After much consultation, the community recognised a need for a green nature space that caters to everyone.
With a need for open space the Otter Street pocket park has been designed and developed to meet the needs of Collingwood, a burgeoning and eclectic inner city suburb. Collingwood is a vibrant area in Melbourne city that attracts many visitors and has become a popular place to live.
Architecture & Access was appointed by the City of Yarra to provide access consulting advice on the council’s urban plaza/park design, with particular focus on:
- street furniture;
- access to tiered sections;
- gradients and crossfalls of the paths of travel;
- positioning and access to the pre-fabricated toilet; and
- accessible car parking space.
The key design features important to include in the park were:
- Lawns and trees – the provision of trees to provide shade will ensure that this space is more comfortable for all users and especially people that have conditions where bodily temperature control can be a challenge.
- Artwork by indigenous artist, Reko Rennie, occupying the ground plane of the park
- Places to gather and connect allowing for individual introspective and for groups of people. Seating with varying formats is provided, some with backrests and arm rests and at different heights to accommodate a range of users
- Safety and amenity – the park layout is designed so that clear sightlines through the site are maintained. Footpaths to the north and south are wide with connections to busy Smith Street. Appropriate lighting is also a key feature to ensure safety for all.
- Parking – as part of the project an on-street accessible car park was provided at the top of the park. This gives one more accessible car space along Smith Street and convenient access to the park and adjacent shops.
Architecture & Access always enjoy working on projects like this, where there is a beneficial impact for the entire community.
