Week 1 - Site Visit

First Impression.

The site initially seemed to be in  perfect location. Central to Brisbane CBD, Newmarket, and Fortitude Valley, but the site being at the bottom of the cliffs does make the site very hard to access. 

The only access point is currently:

• the western end beneath the bridge leading from the highly used walkway, which follows the edge of the river.

Previously the eastern end, via the now destroyed floating riverside walkway was a key access point and could possibly be reused. (These are shown in red arrows)

SITE PLAN OF THE HOWARD SMITH WHARVES

Other possibilities do arise for site access from above. There is a large amount of parkland above the site which is heavily used and could bring a large amount of traffic through the site, turning the site into a thoroughfare for cyclists and people walking to and from Newfarm and the CBD. 

Site Character.

The site has a rich history of reuse and bound for a new stage of its life. The site was first built on in the 1930s has been used as a primary wharf for Brisbane, occupied by the water police, storage for the Queensland Works Department, and is now vacant (www.brisbane). While historically the site has always been used, it can no longer support the contemporary lifestyle and sits in ruins as the forgotten hero of Brisbane. 


The site exhibits a previously unseen rawness due too the recent flood which stripped the site back too a bare canvas. These raw materials have a brutalist feel which is epitomised by the cliffs, by their sheer scale, texture, and form.  

PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE WESTERN CLIFFS

The site continues a city wide trend of Brisbane's with it's riverside walkway. These walkways are an identifying element of brisbane city, and I believe is an important feature to keep in tact in the site.

Existing Important Elements.


Bridge.
The Story Bridge has a very powerful and demanding presence over the site. This needs to be taken into account when proposing an addition too the site. The aesthetic of the bridge is quite unique 

SITE: FROM KANGAROO POINT

Heritage Buildings.
The heritage buildings although serving as living memories of the times when Brisbane was a much smaller place, aesthetically they do not add to the site. Their simple form and earthy colours do not compete with the story bridge, they merely do their function and that is that. These buildings must be kept in tact.


Path.
Brisbane the river city. A key identifier to brisbane is it's river; but equally important as its river is the pathways that follow it. The paths, line both sides of the river offering amazing views of the river and Brisbane's landmarks that line it.


Such an important piece of infrastructure, that plays a pivotal role in the success of everything, largely goes unnoticed. We use paths everyday, but only notice them when something is wrong with them. 




References.


http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planning-building/current-planning-projects/urban-design-projects/howard-smith-wharves/site-history/index.htm