Aspect Studios in conjunction with the City of Port Philip completed the re-development of the Elwood coastal foreshore for local residents and the wider community. Creating simple clarity of space and usability was an essential component in the redevelopment of the foreshore. This site like many foreshores and their public spaces have been wilted away by inappropriate car parks, community and boat clubs exceeding their limits, inappropriate drainage and lack of tree cover. As a consequence the primary relationship between the foreshore public spaces and the beach and sea were dislocated; with the car and boats dominating the freedom of pedestrians, sun bathers, picnickers, bike riders and views. The design changed this relationship placing the pedestrian as priority and directing traffic towards the back of the site. Shared pathways help to reduce conflict between bicycles, pedestrians, boats and motor vehicles.
The design draws on the more robust coastal vernacular of the region, simple concrete forms, timber surfaces and indigenous vegetation. All new furniture and structures are low, horizontal and simple to underscore the wide bay water views. Water sensitive urban design was used throughout the carpark and water storage tanks provided to reduce the pressure on mains water for boat washing. This project demonstrates that a seamless connection can be made between functional design (ie cars, bikes, walkers, boats, cleaners) and design elegance. The design has provided back to the community a open and inviting foreshore place, that can be used from causal to large scale, surf life saving and sailing club festivals.
Landscape Architecture: Aspect Studios
Location: Ormond Esplanade, Elwood, Victoria
Client: City of Port Philip
Photographer: Andrew Lloyd
Budget: AUS$2.5 million
Consultants/Team: ASPECT Studios, Ratio Traffic / Martin Butcher Lighting Design / Cardno Grogan Richards – Civil & Structural Engineering
Scope: Concept plan, design development, documentation and construction advice
Area: 10,000 square metres
Completion date: February 2009
Designers: ASPECT Studios /
