Contemporary Design
The Workshops redevelopment will respect the cultural heritage significance of the site, yet it will be distinctively contemporary in style and form. All urban landscape and streetscape design will preserve the strong industrial aesthetic of the site.
The materials used and the styles employed are both to reflect the industrial surrounds and to support settings for social exchange – of news and views, sharing and learning, relaxation and fun.
Walkability
The Workshops will promote walkability, encouraging a community that is active and engaged with its unique surrounds. Streets with a 30km/h speed limit are designed to minimise and slow vehicle traffic, creating a safer and more welcoming environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
Public Realm
The Workshops will offer a lifestyle that transcends the individualism of suburban living. The landscape will feature a variety of squares, streets, laneways and parks, each with their own special character. This public realm will become the outdoor ‘living rooms’ in which individuals and groups can engage and connect. When ‘time out’ is sought, the Helena River foreshore is just a minute away and the neighbouring Coal Dam Park provides a green and restful retreat.
Utilitarian Style
Surfaces will be mainly hard paved in concrete, bitumen and pavers. Greys and neutral colours form the backdrop with a utilitarian and gritty feel. Yellow will be seen in street paving treatments, reflecting the original strong yellow lines that demarcated the ‘safe walk’ routes on the site.
Design Elements
Shade trees with large canopies will create interest and focal points while managing the micro-climate and delighting with subtle interplays of light and shadow. The Workshops will incorporate designs and elements that invite reactions. These will include pieces of one-off street furniture, special effects lighting and interactive water features.
The Square
The original shunting yards will be celebrated as the heart of The Workshops in what will be the city Square. This is a space which has been used for major cultural events and performances in recent years. The Square will be the major civic space for Midland, and it will be a connection point for activities and for cultural and social interaction among residents, visitors and workers.
