Darwin needs a BBL: Architecture student's vision for the Top End

Charles Darwin University

A vertical promenade designed by a Charles Darwin University (CDU) architecture student and inspired by Singapore's Gardens by the Bay offers a glimpse into Darwin's future facelift.

Master of Architecture student Patricia Pindot and her peers were given a brief to reactivate and revitalise Darwin's CBD through the class's "Discover Darwin" research project.

In the early stages of her project, Miss Pindot conducted street interviews to learn what it would take to make people stay in the city, which led to the creation of her guiding "BBL" framework underpinning the final design: Better Belonging and Lingering.

"Having spoken to people in the area and observing these places myself, I found the Waterfront was usually heavily occupied, but other places in the CBD such as Smith Street Mall and Civic Square served as social corridors where people moved through but didn't linger, even though there were places to pause such as benches," she said.

"Part of what will make people linger in Darwin is giving them a sense of belonging. If they're surrounded by an environment they can love and appreciate, it makes it easier to call a place home."

Miss Pindot said she homed in on the disconnect between the Waterfront and the rest of the city, looking to reshape the escarpment near the connecting skybridge and elevator.

"I wanted the journey itself to become the destination. The design is made up of large staircases with platforms called pause pavilions, there's water cascades, plants, elevated towers to host cafes and dining areas, and a funicular for people who may not be able to use stairs," she said.

"The Waterfront is where cruise ship visitors start their venture into Darwin, and I hope something like this would encourage those visitors to explore the plants and the unique structure.

"If you're already doing that, what's stopping you from walking all the way through to Darwin and beyond?"

Miss Pindot was first drawn to architecture as a career because it aligned with her passion for drawing and painting.  

But projects such as Discover Darwin have shown Miss Pindot – whose nautical-inspired fantasy artwork has been featured in museums – that architectural design goes beyond the visual aesthetics.

"This project and my studies overall have deepened my understanding of what it means to belong – it's not only about creating spaces where people feel they belong and can flourish, but also thinking about our relationship with Country and the natural environment, and how these can thrive," she said.  

"Part of that sense of thriving comes from making sure the physical, social, environmental, and cultural dimensions of a space work together.

“Obviously, an architect can't solve everything all at once, but understanding that these different dimensions exist and are important is what stands out to me right now.  

"I'm really glad that I chose this path, and I'm glad that it's taking my creativity beyond just drawings." 

Sierra Haigh she/her
Media and Communications Officer
 
Marketing, Media & Communications
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