Capturing the spirit of Hobart, the design challenges the existing landscape by
proposing a reversal - of land and water. The design paradox seeks to reconnect
the City with the harbour and its historical landform by reintroducing water
linkages that in turn echo the mountain backdrop of the city onto the
waterfront horizon.
The island installations in the harbour allow for pedestrian movement between key attractions at Salamanca Place and the invigorated Hunter Street Art's complex. The islands undulating physical form allow for spectacular places to view cityscape and harbour, whilst also creating areas for solitary refuge - moments where thoughts move with the sound of the ocean giants at the port, and the flap of sales in the dock.
Passive surveillance from the surrounding street edges and lighting will provide a level of public safety while enhancing the overall experience of the islands as a sanctuary. The movement of people across the East-West axis will encourage the revitalization of the rail yard south east of the Hunter Street precinct into future mixed residential and commercial uses.
The North-South axis provides a vital aqueous link from the harbour to the Rivulet, referencing the historical flow
of the Rivulet and the old shore line.
The scheme showcases City Hall as the anchor in its placement at the northern end of the water reflection pool, creating a powerful linear connection with the foreshore and further enticing pedestrian movement along this axis. The structural attributes of the City Hall will be retained however the building will embrace the historical presence of water by functioning as a public bath where surrounding walls will form an aquarium housing native marine species. The aquatic facade of the aquarium will further strengthen the linear connection between city and foreshore, providing multiple experiences for residents and tourists alike.
The reflecting pool at old Dunn Place mediates between the harbour and the newly created public space by being an inversion of the building program. The simplicity of this urban element allows for enhanced public interaction from civic promenade through to museum courtyard, new boutique hotel, conference center and town hall.
And in one final solitary moment as you sit on an island or peer into the reflecting pool, it is here, that the anatomy of Hobart comes together as one...
harbour - sky - mountain
