This project has instilled in me various lessons on ways of thinking about landscape, allowing original forms and meanings to emerge, part of the revival of Sydney Park is the preservation of existing materiality and sustainable methods for the longevity of this park ie. the design of reusing storm water system. I have come to appreciate how Sydney Park designed these moments of movement and rhythm, following intricate paths that slowly unveil perspectives of the cityscape, water and trees. For me, the materiality of the refurbished brick path grounds the sensory experience in colour, texture and tactility. This experience has taught me that landscape is as much about what is felt as what is seen. 

On this day I remember the excitement I felt to unlock another adventure. I have never been to this park before. The intricate movements and rhythm of the park unveil, lushness of the hills. The liveliness of people and animals made this park so enjoyable. This experience has taught me that landscape is as much about what is felt as what is seen. The former site was an industrial wasteland that successfully integrated the restoration of wetlands, and a labyrinth of layered native plantings. Diverse canopy supporting various living things: understorey/mid storey plants, groundcovers and perennials. The various layering of topography, vegetation and centering people, and animals unravelled this rich multi-faceted landscape. The balance of spatial form is major take-away, resilient and habitat rich supporting native fauna (Insects, birds, bats, and reptiles)

Water estuary systems + Endemic native flora and fauna + Liveliness + Recreational Community

This project is designed by PWP Landscape Architecture, collaborating with Johnson Pilton Walker and various local artisans. The park reimages the surrounding regions pre-colonial original shoreline of 1836, reclaiming and restoring the headlands previously demolished for industrial uses (Walliss 2012). Reintroduction of over 75,000 native plants creating unique naturalistic landscapes, while seamlessly knitting ecological restoration along recreational public spaces (Toland et al. 2017). 

Knitting history 

Figure Ground

This diagram highlights the tessellated organic organisation of the sandstone outcrop throughout the headlands, recreating the original 1836 shoreline. It is a vessel for memory and identity. The historically rich material utilised locally and traditionally in Indigenous culture, the placement of these stones communicates a complex story of resilience, reclaiming and renewal, a part of the design philosophy of the headlands; healing the land and Indigenous connections (Leigh 2016). The form and placement highlight the naturalistic and sustainable approach, returning the park back to its origins. Embedding existing  fabric in retaining walls, paths, stair treads and waters edge of the foreshore for public use (Toland et al. 2017). Building hierarchy in spaces and creating topographical landscapes juxtapose the flat barren Industrial void. The reuse of material aided in enhancing local biodiversity habitat, as organic placement mirrors natural wave biomimicry movements (Leigh 2016).

Unique processes, on-site quarrying + collaborating with local quarries

Historical Feature: 1900s Pumphouse near entrance, Industrial heritage 

Spatial Organisation 

The curved organic shape defines the headland park, it is organised by mimicking the 1836 landform, succeeded through a tiered hierarchical placement of sandstone outlines allowing for layers of historical narrative to be experienced and explored. 

Lower = Waters Edge foreshore, intimate zones shaded by native vegetation 

Middle level = Circulation design for various functions walking, cycling + areas for rest/pause 

Upper Level =  Dense vegetation bushland, walking routes + Lookout vantage points + Flexible connective space + Open free flow. 

Circulation Diagrams

Curvilinear shape mirroring natural topography and contours creating a slow and reflective experience, emphasis of a journey. The circulation is diverse and hierarchically defined: 

Lower =  Connection to water foreshore defined by sandstone edge, walking paths close to open water + encourage water play + Place to meet/ Gather 

Middle level = Connecting people to waterfront + busy different modes of activity (cycling/walking) 

Upper Level = Immersive and an elevated experience + walking routes + Lookout points 

Reference 

City of Sydney (1909), View looking south along the east side of Darling Harbour, 1909, City of Sydney, Archives & History Resources, https://archives.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/698395

Leigh, G, 2016, Peter Walker’s Point. The Barangaroo Reserve transforms Sydney Harbour’s old industrial landscape. Landscape Architecture Magazine Nov 2016

Toland, A,, Kilbane, S & Pham, K, Barangaroo Reserve. Landscape Performance Series, Landscape Architecture Foundation, 2017. https://doi.org/10.31353/cs1240

Walliss, J, 2012. The politics of aesthetics: expanding the critique of Headland Park, Sydney. Journal of Landscape Architecture, 7(2), pp. 6-13.

