Banyule Public Realm Framework & Technical Notes
This framework aims to create vibrant, inclusive and environmentally sustainable urban environments. It ensures Banyule’s public spaces meet the diverse community needs while supporting councils long term objectives.
In developing the Banyule Public Realm Framework, we adopted a typologies-based approach categorising public spaces into distinct types such as urban spaces open parks and transport links.
Inception
Who decided this was a good idea?
The project took flight with in-depth consultation with Banyule City Council, setting the stage for clear objectives and strategy. Through these dynamic discussions, a typologies-based method emerged as the most efficient way to categorise the municipality’s varied public spaces. This innovative approach promised to streamline internal operations, fostering seamless coordination among council departments by offering a well-defined structure for places like urban centres, parks and transport hubs. By syncing with the council’s strategic vision, this flexible framework was poised to be both practical and adaptable, laying a solid foundation for all future public realm endeavours.
Did you know? Mesh took on an innovative challenge from Council, combining strategy with hands-on implementation – a new and exciting approach!
Analysis
Understanding the context and existing conditions.
We delved deep into Banyule’s public spaces, embarking on a journey of discovery through physical site assessments and scrutinising council policies, strategic plans and community feedback. This exploration revealed the unique needs, opportunities and limitations of each type of public space. Along the way, we unearthed essential drivers like environmental sustainability, biodiversity and social equity, weaving them into a tapestry that aligns with the council’s grander goals and the aspirations of the community.
Over just two, jam-packed site visits, we explored up to 10 suburbs! With Council Officers from various departments as our guides, their local insights added a rich layer to the project.
Synthesis
Building a strategy backed by implementation.
We developed specific guidelines for different public space types like urban centres, pocket parks and transport corridors. This cohesive vision integrated community input and best practice urban design principles. The Technical Notes detailed materials, design elements and strategies to ensure high-quality, consistent outcomes across all public spaces.
While these two types of projects in isolation were not a first in the public realm space, delivering both at one time was a groundbreaking move that showed the power and efficiency of alignment.
Implement
A framework backed by the detail.
The Technical Notes will be a crucial bridge for communication and collaboration between council departments, developers and state projects, ensuring seamless project delivery. The Public Realm Framework highlights the desired quality and principles for every typology and sub-typology, while the Technical Notes offer precise instructions and detailed specifications for their implementation. Embracing the need for flexibility, these Technical Notes will be a dynamic document, incorporating design innovations, maintenance strategies and community feedback to continually refine and enhance public realm outcomes.
Our collaborators Flow Design Studio, with guidance from Mesh, crafted over 180 standard drawings, neatly organised into sub-typologies and captured in an awesome drawing schedule spanning civil, landscape and services.
Evaluate
Do people use it?
The Framework is already shaping key streetscape projects across the council, ensuring that sub-typology principles are woven in from the very start. This forward-thinking strategy reveals how the council will deliver higher-quality results while incorporating innovative solutions. By consistently evaluating these projects through the lens of established principles, we can guarantee they meet the community’s needs and enhance Banyule’s public spaces. Isn’t it exciting to see such innovative urban development in action?
These documents broke down barriers between disciplines in Council and is now a go-to communication tool, getting policymakers and hands-on experts collaborating seamlessly.
Industry Recognition
Planning Institute of Australia
Strategic Planning Project Award
Winners
2024
The Public Realm Strategy and Technical Notes were awarded the Victoria Strategic Planning Project Award 2024 by the Planning Institute of Australia.
The projects were recognised by the judges for setting a new benchmark in public realm planning, improving collaboration across disciplines and setting the stage for more efficient and effective public realm projects.