AILA Queensland Group

autumn 2008
QueenslandMark
AILA Newsletter for QLD and Region

National Council Update

Mandy Rounsefell AILA

National Councillors from across Australia met this month in Canberra for the 101st Council meeting which coincided with the ACT awards night on Friday 14th March. Amongst other discussions, the agenda items included the ongoing Landscape Charter launch, Continuing Professional Development, Environmental Committee future actions, the upcoming National Awards and planning for the Melbourne conference in 2009.

Although National Council keeps in regular contact throughout the year, the bi-annual National Council meetings are an excellent face-to-face opportunity to review, or gain, a detailed understanding of State and National issues affecting the future directions of our profession.

I encourage members to contact the Queensland state executive or Lisa Johnston regarding any specific issues you feel may need discussion or clarification, which can then help provide direction for future discussions at National level.

Engage! Chris Boulton AILA

A warm summer evening talking in the rooftop view of the city skyline at dusk was the scene for our Christmas Party to celebrate the end of 2007 and the launch of our Calendar of Events for 2008.

The calendar comprises a series of events framed by four themes: leading; discussing; sharing; and celebrating.

The concept is that these events will facilitate our engagement with our profession, our peers and each other through various activities such as breakfasts and conversation, site visits, forums and seminars, dinners and cocktail functions. A similar approach has been adopted for our regional groups, with a series of events targeting engagement of professionals, community leaders, and allied professions at a regional and local level.

You can pick-up a copy of the calendar at our next event, and check-out the website for regular updates on future events.

Four IN: One OUT - what to do with water?

Penny Hunter AILA

Recycling Water in Commercial Buildings

The Alliance of RAIA and AILA recently held the third of four informative seminars addressing current legislative requirements on grey water and rainwater usage for buildings and land. The third seminar focussed on commercial developments and the experiences in developing sustainable commercial developments that are seeking to be self sufficient in the use of water.

Guest speakers were -

Michael Essery and Ona Rae, from Plumbing Standards, Department of Infrastructure and Planning, offered guidance on the new Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code.

Marci Webster-Mannison, from the University of Queensland’s Architecture department, discussed the award winning water management system at Charles Sturt University’s Thurgoona campus, which is an innovative example of design that represents a significant shift in the way water is considered in urban planning and design.

Dominic Xavier, Managing Director and Principal Engineer from Sustainable Solutions International (SSI), discussed the opportunities and limitations of using recycled water as well as highlighting best practice case studies (inc. Brisbane Square, 60L Green Building) that demonstrated what can and cannot be done in commercial developments.

The 4th and final upcoming seminar – ‘Recycling water - international examples & where to from here?’ - will be held on the 17th April 2008.

AILA QLD 2009 Project Awards

Lisa Johnston

A sunny Saturday morning on the flybridge of Catalina in Manly Harbour saw the start of the ‘AILA QLD 2009 Project Awards’ Committee initiation meeting.

With a creative and stimulating environment, the ideas were flowing freely for the beginning of what is proving to be a memorable event. Participants enjoyed cheese and tapas while brainstorming ideas for the 2009 Project Awards launch and event, which next year is likely to involve a public exhibition of entries.

Currently the committee is made up of Claire Krebs (Committee Coordinator), Jean Rousseaux and Lauren Walsh. The committee is looking for a further three participants, so if you are keen to contribute to this important event through being part of this committee or helping out, please contact Lisa Johnston by email – qld@aila.org.au

Click here for the 2007 winners or for pics from the 2007 awards celebrations

Project Profiles:

Skilled Stadium, Robina & Elysium Noosa

Chris Boulton AILA

Building Stronger Partnerships on the Coast

Skilled Stadium has just been completed in time to accommodate the NRL’s Gold Coast Titans at a cost of more than $160 million. The design for the facility prepared by Tract Consultants set out to maximise the stadium apron to accommodate the priority of functional and safe mass pedestrian movement.

A key factor of the design evolution has been the achievement of a maximised stadium capacity which has seen all consultants striving for a balance between economy, amenity and accessibility. The hard and softscapes were no exception and hence the design intent has been delivered through robust custom furniture design, durable finishes and low maintenance plantings which have accentuated the massing and form of the stadium superstructure.

Tango Grasses and Trees played a critical role in delivering this major community facility supplying ex-ground trees including Delonix regia and Agathis robusta, a range of Dianella and Lomandra species, as well as Ozbreed varieties ‘Tas Red’ and ‘Breeze’.

Meanwhile at the Sunshine Coast, the prestigious Elysium Noosa is also nearing completion. Elysium Noosa presents a cohesive and distinctive community, with the advantage of unique natural setting near Lake Weyba and conservation parkland that extends into the development. The high quality architecturally design homes of Elysium Noosa is matched with landscape incorporating contemporary design and attention to detail.

EDAW's ecologically-sensitive design has been successful to integrate the natural and built environment, with one third of the estate consisting of recreational parklands. Elysium Noosa includes 12.7 hectares of parkland to capitalise on the site's natural beauty, with a doubling the existing number of trees and conservation area undertaking extensive eco-restoration, the improvement of water-quality and enhancement of koala habitats with 140,000 new native trees planted.

Establishment has included almost 11,000 specimens of Dianella caerulea ‘Little Jess’, Dianella caerulea ‘Breeze’ and Lomandra ‘King Alfred’ all supplied by Tango Trees and Grasse. The planting design is significant element in integrating the development into the surrounding landscape. Retained vegetation is complemented with a mixture of plant species predominantly indigenous to the region to extend fingers of vegetation into the streetscape.

At least 85% of all plant species used in the landscape plantings and at least 85% of the total number of plants used in the landscaping will be indigenous to the site. As the landscape architects for Elysium Noosa, EDAW’s landscape philosophy was to create a high quality residential community setting offering a broad range of lifestyle and recreational opportunities which embrace the unique character and environmental sensitivity of this special place.