Sketching on this day was very special to me. Every frame is a perspective, what you choose to not draw is just as important what you choose to draw.

The design of the shoreline headland is unique, it reconnects locals together, bringing back nature and honouring the rich Indigenous cultural history and Industrial heritage. It successfully addresses the past, present and planning for the future. The project addresses biodiversity and habitat loss through reintroducing innate native plantings and the reconstruction of the sandstone edge supports, and encourages intertidal marine habitats. The layered headland supports local fauna, this visit was insightful as it allowed me to understand how landscape can be a regenerative tool. The Art of time was a design material, the slow regeneration of the landscape shows that meaningful change happens over years to come, think of it as a long term investment. The Art of using what already exists and innate to the land is something I am ready to integrate into my future designs.

Sustainability + Shoreline regeneration + Native Plantings + Marine life + Sculptural

The post-industrial regeneration project addressed biodiversity and habitat loss on the site, observed in the success in reintroducing native diverse plant species all of which created a rich visual framing of iconic landmarks from afar, furthermore the reshaping of reuse material was genius. The textures made it one of a kind landscape. From the visit however I felt it focused largely on basic tree planting, there was limited fauna around the park and a lack of a hierarchy of vegetation ecosystems. To address this I would think in layers, incorporating more complex and diverse vegetation types to existing areas of greenery, such as understorey/mid storey plants, groundcovers and perennials as well as colour to reflect the diversity of native plants in Australia. The increase of a layered planting system will integrate habitat diversity, bring around microclimates/animals ie; insects for pollination and bugs, birds + and more shade in existing areas, possibility for nesting areas. On the day the spontaneous group activity allowed me to have meaningful conversations with the people around me, collaborating with them strengthened my

Reclaiming + Landmark + Sustainability

The future of restoring biodiversity in the Australian landscape is multifaceted as a suitable and integrated response typically looks at a hierarchy of different scales. Setting, Local, City and Regional responses (De Beaujeu & Lee 2022), (refer to figure above, post before). However, the Indigenous principles of Caring for Country, Connecting with Country and Designing with Country should reinforce all decisions, like a prerequisite to designing. 

The Aboriginal and Indigenous peoples of Australia have developed intricate and adaptive systems of sustainability and land management, guided by the instinctual practice of relationality (Tyan 2021). Nature is essential to life, as it nurtures the economy, climate, our health and wellbeing (DCCEEW 2024). Most importantly, First Nations Indigenous peoples' unwavering connection to cultural, identity and sense of belonging (Tyan 2021).Working with science and cultural knowledge to create adaptive designs, design of ecological networks: green corridors, riparian corridors on waterfront spaces etc. Reintroduction of native plantings, sought increase in number of insect species and scientist found ‘substantial ecological changes’ (Mata et al 2023)  

As designers we must acknowledge that landscapes are not secluded entities rather intricate connections of systems that support human and ecological needs. Restoring biodiversity is not limited to protecting species, however encompasses the restoration of the web of life sustaining us. This means the call for action to restore Australia’s natural cultural landscape heritage guided by adopting Indigenous knowledge and land management techniques (controlled fire burning, seasonal migration); all promote ecological balance and biodiversity (University of Melbourne 2021)

Our world’s climate is altering at a rapid pace, and will continue to change throughout the 21st century. Contemporary challenges facing the Australian Urban Landscape are the looming effects of extreme climate cycles and erratic weather events, as a result of Climate Change (NASA 2022). This is contributing to a significant decline in Biodiversity and Habitat loss: whole ecosystems, animals, and insects, affecting the way of human lives. Our Australian terrestrial and marine biodiversity is recognised as one of utmost importance nationally and globally. We have the duty to protect and conserve our ecosystems as humans and as designers. Australian biodiversity thrives in conditions unique to our diverse environments ‘nutrient-poor soils, natural climatic variability, high fire frequencies and a generally flat topography’ (DCCEEW 2024). We sustain between 600,000 and 700,000 native species, most of which are unique species exclusively found only on this continent (DCCEEW 2024).

