Central Geelong Framework Plan Advisory 111 Committee Full Name: Dr Phillip Roos Organisation: Live+Smart Research Laboratory Affected property: Attachment 1: https://engage.vic.gov.au/download_file/49572 Attachment 2: https://engage.vic.gov.au/download_file/49573 Attachment 3: Comments: Submission Cover Sheet 7th July 2021 To: Central Geelong Framework Plan Advisory Committee Email: [email protected] Dear Committee Members, Central Geelong Framework Plan – A Biophilic Response Thank you for the opportunity to complete a submission in response to the draft Central Geelong Framework Plan. This submission outlines the value of a Biophilic City, precedents, design principles that underpin an integrated Biophilic City. Most importantly this response considers how the Draft Central Geelong Planning Framework can be refined to set Geelong up to harness the benefits of a Biophilic City. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss our submission further. Yours Sincerely Dr Phillip B. Roös RAIA RIBA SAIA MPIA AAIA GSAP ISAP Associate Professor Director Live + Smart Research Lab School of Architecture & Built Environment Faculty of Science Engineering & Built Environment, Deakin University W: https://livesmartlab.deakin.edu.au Deakin University Live+Smart Research Laboratory | Page 1 CONTENTS I: INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................2 II: A BIOPHILIC CITY ..................................................................................... 4 2. 1 WHAT IS A BIOPHILIC CITY ............................................................... 4 2.2 BENEFITS ........................................................................................... 9 2.3 PRECEDENTS .................................................................................... 10 2.4 HOW TO BECOME A BIOPHILIC CITY ............................................... 12 2.5 A REGENRATIVE FUTURE ................................................................. 14 IV: FRAMEWORK FEEDBACK ..................................................................... 15 RECOMMENDATION 1: DELWP MODEL GREEN SCENARIOS IN GEELONG TO INFORM DEVELOPMENT PLANNING ............................. 15 RECOMMENDATION 2: ADD BLUE/GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AS A SECTION WTHIN THE URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK ........................... 17 RECOMMENDATION 3: PLAN FOR GREEN PRECINCTS – WHICH MEANS GREEN AND SHARED STREETS ............................................................. 18 RECOMMENDATION 4: FUNDING FOR GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE; IN PARTICULAR, URBAN FOREST OUTCOMES .......................................... 20 V: CONCLUSION ........................................................................................22 VI: REFERENCES ......................................................................................... 23 1 Doc 01-12-06-07-2021 L+Smart Research Laboratory I: INTRODUCTION The Live+Smart Research Lab based at Deakin University, Geelong, is focused on enabling a healthy, sustainable, adaptive, and resilient future for Authors: our urban and regional areas. We focus on applied research in biophilia and biophilic design, systems thinking, regenerative-adaptive design, and A/Prof Dr Phillip B. Roös scenario planning to make this vision a reality. Ms Georgina de Beaujeu Associate Professor, Dr Phillip B. Roös is the founder and Director of the Ms Emma Duncan Live+Smart Research Lab, and Associate Head of School - Industry Engagement at the School of Architecture and Built Environment. His work Dr Murray Herron spans architecture, urban design and planning, landscape architecture, environmental design, teaching, and research. A global leader in Dr Ali Jalali Environmental and Biophilic Design, Phillip has worked as a design Dr Paris Sidiqui professional and architect for over 30 years on an extensive range of large- scale projects in Europe, Africa and Australasia. Dr Zaheer Allam This submission outlines the value of a Biophilic City, precedents, design Dr Simon Kilbane principles that underpin an integrated Biophilic City. Most importantly this response considers how the Draft Central Geelong Planning Framework can be refined to set Geelong up to harness the benefits of a Biophilic City. This submission is on behalf of the researchers listed below at the Live+Smart Research Laboratory and it does not reflect or represent the opinions and views of the broader Deakin University, its Schools, Faculties, Institutes or any members and staff affiliated with it. 2 Doc 01-12-06-07-2021 L+Smart Research Laboratory Acknowledgment of Country The authors and the Live+Smart Research Laboratory, at the School of THE NEED FOR A BIOPHILIC CITY HAS NEVER BEEN MORE Architecture & Built Environment, Deakin University acknowledges and pays RELEVANT…OR MORE URGENT …IN CONNECTING ITS its respects to the Wadawurrung peoples and their Elders, past and present, COMMUNITY TO THE ENVIRONMENT, ADDRESSING CLIMATE and the rich cultural and intrinsic connections they have in their Country. We CHANGE AND BIODIVERSITY LOSS & DELIVERING A LIVABLE also recognise and acknowledge the contribution and interest of other Aboriginal peoples and organisations in the management of lands, waters, CITY seas, and natural resources in this region. 