Feedback on draft design plans

Discussion closed on 05 February 2021, 05:00 PM

Working with residents and local schools, the architect received more than 200 completed surveys and some drawings by local school students of their dream play spaces, requesting features such as accessible play equipment for all abilities, fencing between the playground and Cohuna Island Road, water play elements and seating to be incorporated.

Images below: some of the drawings provided by local school children

 
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Using this feedback, the architect has developed a design that incorporates these features, as well as elements that pay homage to Cohuna and the Gannawarra.

The Design Philosophy 

The design inspiration behind this playspace concept is generated by the idea of bringing together the rich history of the Cohuna regions and celebrates its diversities in agriculture and irrigation.

The history of Cohuna is the major driver in generating a space of immersive experiences, creating inquisitiveness and ample amounts of fun.

The all-accessible windy pathway cites a stretch of Gunbower Creek and alludes to different  elements throughout the site that includes a log scramble area that references the second largest River Red Gum forest in Northern Victoria, Gunbower Island.

Following on from the log scramble area; there are sculptural figures of pigs playing in a farmyard that references the early 1900’s Mason Bros. cattle sale yards and the dense pig population from Cohuna’s past.

The central piece of the site is representative of an old farmhouse that reaches up to six metres high that enables viewing of the beautiful scenery of the region.

Sweeping and winding directly below the old farmhouse is a water play channel that is reminiscent of the water pumping from Gunbower Creek.

In conjunction with the water play irrigation channel are elements representative of the many facets related to water which includes water pumps and sluice gates, a 360-degree spinner that resembles a water wheel, and a stand up seesaw for imaginative play that emulates the pumping of water.

An extension of Cohuna's deep-rooted agriculture and irrigational history can be felt throughout the space.


What do you think of the draft design? Let us know below!