2015 Landscape Architecture Australia Student Prize: University of New South Wales

Project statement

Industrial structures are often seen as being less worthy of heritage status than other buildings, despite the fact that industry was critical to the development of Sydney and Australia’s thriving wheat trade of the 1900s, particularly Glebe Island – a former major port facility. Forgotten Industry, Future Form is a project enriched by its industrial past, incorporating buildings and structures into the design of a new urban centre. Taking cues from the full range of Glebe Island’s history, this project aims to answer the question: “How can a site’s past inform a new future for a place?” The adaptation of the existing silos into a gallery and library takes centrestage, and its landmark status is used to reinforce the importance of this place in the wider landscape. A light rail stop, a new theatre, plazas and event spaces all work together to create a vibrant urban hub. A large waterfront park encourages appreciation of the monolithic industrial remnants, particularly the remaining overhead structures. Finally, a structured landscape whose design is based on the location of the much larger former silos provides spaces for both passive and active uses. This space would lead from the main road up toward the reopened Glebe Island Bridge, allowing visitors to take in expansive views of the masterplan’s urban cut park toward the city and Harbour Bridge along the way. Forgotten Industry, Future Form is a project that not only looks to the past for inspiration, but also builds on its heritage to take this landscape into the future – providing an integrated, vibrant and dynamic urban hub for tomorrow.