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On Sunday 24 January 2010 Queensland Premier and Minister for the Arts Anna Bligh opened Brisbane’s new green space – Kangaroo Point Park. Located at the top of heritage listed Kangaroo Point cliffs the park offers spectacular views of the Brisbane River. This however failed to impress locals as their focus shifted to a lack of shaded space.
Developed by the Queensland Government Department of Public Works in collaboration with key stakeholders (which include the Brisbane City Council), Kangaroo Point Park is situated on the site of the former Kangaroo Point TAFE campus.
The Premier stated that the long history of Kangaroo Point had been considered throughout the project and had influenced the design, construction and the materials used, such as the stone that was incorporated into walkways and feature walls. The space consists of viewing platforms, an open green space and numerous artworks and is said to promote “passive recreation” in an environment that “combines art and place”.
All Images Copyright Department of Public Works
On my visit to the park yesterday I was expecting a bare, unshaded area (I had previously seen images from the opening day) but what I didn’t expect was an overwhelming vastness. I was most surprised to find warning signs on metal sculptures stating that they may be hot due to a lack of shading.
A space that is designed to promote recreation is surely supposed to offer shading to encourage interaction with built objects? If the Department of Public Works knew the shading would take some time to grow (notice the minute climbers in images below) then why are the majority of surfaces metal? Is a built space a success if it can’t be used as intended when it is first opened?
Going by the comments from the public after opening day, the answer is ‘no’. A space is a success if it adds value to those who use it. Most importantly, as form alters function, in order for the space to be used as intended it must provide components of the promised form. Close, Brisbane, but no cigar.
What a sterile solution! I would expect more from a local Council who produced the beautiful, modern South Bank, bouganvillea walkway with it’s sculptured metal posts. Yes, the bougainvillea took a while to grow but at least it was possible to see what the result would be. Perhaps Kangaroo Point doesn’t merit such an elegant solution. I can’t see any shade over the observation points. Pity, it would have been nice to sit and observe awile. And is that colourful sculpture a children’s slide?
Hi GlenysAnne,
The sculpture isn’t a slide, it has no opening. It could however be used for climbing but not at the moment due to the fact that it’s too hot to touch. It is made of metal and it has no sun protection hence the warning signs that had to be put up.
And I totally agree re: sterility of the design, this could have been done so much better.
They should make it a slide – it would be fun as! Maybe a little squashy though ha!
Hi Vanja, nice post; ‘vastness’ is an apt description indeed! Great to ‘see’ you on the new DT site!
I agree that it is not the most pleasant of public spaces… true test is use, how many people are there on an average weekend (I’m sure it will be packed for river fire). It seems to be a very budget conscious design, component based and far too similar to some built work abroad. Perhaps it was based on the theory that if we don’t make it a park right now it might become apartments… retro fit at a later date, why not it’s only your money.
Another terrible design by Brisbane shity Council
its cheap and nasty
I like it. regardless of shade and how expensive it looks im glad its a park and not a bus depot.