Steampacket Place

**Civic Design - Merit**
Steampacket Place Waterfont Geelong
Client: Landscape Architect:	City of Greater Geelong Taylor Cullity Lethlean
The brief for the design emerged out of a master plan review undertaken by Taylor Cullity Lethlean in 1996. Steampacket Place is the last and most extensive phase of Geelong's waterfront redevelopment. It focuses on a one-kilometre precinct that since the decline of its port industries has been fragmented, disused and dominated by the car. The design is composed of three principle parts: The Promenade The broad pedestrian promenade is lined by closely spaced Washington Palms and generous seating. The popular pathway provides a continuous link along the Bay and connects a sequence of destinations along the waterfront. A repetitive rhythm is expressed along the waters edge via robust 'ribs', attached to the existing sea wall. Designed to allow for informal seating, these precast concrete ribs are clad at their base in cor-ten steel to house lighting and allow for skate board use. The Harbour The harbour is designed as a focus of pedestrtian activity. It embraces berthing facilities, a restored carousel pavillion, sculptural/art installations and seating walls. A major art work by Mark Stoner, entitled 'North' was integrated into the design.
Customs Park This small precinct, the vital final piece in the waterfront jigsaw, is designed to provide a protected passive park space, a green oasis in the heart of the city, in contrast to the activities occuring along the waters edge. Centred on the original Customs Building, this small plaza comprises a major play element - the undulating lawns, with adjacent seating, water features, decks and artworks. The design detail looks at symbolically conveying time or historical development of place in the landscape.

J U R Y ' S C O M M E N T S This project is an excellent example of strategic design leading to urban design solutions with a magical and artful implementation on the ground. The project pulls together the various components of the Geelong foreshore and skilfully links it back into the surrounding built form. Art is well integrated in the overall design and is achieved both through process and product. The jury was particularly impressed by the wave lawn, both as a sculptural element, but also a highly successful play element for children. The overall design is robust with expressive detailing and a highly developed use of natural and artificial light. The jury considered this project to be very compelling, demonstrating the skill of the designers and the importance of a receptive and supportive client.
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