A fundamental importance in securing our sustainable future is addressing biodiversity loss and climate change as they are synonymous and ‘inseparable issues’, essential in the integration responses of design and policy (De Beaujeu & Lee 2022). Due to rapid urbanisation, habitat fragmentation and general land clearing (for human activity), it has initiated a decline in overall threatened native species diversities, varying from vegetation to animals. According to the DCCEEW Australia’s Strategy for nature 2024-2030 report (2024), the number of ecological communities listed as ‘threatened’ has risen up to 20% over the past 5 years.

Over the years the decline in insect population is extremely alarming, attributed by ‘intensive agriculture or urbanisation’ (Joseph et al 2023). The rapid expansion of the industrialised suburban realm is contributing to biodiversity loss at a large scale, disrupting and threatening naturally occurring micro ecological processes. The removal of greenspaces suggests that the destruction of vegetation harms animals and ecological connections. Furthermore, the Urban Heat Island Effect is steadily permeating Western Sydney, residents are experiencing heat extremes in summer due to reduced greenery and urban tree canopies (associated with densification). According to climate models predicted by scientists, on very hot days Western Sydney will experience temperatures up 6-10 degrees higher in comparison to the CBD (NSW Government: Adapt NSW 2023)  

Domino effect, the decline in vegetation, decrease habitats = decline and shrinkage in animal population, altering the way of life for the living human, animals, land, water and vegetation.  

Communities impacted: The First Nations Indigenous Peoples community, Communities experiencing marginality (typically have lack social/public infrastructures: parks and street trees in their neighbourhoods), residents residing in Western Sydney + Sydneysiders, native ecological communities in Australia + native flora and fauna 

(Brown 2008, as cited in Mitchell and Buggy 2001, p. 19.)

The Early European Settlement violently inflicted destruction on Indigenous land, initiating mass dispossession of land and displacement of First Nation Indigenous Peoples voices, identity, autonomy and spiritual connection to Country and belonging. Renaming landscapes with European labels and replacing reciprocity with exploitation (DCCEEW 2021).  

The forceful removal from ancestral land broke down kinship structures and sacred cultural practices. The continuation of Colonialism is still prevalent today, observed in the substitution of Indigenous cultural practices with colonial landscape management, magnifying the threat of erratic climatic changes. The current environmental landscape is experiencing biodiversity and habitat losses, after British invasion following 1788 (Fletcher et al 2021, as cited in Gammage 2011). 

Wide adoption of European agricultural techniques needed clearing of native vegetation, this subsequently led to the rapid soil erosion degrading the overall quality (called ‘second surge’) (Cook 2019, as cited Butzer, 1974; Dregne, 1982; McNeill, 2001). European methods of land clearing are not suitable for the land, soils and topography of Australia, furthermore favouring monocultural developments are leading to the decline of our native flora and fauna. Example: Hyde Park Sydney  represents the Early European settlement of Sydney. The park adopts colonial planting techniques with avenue style planting of the time, heavily influenced by the City Beautiful Movement (Late 18th Century - Early 19th Century) Beaux-Arts,and English Colonial Style garden planting; height of Victorian era style of formal gardens popularised in the late 19th Century (City of Sydney). However, due to poor tree planting selection, poor soil and drainage leading to mass decline of tree plantings. Diversity of plantings encourages expansion of habitat and succession (City of Sydney 2013). 

Indigenous cultural practices for habitat renewal and reconnection (ESBS) 

"Many of our plants and animals have adapted to fires, but now the fires are changing" - (Brack 2020)

Cultural restrictions with the way Indigenous Peoples carry out cultural traditions regarding plant regeneration and sustainability. Restrictions and changed fire regimes have inhibited the ability to maximise the potential of native plants that are adapted to exist under ‘harsh fire regimes’ (Brack 2020). ie some species of under the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrubs list (ESBS) such as Acacia suaveolens (Indigigrow 2024).

