SWANSTON ST, MELBOURNE & CBD LANEWAYS
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Australian Institute of Landscape Architects National Project
Awards 1994
Merit
Award in Landscape Architecture
Awarded to The City of Melbourne
Landscape Section
for
Swanston Street Walk, Melbourne.
Category:
Civic Design: Urban spaces (privately or publicly owned) for
public use.
Citation: "A
relatively simple solution to a complex problem, ensuring retention
of the street character while integrating movement,
people use and social quality. It recognises and enhances the
role of Swanston Street as an important public space in the
life of
Melbourne through the addition of imaginative artwork and a
landscape adaptable to both seasonal and cultural changes".
Background
In March 1991 the City of
Melbourne (MCC) and the Victorian State Government
jointly announced their intention to transform one of Melbourne's
most congested roadways to
give priority to pedestrians and public transport. Swanston
Street, between Flinders and Latrobe Streets, was closed to through
traffic on 28 March 1992 and construction
commenced in April 1992.
Site
and Project Constraints
Swanston
Street Walk is the principal thoroughfare servicing Melbourne's
retail core, connecting underground rail stations and metropolitan
tram routes through the city centre.
The street carries large volumes of pedestrian traffic and
is important for access to nearby offices and major shopping
areas.
Pedestrians, trams, service
and emergency vehicles, taxis and bicycles had to be accommodated
within the design.
Many existing features were required to be retained including underground
services and tram tracks.
Design
Intent
The principal intent was
to provide a quality setting for public activity and buildings,
without unnecessary featurism. In addition to the functional requirement relating
to traffic and other uses, a number of issues were important
in determining the form of this setting:
Swanston Street is a part of the distinctive
central street grid of Melbourne. The design aimed to protect the
integrity of this grid, although altering the mix of traffic in
Swanston Street.
Swanston Street forms a major civic axis within
Melbourne. Enhancement of the continuity and formal character of
this axis was a key design consideration.
In the traditional pattern
of development in Melbourne, plazas and other open spaces are
distinct from the streets. This was continued in the treatment
of spaces adjacent Swanston Street, at the State Library, St
Paul's Cathedral and City Square.
Streets throughout the city use a conventional
set of features to separate and manage traffic, and for other functional
requirements. Their effectiveness is proven. The design utilised
conventional features as much as possible.
The design aimed to enhance - rather than obscure
- the image of Swanston Street as a city street.
Management
Issues and Art
Various initiatives have continued after completion
of capital works in the street, including the implementation of
a 'Business Plan'.
Since the initial closure
of Swanston Street Walk to vehicles, the number
of parades, special events and entertainment has increased.
Conclusion
Today Swanston Street Walk is a quality street
with wide tree-lined footpaths, improved facilities for pedestrians,
sculptures and outdoor cafes.
Credits
Landscape Architect & Project Manager: Urban
Design and Architecture Division, MCC
Civil Engineer & Services
Consultant.-Traffic and Engineering Services Division, MCC
Quantity
Surveyors: Donald Cant Watts Corke
Landscape Contractor: Parks
and Gardens, MCC
Main Contractor: Roche Bros.
Civil contract administration: Civil
Works Branch, MCC Traffic: Nelson English, Loxton & Andrews,
City Traffic Management Division - MCC & VicRoads
Original Budget Estimate: $10,978,000
Project Cost: $10,853,000
Date of Completion:5 October 1992
From Landscape Australia 1/95, p42
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