Week 6

6.810

Individual Project One Statement


The exploration of urban living within Central Brisbane District has opened my eyes to the possible scenarios we may face in 50 years. The analysis of current trends has produced a rich sense of awareness and the realisation of how our lifestyles today will ultimately affect those of our children. As a frequent city user, I was blissfully unaware of how the central district is overpowered by an economic model and the lack of positive social interaction available. Working in the Brisbane Central District becomes a daily routine - miles away from the perks of Suburban life - community, social interaction, healthy landscapes. However, this seemed so normal because it was the Central 'Business' District and those 'perks' weren't necessary when trying to climb the economic ladder. 

Over the last 5 years, I have heard countless stories of citizens who have lost their job due to unstable economic trends as well as advancements in technology which have the ability to do their jobs for them. I sense people are scared of our future and the impacts it may have on our lives. 

However, from this fear, comes growth and we will begin to recognise opportunities within these cracks. We must take advantage of our rich sense of knowledge and plan for our future. It is inevitable that technology is advancing but we must embrace it and its capabilities to 'support' our lives rather than letting it control us. 

Our daily exposure to negative news both locally and globally has imprinted a sense of fear when it comes to imagining what our future looks like. We have all experienced the effects of a global crisis, yet we have not established a solution that we can use to face this trauma. The need for action has been restrained because we are not aware of the consequences of our current lifestyle. Furthermore, sustainable living is not affordable because we simply do not have the resources to make this an option for the average middle class family. 

Government must prepare for urban illness [unutilised retail spaces, no economic structure, no transport structure, no landscape]. This could occur due to a traumatic financial event which would lead to no jobs; no money to spend.

As mentioned before, trauma leads to growth so we will eventually form a physical, social, mental and emotional resilience to trauma. However, we can eliminate the threat of trauma by recognising its consequences and taking action so that we are prepared. We can alter the perception of city lifestyle but incorporating perks of suburban living - community, people, landscape. By doing this, we can slowly change the model of city living to eliminate it being overpowered by an economic agenda. 

This project has given me the opportunity to view Central Business District as a platform for change. To enable change for the good of our future, our people and our environment. 

DAB810 / Urban / Group 5 / Project 1
Tracy Lau, Alfred Lee, Denise Wong, Kristy Zhang

6.810 // Project Vision

Government has the power to enforce policies to support a successful integrated network system. This system will support public transport, pedestrian and cyclist friendly streets. Brisbane’s identity will become a communal zone where users will have the freedom to explore its culture whist in a safe and welcoming environment.

The ability to become aware allows us to form strategies that could change our social, economic and physical structure. Brisbane Central Business District serves one purpose; to incorporate residential, social, education and retail zoning - overpowered by an economic model.

Our concept aims to disperse this business district model towards suburban neighbourhoods, whilst altering the perception of Brisbane central district. We aim to form an adaptable central district that can be recreationally diverse. The centre should be a primary community core that serves to bring people together.

Before we face the problem, we need to recognise the current trends. We need to use this gift of awareness wisely and we must advert the scenarios we predict. We need to recognise our creative capacities for the richness they are and see our children for the hope that they are. 

Meeting Snapshot