Improving the public domain and providing enhanced connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians
As a partner in INB Hub Alliance, EDAW AECOM provided urban design, planning and landscape architecture for the $333 million Inner Northern Busway. The 1.2 kilometre busway, including 525 metres of underground tunnel, is located in the centre of Brisbane. During an inclusive design process, the infrastructure project was championed as an urban design and landscape challenge. The Urban Design Framework for the project was construed around the guiding principles and key concepts of ‘incorporate’ and ‘celebrate’.
The ‘incorporate’ principle sought to integrate the project into the existing streetscape and urban fabric whilst also providing the necessary wayfinding elements. It consisted of low-key treatments and finishes that related to and distinguished the development from its surroundings.
The ‘celebrate’ principle sought to appreciate the project’s presence in the existing streetscape by recognising its significance as an activity generator. It was expressed through strong design statements and iconic elements, including special or different finishes that differentiate the development from its environment.
Amongst the key urban design outcomes was the creation of a new public plaza adjacent to the bus station, an extension to Brisbane’s successful Queen Street Mall, and a sculptural screen of concrete blades providing scale and visual impact at one of the major busway ramps.
EDAW AECOM also provided the architectural and urban design for a new pedestrian bridge linking Caxton and Roma Streets, and integral to the strategy for dispersing crowds from nearby Suncorp Stadium after matches. This pedestrian bridge incorporates the articulation and detailing of the balustrades, screens, shade canopies and a civic scale staircase opening onto the street.
A deliberate design decision to draw beauty from functional requirements has resulted in an art-enhanced project that has been embraced by Brisbane. Perforated metal screens incorporate a dynamic group of figures pixellated and laser cut into the screens. Shadows cast by the screens mean the bridge is ‘populated’ at all times, not just on match days.
The completed project provides a ‘legacy’ of quality urban design that improves the public domain and provides enhanced connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians.