Melbourne CBD Model update: March 2016
Another week and another CBD model update for those of you interested in its progress. The model is at a point now where most of the buildings within the Hoddle grid, Southbank and Docklands have been modeled.
Attention will now turn to modeling any outstanding existing buildings and proposals in addition to updating other developments such as Melbourne Quarter now that further concrete details are emerging. Recent additions to the model include 63 Exhibition Street, Premier Tower, and 447 Collins Street.
Buildings still to be added include the three tower development at 7-23 Spencer Street, 640 Bourke Street (pending approval of OLS scheme), Tower 5 at Collins Square, 32-44 Flinders Street and 582-606 Collins Street, to name a few.
For those unfamiliar with the colour coding:
- Red: Proposed / at Planning
- Blue: Approved
- Green: Under Construction
Beyond simply the built form, the next stage will focus on the topography and road network, some of which already exists. Eventually the model will naturally have to expand to incorporate the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal area, the Arden precinct and beyond to other activity centres such as South Yarra and Footscray.
At present to limit the size of the file, the model is divided into Hoddle grid/Central City, Southbank and Docklands. I am often asked the question of why do I do this and what purpose does the model serve?
More than anything I'm interested to see what proposals look like, in context and adjacent to one another and I believe there's value in making this information available to the general public for people to form their own opinions on where Melbourne is going and how it develops into the future to cater for the projected surge in population.
Additionally, the model provides the opportunity for testing ideas and concepts which then become the subjects of articles on Urban.com.au. As it continues to develop the overall vision that I have for the model is to have it as an integral component of the Urban.com.au experience.
Being able to log onto Urban.com.au and orbit or pan around the model. Turn on layers for buildings at varying stages of their cycles or provide the ability to jump five years ahead for example.
A further possibility which Urban.com.au is keen to investigate in future is then 3D printing the whole city and putting it on display somewhere, or allowing users to download areas and print them off for themselves.
