BLACKWATTLE

MAKO Architecture were invited to work collaboratively with The City of Sydney Council on the review, assessment, and alternative vision for Blackwattle Bay State Significant Precinct prepared by Infrastructure New South Wales. This wide ranging project included both a critique of the INSW scheme from first principles, and, a documented proof of concept - alternative proposal that could achieve the required economic and social outcomes for the precinct, and the broader community. Our proof of concept scheme focused on maintaining a public foreshore walk without further reclamation of the harbour edge, maintaining amenity to the foreshore walk of Blackwattle Bay, and setting up a new street network that minimised the significant wind environment, and sought the highest levels of amenity for the new residents. The resulting urban form created a highly flexible envelope plan, where land use was deployed strategically to maximise amenity and economic viability. Key components of the alternative proposal included: - Detailed environmental analysis of the INSW proposal. Including Wind, Sunlight, Noise, and Views to/from the precinct. - Review of the INSW yields and building typologies, focused on amenity and adaptability to the Apartment Design Guide. - Public Space review of the INSW proposal including comprehensive precedent analysis and comparison. - Detailed review of canopy targets supported by sunlight access requirements for healthy tree establishment. - Street network, intersection analysis, and pedestrian / cycle safety review. - Alternative option testing including environmental benchmarking, and yield analysis. - Land use analysis, and project staging options. - Detailed analysis of effects on neighbouring existing dwellings and public places.