OCULUS: Jim Stynes Bridge Project project combines walking and cycle paths at a confluence of movement systems. The underpass links the Docklands precincts, with North Wharf the World Trade Centre, and the CBD. The underpass has a strong visual presence along the river necessitating an equally refined but legible design response. The underpass plays an essential role in the animation of the Yarra River and the western end of the city through its successful physical, visual and programmatic integration, with both its immediate and greater context. The underpass is an elegant integration of structure, architecture, urban design and landscape. A vertical vegetated grid forms new views as you transition from the horizontal landscape of the wharf and road sweeping out and over the river. Trees sit back from the wharf’s edge in a vegetated point grid – ephemeral, not monumental in contrast to the grid of the city and the old wharf pylons. The trees register time and change, embodying the velocity of the high speed bridge above.
Key outcomes:
• Seamless integration of urban design, landscape, architecture and engineering
• Successful engagement and consensus amongst a number of stakeholders including the State Government of Victoria, the City of Melbourne, Heritage Victoria and Bicycle Victoria

Data

Landscape Architects: OCULUS
Project Name: Jim Stynes Bridge Project
Design team:
OCULUS – Landscape Architecture and Urban Design
COX Architecture
Aurecon
City of Melbourne
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Client: City of Melbourne
Year of construction: 2010-2014
Budget: $12 million (total construction)
Image credits: Claire Takacs, Photographer
Awards: 2015 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Victoria Awards for Urban Design