Northbank Wonderland
Why do kids get to have all the fun? This design invites visitors of all ages and abilities to discover a place of natural wonder, refuge and fun along the northern bank of the Birrarung.
As part of the future Greenline, the archways can also be used as wayfinding elements to signal connections along Northbank. The archways support a range of hanging seats where visitors are invited to immerse themselves in green, offering a momentary escape from the outside world and bringing out their inner child. Different types and heights of seating ensure easy access to those with mobility needs. At night, the archways are lit from within to create a glowing wonderland that feels safe.
A series of archways create the structure, based on the forms of the adjacent bridges, rail viaduct and vaults of Banana Alley. Arranged in different configurations according to the specific site location and conditions, they can be used as standalone features, connected as modules on raised plinths or to form tunnels of green linking spaces together. The archways are clad with an irrigated geotextile green wall system and planted with sensorially interesting species that break up the grey of the built environment and mitigate the health effects of the urban heat island and vehicle emissions.
Each plinth contains irrigation and lighting systems, and tree pits for sites where excavation is limited. Water memorialises the Falls around Queens Bridge that were removed in 1883 and which were an important part of the Birrarung’s socio-ecological character. Charred logs provide additional seating, and reference the Wurundjeri totem of Waa (crow/raven) as the protector of the river whose feathers were blackened by fire.
Plant selection
A mix of indigenous and non-native plant species are layered to reference the site’s varied history as unceded Aboriginal land, a place of early maritime migration and present-day cultural diversity of Naarm Melbourne. This includes exotic species from analogous Mediterranean climates such as South Africa. Deciduous non-native trees intersperse the archways to provide shade in summer and preserve precious winter sunlight. Care has been taken to limit visual obstruction of the river and maintain clear sightlines for safety, so shrubs have been avoided.
