Long
Nose Point, designed in 1972, is one of a number of naturalistic water
front urban ‘alternative’ parklands created by Bruce
Mackenzie. This park consciously contrasted with the majority of
Sydney parks which were dominated by geometric order and picturesque
qualities.
The
site was transformed from a derelict industrial site to an idyllic
refuge. In their brief Leichardt Council requested that Illoura Reserve,
a park created earlier by Mackenzie, be used as a model for Long
Nose
Point. Illoura Reserve, like Long Nose Point had been a barren site
and the concept was to recreate the character of Port Jackson’s
bush headlands.
Mackenzie
aimed to create a park which would provide a range of experiences and
contact with nature for a densely populated urban area. The Master
Plan for the park reveals a range of informal spaces including and
enclosed grass play area, children’s playgrounds, seating and
areas to view the surrounding Parramatta River.
Mackenzie described how imagined the park would be used:
“Adequate spaces to move, to run, jump and tumble, to explore
or to just sit, rest, talk and picnic must be provided. The spaces should
occur as a sequence of flowing events not obviously defined. They must
be of durable grass and pavement surfaces related to the various use
and wear factors.” (Mackenzie 1984, 24)
The local plant material chosen was arranged informally. A range of
species adapted to life on sandstone strata were incorporated, these
include: Banksia, Hakea, Leptospermum, Melaleuca, Greville and Westringia.
Eucalyptus species were informally planted within shrub areas as well
as in grass. A Casuarina grove was also incorporated in the point which
reaches out into the river.
Weathered demolition sandstone was used in the walls, paving and for
steps tying the construction into the natural landscape.
Bruce Mackenzie and his work, including the Long Nose Point design,
have been highly influential to the development of the Landscape Architecture
profession in Australia (Bull 2000). This design recognized and responds
to the intrinsic characteristics and beauty of the Australian landscape
creating naturalistic experiences for users. The success of this design
was recognized in 1986, winning a merit award from the AILA.
Writing
in 2000, Bull indicates that despite being highly regarded by the profession
this park along with Peacock Point in Sydney are
not given
appropriate maintenance as their status accords. Both parks were
reported to be in poor condition and “beyond repair within five years.” (Bull
2000).
Edwina Richardson (AAILA)
References
Bull,
Catherin (2000) ‘In what way influential? The project, people
and events that landscape architects consider significant in Australia.’ Landscape
Australia No 2 , 111-117.
Mackenzie,
Bruce (1984) ‘ Alternative parkland’ Landscape
Australia No 1, 19-27.
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