Different types of city planning.
Paris Image Reference: http://www.idealcity.org.au/pic-1b-paris.html
Walter Burley Griffin, Chicago, USA
'Griffin's winning design combined several specialized centres arranged in circular, hexagonal, or octagonal street systems. Radial thoroughfares link these centres located on both sides of a chain of lakes. Topography largely determined the pattern of the central triangular composition.' (Reps, p 140)
'Griffin proposed to create there three bodies of water with shorelines defined by circualr or staight boundary drives or promenades. Two irrigularly shaped lakes on either side of these 'triple internal architectural basins' completed what he calle dthe Water Axis of the city' (Reps, p 140)
Images from Google Earth.
Canberra seems to be planned with different zones, it would appear to be more of a 'tree' design (Christopher Alexander's concept ) rather than a 'semi-lattice' of overlapping uses.
Looking at the zoning of Canberra, it is clear that there really isn't much overlap. The general view on Canberra is that it is a boring place to visit. How can tourism be increased to make it really stand for the national capital of Australia? Is Canberra designed for a different types of people? As far as I know most people work for the government, earn good money and stay because of family and friends. (I have family that live there), which suggests a type of homogeneous place. It's almost like they need a generation of artists and creative types to let loose and add some character.
Does Canberra capture the Australian lifestyle and values? Australians love the coast, which is reflected in the growing population on the south east coast...does the Australian Capital need to be on the coast to capture the spirit of Australia? Canberra has the lake, which could have some potential... How is the lake used? (eg. watersports? fireworks display? recreational?)
Zoning Diagram
Does Canberra capture the Australian lifestyle and values? Australians love the coast, which is reflected in the growing population on the south east coast...does the Australian Capital need to be on the coast to capture the spirit of Australia? Canberra has the lake, which could have some potential... How is the lake used? (eg. watersports? fireworks display? recreational?)
Zoning Diagram
In diagramatic form: What we would be aiming for, the overlapping of the right activities to add life to the capital city.
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