Country is a living breathing entity with roots spanning and interlinking into each other in complex ways for millennia. The Aboriginal and Indigenous peoples of Australia developed intricate and adaptive systems of sustainability and land management, guided by the instinctual practice of relationality (Tyan 2021). Shaped by observations, storytelling and passing down of generational knowledge. Cultural practices such as controlled burning, seasonal migration sustained diverse ecosystems while respecting Country for survival (as food, tools, medicinal uses). Country is alive, listened to, cared for and deeply understood (Connecting to Country Framework 2023). Through this a grounded reciprocal relationship is established between people and land, cultivating a continuous dialogue with Country. Balancing resilient ecology and cultural continuity across the vast and varied Australian landscape pre colonial times. According to Fletcher et al 2021, the Indigenous were notable for being ‘low impact hunters gatherers’, furthermore echoing the succession of ecological regenerative and abundant practices, shaping the naturalistic landscape with cultural land management techniques,ie: controlled fire burning.

Braby, M. F., Yeates, D. K. and Joseph, L. (2023) ‘Woodland birds and insect decline’, Emu - Austral Ornithology, 123(3), pp. 255–257. Available at: doi: 10.1080/01584197.2023.2233758. [Accessed 20 April 2025]

Brown, S. (2008). Cultural landscapes and park management: A literature snapshot.

            Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW. Available at: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/cultureheritage/07137cultlandresearch.pdf [Accessed 20 April 2025]

City of Sydney, 2013. Reconciliation Action Plan 2013–2016. [pdf] Available at: https://meetings.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Data/Environment%20Committee/201302181401/Agenda/130218_EC_ITEM03_ATTACHMENTB.pdf [Accessed 26 Apr. 2025].

Cook, E, D. (2019). Butzer ‘Down Under’: Debates on anthropogenic landscape change in Australia. Geomorphology, 305, 200–211. Available at:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2018.04.033​ [Accessed 25 April 2025] 

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, (2021). Indigenous heritage. Australia State of the Environment 2021. Available at: https://soe.dcceew.gov.au/heritage/environment/indigenous-heritage.​State of the Environment Australia+9 [Accessed 25 Apr. 2025].

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, (2024). Australia’s Strategy for Nature 2024-2030, Available at: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/australias-strategy-for-nature-2024-2030.pdf, [Accessed 20 April 2025]

Fletcher, M. S., Hall, T., & Alexandra, A. N. (2021). The loss of an indigenous constructed landscape following British invasion of Australia: An insight into the deep human imprint on the Australian landscape. Ambio, 50(1), 138–149. Available at:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-020-01339-3, [Accessed 25 April 2025]

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IndigiGrow. (2024). 

               Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub. Available at: https://indigigrow.com.au/eastern-suburbs-banksia-scrub/ 

               [Accessed 25 April 2025]

Landscape Australia Design, Urbanism and Planning: De Beaujeu & Lee, 2022, The urgent need to integrate responses to climate change and biodiversity loss, Available at: https://landscapeaustralia.com/articles/the-urgent-need-to-integrate-responses-to-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss/, [Accessed 20 April 2025]

Mata, L., Hahs, A. K., Palma, E., Backstrom, A., Johnston, N., King, T., Olson, A. R., Renowden, C., Smith, T. R., Vogel, B., & Ward, S. (2023). Large positive ecological changes of small urban greening actions. Ecological Solutions and Evidence, 4, e12259. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.12259, [Accessed 24 April 2025]

 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (2022), NASA Global Climate Change and Global Warming: Vital Signs of the Planet, Available at: https://climate.nasa.gov/what-is-climate-change/ [Accessed 19 April 2025] 

NSW Government 2023, 'Building adaptive capacity to heat in Western Sydney', AdaptNSW, viewed 25 April 2025, Available at: https://www.climatechange.environment.nsw.gov.au/stories-and-case-studies/building-adaptive-capacity-heat-western-sydney.​ [Accessed 20 April 2025]

Tynan, L. (2021) ‘What is relationality? Indigenous knowledges, practices and responsibilities with kin’, Cultural Geographies, 28(4), pp. 597–610. Available at: https://nach.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Tynan-2021-What-is-relationality.pdf [Accessed: 19 April 2025]

University of Melbourne 2021, 'Australia’s natural, cultural heritage must be restored to reduce emissions: report', Newsroom, 23 November, Available at: https://www.unimelb.edu.au/newsroom/news/2021/november/australias-natural,-cultural-heritage-must-be-restored-to-reduce-emissions-report. [Accessed 20 April 2025]