements , Nov 84 Drawing No. GPS. 24, Sections, Nov 84 Drawing No. GPS. 25 , Images , Nov 84 Drawing No. G PS. 26 , Circulation , Nov 84 Drawing No. GPS. 27 , Development Guidelines, Nov 84 Drawing No. GPS. 28, Entry Circulation, Dec 84 Drawing No. GPS.31 , Physical Conditions, Dec 84 Drawing No. GPS.32 , Current Use Constraints, Dec 84 Drawing No. G PS. 33 , User Opportunities , Dec 84
QIT Project Team and the GDLA Advanced Landscape Design Class. 711 .4099431 GARD v.l Gardens Poi nt , Bri sbane a strategy fa
111111C22011111111111111111111111111 101111101111111111134811111111111111111111111 2