URBAN DESIGN FOR PEOPLE AND PLACES
Assignment 1
Visual Critical Essay
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All images are by the Author (2018)
MacArthur Square
Figure 1.
MacArthur Square is in the northern Carlton area near Elgin Street and is one of the oldest squares in Carlton. The square is rectangular and stretches from Rathdowne Street to Elgin Street. Elm trees, which are the main and historic feature of the site, lines the North and South border of the square.
Figure 3.
A monument is located in MacArthur Square. It was constructed in 1915 and dedicated to William Ievers Jr. It acts as a memorial drinking fountain. This monument in context to the square can be said to function as an aesthetic element only as it was erected as part of a beautification scheme.
Figure 5.
MacArthur Square’s infrastructure is minimal. Only two long benches, a dog litter trash bin, and a couple of lights are present. As the park’s main activity uses are for sitting, picnics, and activities with pets, a wide-open space is necessary compared to the amount of facilities.
Figure 7.
A second observation was conducted on a day with better weather. People were seen to sit and relax in the park, having a picnic and playing with their dog. The landscaping of the square dictates the way of life for the surrounding residents, as the space is used actively.
Figure 9.
MacArthur Square’s urbanism can be defined as landscape urbanism, as landscaping dictates the usage of the space and the way of life and habits for the surrounding residents. The tree lined wide open space provide a shaded yet spacious area for active and passive activities to be conducted in the site.
Lincoln Square
Figure 2.
Lincoln Square is one of the oldest squares to be built in Melbourne. The square is in the more urban southern Carlton and features Melbourne’s first public playground and the Bali Memorial. Its proximity to public transportation, the CBD, and the University provides a green oasis transition amid the city.
Figure 4.
The Bali Memorial is located in Lincoln Square’s tram station entrance. It serves as a memorial to the Australian victims of the 2002 Bali Bombing. Unlike the monument in MacArthur Square, the memorial fountain serves as a place of contemplation and reflection, adding an additional element of spirituality to the Square.
Figure 6.
Lincoln Square’s facilities are much more sufficient in terms of numbers and quality. There are numerous benches and drinking fountains, a public toilet, and a playground. Although it has many facilities, the square’s lack vibrant activities. People has been observed to only pass through the square without staying to relax as the square serves 2 public transportation stops in each end.
Figure 8.
People were seen passing through the site even though the day has much better weather in the square. Although landscape design for Lincoln Square is better in quality, people were not seen to utilize the space and the weather, signifying a different way of life in the area.
Figure 10.
Although Lincoln Square’s boasts multiple and better facilities, such as the first public playground in Melbourne pictured above, the lack of activities signified a different urbanism in the area. Although landscape urbanism has been implemented in the area with several landscape features, it can be said that Everyday Urbanism can be said to exist in the site.