Harbinger Plains
The design transforms Woodlands Historic Park into a dual-purpose space that serves as a serene leisure and remembrance site in the present, while remaining ready to function as a quarantine zone in response to the proposed scenario, a virus outbreak.
The Scenario
The scenario envisions a rapid response to a virus outbreak in Melbourne, with Woodlands Historic Park repurposed as a quarantine site due to its proximity to the airport and existing infrastructure. Drawing from past pandemics, the design prioritizes containment, ecological resilience, and dual-purpose functionality to address public health challenges.
Controlled burns are incorporated to sanitize and enrich the soil while preserving the park’s ecosystem.
These diagrams reference past pandemics, including SARS, swine flu, and COVID-19, highlighting key lessons that informed the design’s focus on readiness, containment, and psychological well-being.
The Site
The design grounds the project within its physical location and explores the design’s structural and ecological response to the site.
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Woodlands Historic Park was chosen for its proximity to the airport, existing infrastructure, and rich natural resources. This context plan situates the design within its larger environment, showing the relationship to key landmarks like Living Legends Homestead.
The design integrates dual functionality: a quarantine zone during outbreaks and a leisure space in normal times. A circular layout symbolizes containment, reflecting existing pathways while dividing the site into zones. The elevated boundary, featuring varied edge conditions, includes temporary programs like seating and running tracks for recreation. Ramps connect ground and elevated levels, serving as observation decks while allowing for controlled access in emergencies.​
The Varied Experiences
These perspectives showcase how temporary programs—like seating, running tracks, and observation areas—transform the site into a leisure space. The adaptability of these programs ensures the site is ready for both quarantine and recreational purposes.
The remembrance garden provides a serene space for reflection, designed with layered plantings, curved pathways, and seating. This zone fosters emotional release and resilience, offering solace during quarantine and tranquility in everyday use.
The temprary ramps facilitate smooth transitions between elevated and ground levels, serving as observation decks and symbolic connections. In emergencies, they transform into controlled access points, highlighting the site’s adaptability.
