As part of my BLarch graduating project for the University of NSW, I explored socio hydrology and the dynamic relationship and interactions between people and water. I explored this symbiotic coupling in the context of Badgery’s Creek, whereby a large watercourse sits centrally within a mixed use, medium density urban fabric.
The proposal focused on the human contributions to an aquatic system. This was explored at an environmental, social, political and ecological level; observing both direct and indirect encounters between people and the water system.
The proposed Badgery’s Creek airport development could significantly impact on the existing watercourse, with increased levels of polluted water runoff and sediment feeding into the South Creek water system. The design is aimed to achieve water purification and a balanced and revitalised water system through the implementation of hydrological engineering measures. This will be achieved through the application of flood mitigation, sediment controls, bio filtration systems and constructed wetlands.
The design proposal has been broken down into 4 key precincts, each of which explores social and ecological interactions in different settings.
The first precinct ‘Festivity’ is the main entry into the proposed water edge landscape. This precinct located within the commercial hub, has been designed to allow for people to physically interact with water through the centralised rain garden beds and water play elements.
The second precinct ‘Unwind Scenario’ has been designed to allow people to reach the water’s edge through a series of terraced landscapes. Both hard and soft edges have been created at various water levels, providing seating areas for people to sit and relax, whilst also acting as a dynamic flood mitigation treatment.
The third precinct, ‘Nature Sensory Learning’ is aimed to reactivate the water’s edge, creating an engaging space whereby people can immerse themselves within the water cleansing process and participate in recreational activities. A series of constructed wetlands and timber boardwalks consume this space, creating an interactive learning experience.
The final precinct ‘Exposure’ is the tourist entertainment hub containing a series of café spill out zones, amphitheatre and performance spaces and water play. Water runoff from surrounding streets filter through a water cleansing system before feeding into the water jet fountain, designed for entertainment and community engagement.
Hybrid Revitalisation performs as a hydrological epicentre. The design is a celebration of water and aims to create engaging spaces that allow people to interact and participate in the water purification system of Badgery’s Creek.