DAB810: the place to be..: FINAL PANELS & POST-PRESENTATION REFLECTION:

We had our presentation today and it sadly didn't go as well as expected. Firstly, there were major issues with the printing and finishing off the panels. When we delegated the tasks, Claire was to do the first panel, I was to do the second and Dee was to do the third. The first two panels were printed in time but Dee had a massive issue with the sketch up model she was working in to create 3d views of the light rail. The program crashed and she lost most of her work so the last panel didn't display all the information that we wanted to show. I think this panel could have potentially summed up our proposal and given a more holistic impression of the network if it was completed, so it was a shame that Dee had such bad luck. In looking back on my panel, I wish I had incorporated some facts and information about the light rail itself, as I did a lot of research into it. I definitely feel that this form of infrastructure would be very beneficial to Canberra, so I wish our group had shown off the reasons why we chose this scheme more effectively... so more to do with the 'why' and not just the 'how'.

These are the points why the light rail is the best option in comparison to other forms of transport and why it is viable for Canberra. A lot of these facts were taken from the Sunshine Coast Proposal which I mentioned earlier in my research development:

· Light rail moves passengers in short trains at less than 8 minute intervals either in a median strip or shared zone area with street traffic. It is a more suitable public transport method as it can service areas that are already developed. As much of Canberra is either developed or parks, the system could be integrated into the medium strips on main roads or as an extra lane on smaller roads.

· Light rail produces no pollution to the immediate atmosphere, reducing smog and improving air quality in built up areas.

· There is a predicted rise in the ageing population so there is a need for a more accessible public transport network in Canberra.

· Light rail infrastructure generates much greater passenger numbers than most bus based systems and integration with all other modes of transport is key. Better transport infrastructure creates significant growth in people using public transport, which will mean less people are using cars, which is better for the environment.

· There is a need to integrate all forms of transport as a network- both public and private. This could include the airport, marinas, bus ways, cycle ways, railway, park and ride facilities, to provide greater connectivity and a more accessible capital.

· The elevated system- Min. Footprint and allows room for existing modes of transport.

- Ease of construction as most elements can be pre cast and installed on site quickly.

- Views are created of town and makes for a more scenic/tourist trip.

- No conflict between traffic lights, pedestrians and other modes of transport.

- Lower running costs as the vehicles can be fully automated.

- Allows integration with power lines and lamp posts to offer opportunities of beautification.

- Lower risk of accidents- faster speed.

Other research I conducted along the way was into Sydney’s light rail system that connects the main hub and surrounding suburbs. It almost looks like a large bus/tram and adds character to the streets:

“Sydney Fish Markets, Star City Casino, Darling Harbour and Chinatown are all on the list of destinations easily accessible by Sydney Light Rail. Light Rail links the hub of Central Station and Sydney's Inner Western Suburbs via Haymarket, Pyrmont, Glebe and Rozelle. The most desirable commuter transport in Sydney, Sydney Light Rail is environmentally responsible, comfortable, convenient and efficient. Light Rail tickets are available from our friendly conductors on-board each tram. Services are so frequent that you just need to turn up and go”.

http://www.metrotransport.com.au/index.php/home-2

I also wish that we had of emphasised the way in which creating new nodes of transport into the central area of Canberra will create new ‘gateways’ into the capital. We wanted to enhance the mobility within Canberra to move the people, and allow Canberra to stay as an exemplar city for the rest of the continent. As the city is the capital, there needs to be a few strong and powerful entrance corridors/gateways that portray this meaning. Looking back, I think the proposal would have been more powerful if we presented this information also to give more reasoning as to why we chose a light rail network. These will be the avenues that we will be able to take now for the second part of the assignment- designing forms of architecture that create true entrance points into the capital and link the city together.

These were the final panels for the presentation and the links to the PDF of each one...