Week 9 -Further Site Analysis

Overview of CBD and possible site locations

1

My first possible site location is located on the corner of Albert and Adelaide Street. Currently housing low-medium density commercial activities the building is already becoming outdated. Possible complications in regards to it being a protected structure. But a new development could be created above the building, structural issues to be resolved. The real plus of this site is the location -Adjacent to existing public transport infrastructure  By 2030, Adelaide street may also become an important pedestrian and light-rail thoroughfare.

2

The second possible site location has great potential for what I am ultimately aiming to do -renovate existing office space. Centered a corner of Queen Street and Albert Street, this is located in the heart of the CBD. As an area that is already pedestrianized  it is will become increasingly vibrant as pedestrianization spreads though the CBD. 

I envisage this area to become a Times Square or Piccadilly Circus'esque space by 2030. Not only a primary hub for business, but for leisure and entrainment  Coupled with this would also come the need for more accommodation and public space as increased density places more strain on facilitates. This would serve as an ideal environment in which a tower housing multi-purpose pods coupled with open 'green' levels could thrive and set a growing trend for high density urban solutions. 

The south-eastern corner of the site holds the most potential, currently containing a 24 floor office building with retail outlets on the lower levels. Looking to the future, much of this office space may become redundant, thus available for transformation. With a core structure already in place, this tower would be ideal to strip down and re-design. With a regular form and ceiling height, standardized untis can be
designed and installed in a variety of manners. Levels can be divided into different usages such as accommodation  workspace, retail and entertainment/social. With the facade removed and interior gutted, intermittent green spaces can easily be integrated with the design, which can also use existing access ways (elevator shafts).

The other corners on the site hold similar promise, but would be of a smaller scale without a new structure built above. All also hold great potential to improve the site surrounds. Possible transportation improvements such as light-rail and a subway network can also be integrated with the design.

 

3

The third site with potential for development is currently the Wintergarden car park on Elizabeth street. As public transport becomes favorable over private transport this may become a redundant space. With standardized spacing and access, this would be ideal for pod installations in line with some of our project one aims. With new office towers going up adjacent to the site and Elizabeth Street requiring a pedestrianization revamp, this site has a promising future.

4

Perhaps not the most favorable of sites due it's the scale and complexity, the Myer Center and adjacent street is none the less of of the most important components of this part of the CBD. One of the key draws of this area is the amount of unused roof top space that could be utilized for future redevelopment. A new rooftop precinct could be created here housing public green space a plenty, pod installations and connections to other buildings helping further integrate the CBD. It also presents the opportunity to improve the streets that surround the site -fundamentally altering the nature and aesthetics the area. But there is a lack of opportunity in terms of renovating existing interior space, as retail zones are unlikely to become redundant in the near future.

5

Further opportunities for renovation lie in smaller retail and office spaces such as this area on Elizabeth Street. Instead of working up or centrally, these redevelopments can be linear in nature, running along the length of Elizabeth street. This could create a new precinct through the CBD. Although there are issues to be resolved, in relation to access and protected structures.