Howard Smith Wharves - DAB510 Architectural Design 5: Week 1 - Unit Introduction: Investigations and Objectives

The walkshop provided me with the experience of not only the Howard Smith Wharves site, but the journey towards the destination. My group started at the back end of QUT and walked along the river towards Howard Smith Wharves.

Walkshop: My groups 1st journey from QUT to Howard Smith Wharves

Approximately 1 year from the 2011 floods, most riverside businesses seemed to have recovered from the natural destruction. Along the way many historical buildings and constructions were noted. Customs House, a heritage listed building is operated as a cultural and educational facility. This is the first building along the walk which made me appreciate the area for more than just its modern hospitality buildings. The building serves as a reminder of the value of authenitc architecture within Brisbane (architectural style strongly differs to surrounding infrastructure) and of Brisbane's historical importance.


Customs House

Whilst continuing down the river strip, the Storey Bridge became quite significant within its settings. Its elongated frame immediately draws the eye towards its continuing direction, used to transport both vehicles and pedestrians. Again, I was faced with the historical significance of the area. The exposed steel cantileverd construction is nothing like any of the encircling buildings or natural environment which it clings to.

Sketch of site from cliff top

The bridge leads to the focal point; Howard Smith Wharves. Immediately upon entry to the site (which is sectioned off by fence) a sense of loneliness, yet beauty was experienced. Bikeways and walkways leading towards the site no longer continue throughout its location and its only human interaction is with construction workers working on the restoration of the site. I believe that the area lacks interaction with its surroundings significantly. Surrounded by Brisbane city and Fortitude Valley, it seems to have little interaction with both locations. It would be interesting to devise a design which would be able to break this disconnection.

Howard Smith Wharves: Shot from ferry

Storey Bridge, sheds and 1930's building located within Howard Smith Wharves.

The sheds and building which are scattered along the site give insites into the historical significance of the area. After leaving the site and conducting further research, I discovered that the site is not only one of the last undeveloped riverfront locations in Brisbane, but it also housed several air-raid shelters during WWII. The historical significance immediately amplifield. Prior to visiting the site my group and I discussed subjects such as 1) love, 2) diversity in human perceptions and 3) exercise as possible design concepts (see below mind map diagram) but after experiencing the site, that all changed. We now believe that designing some type of memorial folie would be a more appropriate, and a very site specific idea to work with (also considered in mind map, but now concept is much stronger).

Diagrammic deconstruction of the site

After the initial walkshop, my group and I decided to go back to the site by approaching it in several diverse ways. We believed that an extensive site analysis could be conducted by circulating it by ferry, and viewing it from the cliff top. By next meeting, it was agreed that each member would come back with basic ideas for the folie.