Site Analysis - Howard Smith Wharves

The Howard Smiths Wharves are located upon a bend on the Brisbane River, and play a role of historical and cultural importance within the city. The wharves were constructed in the 1930s and used as a premier docking station for incoming traders. However, once the city started to expand, all docking activities were moved further downstream towards the the river mouth, therefore leaving an intact model of Brisbane's history. Not only this but the site is also host to the best remaining air raid shelters in Brisbane, lining the cliff face or sometimes embedded within them.

It is a site of deep historical implications, however, in recent times it has fallen into disuse and needs to be revitalised by bringing new energy to the area.

This is exactly what the Folie and subsequent designs are going to do. First lets analyse the site further.

Most obviously, the site sits underneath the Storey Bridge - a Brisbane Landmark - and so the Folie must work in conjunction with this structure otherwise it has the potential to be outshined.

The site sits on the convergence of four neighbouring districts; New Farm, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane City and Kangaroo Point. As such, the Folie must be inserted to engage with these districts while still amplifying the usage of the site.

As the site is located on the bend of the river, it provides stunning views of New Farm, Brisbane CBD and Kangaroo Point. However, the opposite is also true, these 3 districts have a clear view of the site and this allows for exposure.

On the other hand, the site is guarded from Fortitude Valley from the sudden drop in level, as such, it could be possible to use the cliffs to create a location which is halfway between the two while also introducing a natural element to the design. It would also offer exposure to the motorists on the Storey Bridge too.

This diagram has dealt with such issues as human and ferry traffic. It clearly shows that the site is used as a thoroughfare - when the riverwalk is functioning.

Introduction to Tasks

This blog will be used in conjunction with the university unit DAB510 at Queensland University of Technology to develop designs relevant to the course.

This unit will focus around the Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane, Australia. The site, as it stands at the moment, is a large undeveloped area located on the Brisbane River and remains one of the few undevelopment riverside sites in the city.

The first section of this unit is to design a folie to be located in Howard Smith Wharves which relates to the site and context, while also providing an experience for the user.

The design should fit within a 5m x 5m x 5m bounding box and should be for at least one person or user.

These 2 images show the site to be used in two opposite directions. From these images you can see the relationship to the city and the effects of the January Floods in Brisbane.