ACT CONSERVATION PROJECT
Overview
In 2019 I worked with three other design students, in collaboration with ACT Parks and Conservation, to deliver concepts for the enrichment of existing vertical structures situated in the Nummerak site, a nature reserve to be developed this year. The reserve forms an important habitat connection corridor for wildlife in the region, and is to become a vital restoration, recreational and cultural hub for the emerging communities that will surround it.
Brief
We were tasked with enriching three utility poles and two ventilation stacks. The objective of this project was to design innovative concepts for the enrichment of existing vertical structures that a) serve as functional habitats for species in the area, b) are aesthetically interesting and c) engage the community and raise awareness.
Process
Our group worked according to a pre-defined timeline, setting ourselves deadlines each week and adjusting if needed. We started the project with a site visit with the client and together defined our audience, goals, scope, workflow and tools. All work was documented in a shared Miro board and Google Drive, with constant communication. We met several times with our client, presenting work and iterating after feedback, while also actioning feedback from our peers and tutors. Once our concepts were refined, we developed digital and physical mock ups to handover to the client.
Research
All project research was documented in a shared Miro board. Desk research included studies on conservation and restoration in Australia, ACT government development plans, local flora and fauna information, international examples of conservation, as well as notes and photos from visiting local nature reserves, restoration sites and nature playgrounds.
Ideation
We sought to answer the questions: How might we create aesthetically interesting, engaging structures that also provide functional habitat? How might we integrate our designs into the existing development plans? How might we engage the community?
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The theme of ‘natural vs artificial’ arose. We explored how natural and artificial materials might coexist and create functional habitats for native wildlife that are aesthetically engaging. Our designs aimed to generate a conversation with the community about conservation of local wildlife and the cultural and historical significance of the land.
Concepts
Utility Poles
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Sculptural steel attachments and seed pods for perches, nesting, bathing
Referencing the name Nummerak - meaning wattle
Spiral bush tucker garden encouraging children to pick the plants
Creates interesting pattern to be seen from aerial images
Signage with information about the flora and fauna and restoration/enrichment of the area
Concepts
Stacks
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Using artworks featuring native wildlife by Ngunnawal artist, Lynnice Church
These graphics will be laser cut into large mild steel ‘shells’ and attached to the stacks on site, with space for habitat between stack and shell
Lighting from inside for a dull glow at night
Motion triggered camera (integrate into Molonglo Life site)
Solar panels
Burnt timber cladding at the base
Signage with information about the artist, enrichment process and wildlife, QR code for Molonglo Life site
Wildlife rope bridge between two stacks
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Models
Community Engagement Plan
The objectives of the community engagement plan were to a) encourage the community’s use of the reserve, b) encourage ownership of and respect for the reserve, c) educate the community on wildlife, restoration, and conservation and d) educate the community on the Indigenous culture and history of the land.
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Through research, we learned that community-led conservation is an effective way to protect species. These activities will complement the enriched structures, involving the public in their creation. Our designs emphasise education to encourage an appreciation for the local wildlife and help to expand the community’s knowledge of conservation. Activities designed for children will help to create connection to the reserve and wildlife and foster respect for nature, embedding restoration efforts into the local community.
Outcomes
There were several limitations of the project that we worked within, such as multiple stakeholders, lack of specialist knowledge about wildlife, materials, and construction processes, and time constraints. However, we were able to design concepts that met our key objectives and can realistically be implemented. These are concepts that can be revisited, adapted and refined when the development of Nummerak proceeds in 2020.
