SOUND OF SYDNEY
How can Glebe island become a refuge that helps mental health restoration while also regenerating local ecology and culture through interactive soundscape? A place that makes you laugh and relax
“Noise pollution is not only an environmental nuisance but also a threat to public health” - WHO
‘Noise day and night’: Why keeping Sydney moving is costing us sleep?
1. Localization of functions
2. Reduction of unwanted sounds
3. Introduction of wanted sounds
Sonic compatibility
Planing
New vs existing functions
Noise buffer, source reduction
Ecological barrier
Topographical change
Water, vegetation, birds, activities
Refuge
Stimulation
Natural sounds - Improved mood & cognitive performance
Decrease pain & heart rate
Bay water
Open view to Sydney harbour Working port Green Grid gap
THE BAYS PRECINCT
PYRMONT
Population density: 13,000 /km2
BALMAIN
Population density: 7,614 /km2
GLEBE
Population density: 6,410 /km2
Bird species
Australian Raven
Grey Butcherbird
Rainbow Lorikeet
Noisy Miner
Silver Gull
Welcome Swallow
Low point
Cliff
Opportunity:
+ Cliff as soundwall
+ Low point create another layer of ecology
Constraints:
- Retain vs remain deep port
- Flooding issue
- Flat ground cause overly wind exposure
Disturbed Terrain
Hawkesbury sandstone
Opportunity:
+ Sandstone as important groundwater reservoir to support ecology growth
+ Sandstone area indicates the original Glebe Island
Constraints:
- Massive concrete cause lack of biophony sound
- Unstable & immature sandstone
Major toxin
Heavy metals, TPH/VOCs, PAHs, OCPs, herbicides, PCBs, asbestos, ASS and ground gases
before after
ACCESSIBILITY & LIVABILITY
Stone fill to create aquaic habitat & different water sound
More habitat for biophony sound
Keep axis & open view to Sydney harbour
Keep waterfront promenade
Room-like soundscape space provide choices
Phase 1: PHYTOREMEDIATION & INSTALLATION
Phase 2: GROWTH
OBJECTIVES:
+ Keep the advantage of deep port, appropriately position the industrial area
+ Keep the advantage of open view to Sydney harbour bridge
+ Create habitat to bring biophony sound e.g. birds, frogs, leaves
+ Minimize noise spreading by vegetation buffer & topographical manipulation
+ Create diverse selection of soundscape that caters to different people
+ Celebrate heritage buildings by soften hard surface & encourage engagement
+ Increase ability of noise absorption by vegetation
+ Control the noise intrusions by visitors, gradually open access during habitat growth
Phase 3: REFUGE
GRASS
SPORTS
BAY WATER
QUITE BIRDS
INDUSTRY
years 20-30 years
2021
CURRENT
8-10 years
PHYTOREMEDIATION + INSTALLATION + GROWTH
5-10 years
REFUGE
Acousmatic listening
Precedent: Wave organ, San Francisco
SEPTEMBER
NOVEMBER JANUARY
MARCH MAY JULY
SOUND OF SYDNEY
A place that makes you laugh and relax