3 Doc 01-12-06-07-2021 L+Smart Research Laboratory II: A BIOPHILIC CITY Visual and Direct Connection with Nature A view of, and direct access to, nature, living systems and natural processes Ensure visual and direct access to nature (gardens, plants and trees, fauna, 2. 1 WHAT IS A BIOPHILIC CITY water, soils, light, views and (fire)*. * Can be symbolic - warm light, colour and thermal elements included in materials, art installations, façade finishes. The psychological and physical wellbeing of humanity, and our quality of life, is intrinsically linked to, and dependent on, nature. Every design decision Examples taken in a Biophilic City seeks to connect its citizens to nature as a mutually - Street closure or partial closures to create a pocket park or increase reinforcing and integrated relationship, thereby delivering multi layered canopy cover by planting double or triple rows of street trees through benefits for its residents and the environment. Biophilic cities elevate and plantings in outstands as well as pavements and private space position nature, wildlife, and its supporting ecological systems first in design, - A diversity of tree species (not a singular boulevard of one tree species) planning, and management aims and activities. They “deliver buildings and to provide a biodiverse canopy to moderate weather, reduce pollution, urban spaces that facilitate direct and indirect experiences of nature for noise and provide habitat and provide a resilient urban forest. This also urban dwellers in their daily lives” (Cabanek, Zingoni de Baro & Newman enables the largest tree possible to be placed in a particular location 2020). rather than all trees being limited in height where powerlines are present The following principles are embedded in Biophilic City design and planning - Plant palette designed to capture and retain airborne particulate matter, policies and practice. Indicators and targets are critical to directing action as often using endemic species that are better adapted to a locations is further outlined in section 2.3 How to Become a Biophilic City conditions. A resilient plant selection according to climate, soil, seasons to maximise biodiversity values, sensory and aesthetic experiences. - Connected and vegetated walking paths, including in pavements, as well as vertical gardens (creepers or green walls) and roof gardens. Vegetated hedges as protection from traffic and create noise or light buffers. Well-designed and connected public green spaces to fit 4 Doc 01-12-06-07-2021 L+Smart Research Laboratory different age groups needs and expectations that create interesting Examples views with greenery - Use of wood and natural materials that patina with age - Biophilic mobile structures such as popup parks, parklets, ‘CityTree’, - Share the name and age of trees across the city, turning the city into an Green bus stop shelters and Mobile Forest extended Botanic garden so residents appreciate what a 50, 100 and - Permanent urban furniture integrated with plant beds, vertical gardens, older tee looks like water features and other biophilic treatments - Adopt plant pallets that illustrates the changing seasons and draw from the Indigenous understanding of the seasons, which extend beyond the Non-Visual Connection with Nature four European seasons Auditory, haptic, olfactory, or gustatory stimuli that support a deliberate Thermal, Airflow and Dynamic, Variable and Diffuse Light and positive reference to nature, living systems or natural processes Enhance opportunities for full sensory connections (audible, smell, texture, Celebrate natural environments with changes in air temperature, humidity, temperature) to nature through sounds, materials surface treatments surface temperatures. Varying intensities of light and shadow that change (touching), planting, and elements that enhance the senses. over time to illustrate conditions that occur in nature Provide sequential changes in thermal, airflow and light variability with Examples shapes and forms, vegetation, materials, texture, colours and natural - Integrating sounds of nature in public art, buildings and public spaces geometries. Use mixtures of dynamic, diffuse and changeable lighting - Natural materials, shapes and forms (facades and pavements) arrangements and