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Monash Art, Design and Architecture Student Exhibition 2022

Rebecca Williams

The Double Ground studio imagines a future with a sharp decline in private vehicle use, and uses the spatial opportunity left in carparks to retrofit and move infrastructure away from the Yarra. Tower (Street Car) Park increases the social and ecological value of the rooftop by weaving water systems and recreation. The park acts as an intensive rain garden and employs biofiltration techniques on the pool and the buildings black water filtration system. Space is provided for other recreational activities such as bocce and birdwatching, whilst leaving room for native flora and fauna. This project was completed in collaboration with Chelsea Telford, for more information please visit her page.

Edible garden

The edible garden celebrates and educates about edible plants endemic to the area. It is a drier of the site as many of the plants prefer well drained soil. It is in close to street access and ramps to the level below.

Geology research - Yarra River

The studio began with a detailed study of the current conditions of the Yarra, and what action needed to be taken for repair. This drawing explores the geology of Yarra Flats across three scales.

Rooftop plan

The rooftop is shaped to funnel water to drainage points. The north (left) side of the site is pool area, and the south (right) side contains space for recreational activities and an edible garden. A central void (part of a building wide scheme) provides visual connection with the levels below.

Building water system

The water system weaves throughout the whole building, plugging into the projects of our classmates. The wastewater system is cyclical; it is pumped back up and used as grey water after being filtered through biological processes. In addition, the constructed wetlands provide amenity for the residents as it runs along their balcony and windows after any odours have been removed from the water.

Building water section

Clean rainwater is collected in a central tank, and piped into sinks, drinking fountains and showers throughout the building. Pipes for grey water and wastewater run against the tank to reduce the need for additional penetrations in the floor plate.

Water usage and collection

For most of the year, there is excess water in the fresh and grey systems. Filtered water is released to the ground where it is absorbed and soaks into an aquifer. This aquifer is connected to the one that runs under the Yarra.

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