PLANNING FOR THE SPIT
Griffith University architecture and design students have drawn up some creative proposals for a Main Beach cultural precinct
Architect and design students from Griffith University have been tasked with providing fresh ideas to help transform the precinct.
LOCAL university students are the inspiration behind Main Beach’s transformation into a cultural precinct as part of the Spit Masterplan.
Griffith University architecture and design students have put their stamp on the Gold Coast Spit Masterplan with creative design proposals for a linear park and “maker’s” workshop for areas surrounding the Southport Yacht Club.
Southport Yacht Club architect Greg Forman-Smith said there was a need to propose unique designs for Southern Getaway – a 1.5km stretch of land between the Main Beach tram stop and the Gold Coast Waterways Authority in Seaworld Drive.
“The proposals put forward by the students sought to redevelop the waterfront and provide an entrance to The Spit that celebrates the area’s distinct character while linking the seaside parks to the main transportation network and places of heritage significance,” Mr Forman-Smith said.
“I think fresh ideas from university students is what the country needs. It is wonderful they put their hand up to work around The Spit because it is important.”
Griffith University architecture and design student Kirra Keating said the threemonth process involved creating a masterplan, model making and designing a maker’s workshop.
“Within the maker’s workshop design, we looked at how we could architecturally integrate the Main Beach waterfront with multipurpose community cultural hubs.
“All of our designs were different.
“However, some incorporated a promenade, museum, opportunities to connect with local artists, and services such as a dry boat area and offices for the Southport Yacht Club.”
The design proposals by Ms Keating, Hamish Gray, Carina Soleckhan, Dane Rose, Lauren Carney, Tahlia Wright and Timothy Lancaster aspired to make an investment in the future of the creative industry on the Gold Coast and provide an area with an urban connection to the water.
Griffith University architecture and design lecturer and co-ordinator Dr Cecilia Bischeri said the overarching scope of the proposals aimed to capitalise on the presence of leisure amenities in the area and the beauty of the natural environment.
“The intrinsic relationship with the rich cultural and natural environment and strategic position of the area for the future development of The Spit led the students’ vision,” Dr Bischeri said.
“The project was a great opportunity to pay homage to the unique character of the Gold Coast, deal with topical design issues, and add value and high-quality architecture for the local community and tourists.”
Griffith University architecture and design student Ms Soleckhan said the Gold Coast skyline was a concrete jungle.
She believed it would be advantageous if council architects collaborated with students and local artists to create designs that embraced sustainable design and community-orientated facilities.
“We tackled the brief from the Southport Yacht Club with a bit of student architectural flair,” Ms Soleckhan said.
“As students, is was our first time to work with a client, and to get that hands-on industry experience was irreplaceable.”
As one of the consultants during the stakeholders’ workshop, Mr Forman-Smith said The Spit Masterplan covered one of the largest areas in Australia, and the Gold Coast was currently lacking an urban precinct like this.
“It is important for the designs put forward during consultation to embrace the areas around the Southport Yacht Club and establish something that is more than a building,” he said.
“Integrating a hard water edge area in the Masterplan will not only enhance The Spit but the city of the Gold Coast.”
Griffith University and the Southport Yacht Club hope the designs have inspired the local council and government to think outside the square and generate discussion.