Phenomenal precincts are successful parts of any city; they work in a basic social commercial way. Through observation using film to explore the way ultimo is inhabited and used, it becomes clear the ultimo tends towards definable precincts, which in many cases are out of sync or are contradictory to the neighbouring precincts. These precincts are identifiable through certain phenomena; they have qualities and a vibrancy that is recognisably different from other precincts.
This project investigates the interactions between theses precincts and the potential for new precincts to exist, more specifically the projects interest lie in the relationships between the physical form of the precincts and the potential to link through multiple strategies the precincts to form a co-existing large precinct that is the ultimo creative precinct.
The observed precincts’ of ultimo are often more entertaining parts of the city. Noted precincts that exist are Chinatown, mini Chinatown, UTS/TAFE quarter and the transport quarter. They can be perceived as a form of contemporary public space that is the geographic home to sub cultural groups and recognisable to other city dwellers. Both Chinatown and mini Chinatown act as heterotopias within ultimo with UTS/TAFE quarter acting as a enclave with the latter transport quarter acting as a armature.
Through the analysis and sampling of these phenomenal precincts ‘can help in defining forms of boundary conditions, edge types, entrances and other impacts they have on their surroundings. Recognising these characteristics allows the precincts to be mapped. Seen in their totality, they can be perceived independently from their surroundings. They generate patterns that can be used instrumentally in the process of architecture and urban design. These patterns are investigated through relationships through the various layers of a city. An urban ecology is created for each of the precincts with defining characteristics for each of the precincts.
The study proposes two new phenomenal precincts’ for UCEP that can give strategic and reflective shape to its local urban identity, also the creation of key urban space that will act as central node for dispersal through to other phenomenal precincts. Derived from the previous studies there become tactical moves that provide the basis to facilitate the formation of a central node and new precincts’, which are educational consumption and leisure consumption.
The urban form is created from a direct response to the need for connections to be created to allow the central node to act a dispersal machine for UCEP. The main connection created includes a ground level Broadway through to darling harbour connection. A new urban forum is created that allows the cohesion of all the surrounding precincts to occur; existing infrastructure is used as a key point for new program insertion. The surrounding programs are swept into and under the urban landscape allowing a continual connection to occur. A new urban park is crated which acts as a natural outlet for the community to engage with, a tourism outlook point that allows a visual connection to occur throughout ultimo creative and education precinct.
The success of the new precincts and urban central node’ depends on their ability to penetrate and tactically engage with the existing environment and built form. The two new precincts and central node will facilitate the projects aim to cohesively establish a connection between all phenomenal precincts that exists within the larger UCEP.
