Trapezium

Commencing with the triangle as geometric form, the trapezium was created as a motif, which has eventually, via patternmaking and the use of compositional principles, been translated into a proposed plan for the Eight Hour Monument site, located on the intersection of Victoria Street and Russell Street in Melbourne. As a result of observation and research on the existing site, several focus points and objectives were kept in mind during the process of designing and modelling the proposed landform. The site is situated in a busy part of Melbourne CBD – many people pass it on a daily basis, especially RMIT students. Significant during the creation of Trapezium was the importance of the ‘human scale’, which is apparent in every part of the proposed design. A first objective which influenced the compositional lay-out was accessibility to everyone, including wheelchairs and prams. This has been achieved by creating ramps and using subtle elevations with a maximum height of two meters. The objective was to create a certain flow within the composition in regard to easy access and walk-ability. Engagement with the surrounding environment, by for example taking the existing plane trees and pedestrian paths in consideration during the design process and including them in the proposed plan, creates an open, public space, with relatively few boundaries and obstacles. Trapezium provides many seating area’s, varying from grass slopes to seating walls. Elevation was added to the site, mainly by using tilts on the edges. The idea was to create small ‘seating islands’ with different slope gradients and directions so that people can face their surroundings in multiple perspectives. People are able to position themselves in several ways; leaning against the wall of a neighboring tilt, sitting on the edge of a tilt dangling one’s legs, taking a rest on one of the grass slopes… The plane trees which neighbor several tilts, provide shade in summer and create a more intimate and livable atmosphere. Within the space ‘enclosed’ by the tilts, the surface invites several activities; children playing, skateboarding, meeting people, picknicks and so on.