Melbourne+Docklands


 * Melbourne Docklands-- Melbourne, Australia**



Shipping docks in Victoria harbor were built in the 1880s and virtually abandoned by the 1990s. The revitalization process began in 1996 with the construction of Etihad Stadium. Further renewal began in 2000 and has continued to the present. These efforts aim to turn the once deserted docks into a cultural center of the city. Building projects include commercial and residential.

The project has been criticized for transportation failings, a wind tunnel effect, lack of green spaces, disparities in economic diversity, cultural absence, and lack of pedestrian activity. Efforts are now underway to address these issues.

We can particularly respond to the residential buildings. Tightly organized, the area housed a total of 3,939 people in 2006, and this number is expanding. Housing benefits not only include location in a growing commercial and cultural center, but also flexibility for family type and accessibility to private and public green space. Unfortunately, high living costs have lead to a lack of economic and social diversity.

__What can we learn from this project?__ • A revitalization project may be extremely innovative but in order to be effective it must respond to its environment and its needs • Accessibility--culturally, economically, and physically--is crucial • Green spaces can be beneficial and are highly desired