Zikai (Calvin) Sun

This design integrates two key elements: Nature and Alea (meaning "Chance"). Its ultimate goal is to allow people to find moments of tranquility in their fast-paced lives.

My chosen site is Batman Park, located between Southern Cross Station and Flinders Street Station. Looking ahead to Melbourne's urban development—with the Metro replacing surface lines—existing bridge railways will be transformed into elevated parks. To enhance accessibility and encourage exploration, ramps will connect the elevated park, the central maze, and the riverbank, creating a variety of experiential spaces.

The connecting ramps to the Highline will also serve as unique entrances to the maze: as visitors enter, they will naturally blend into the Arya Gardens and natural landscape, embracing an unknown journey of exploration. Just as the journeys vary, so too do the exits—some lead to the riverbank, some return to the Highline via another ramp, and some exit directly from the maze or the ramp itself.

The ponds between the ramp and the maze enhance the sense of connection between the maze and the Yarra River, while also preventing the Hedge Maze from feeling too monotonous. Planting trees in some areas of the maze, replacing parts of the walls, also serves this purpose.

Inside the maze, People can see a maze of branching paths. Choosing different paths will lead people to different exits, and it's also possible to meet again at one of the forks. People can also see ramps leading up from the maze's edge, which enhances the sense of connection between the highline and the maze itself.

Walking down the ramp from the Highline, people are free to choose whether or not to enter the maze. Alternatively, they can choose to go directly to the riverbank or leave the park altogether. This allows people, whether in a hurry or not, to slow down and enjoy nature by passing through the Highline, ramps, maze, riverbank, or Batman Park.

This perspective provides a clearer view of the connection between the ramp, the maze, and the Yarra River. The ponds between the maze and the ramp, echoing the distant Yarra River, further enhances this sense of connection.