GREENING THE URBAN

LANDSCAPE: A CASE
STUDY OF ONE
CENTRAL PARK,
SYDNEY

Castro, Geena E.
ARC 3201
Introduction
One Central Park, an architectural masterpiece that is both
aesthetically beautiful and environmentally sensitive, is situated in
Sydney, Australia. It is an excellent example of sustainable design
principles, combining landscaping elements and green technologies.
Redefining the relationship between urban architecture and
environment, this mixed-use development was developed by Frasers
Property Australia and Sekisui House, which was designed by famous
architect Jean Nouvel in partnership with Patrick Blanc.

Location
One Central Park is located in the Sydney suburb of Chippendale in New South Wales, Australia. It is
situated on the northeastern corner of the Central Park precinct, which is a large urban renewal
project

One Central Park sits at the intersection of a One Central Park sits at the intersection of a
few different land uses: few different land uses:
Central Business District (CBD): One Central Business District (CBD): One
Central Park borders Sydney's CBD to the Central Park borders Sydney's CBD to the
south. This means it's close to office south. This means it's close to office
buildings, commercial skyscrapers, and buildings, commercial skyscrapers, and
busy streets. busy streets.
Residential areas: Chippendale, the suburb Residential areas: Chippendale, the suburb
where One Central Park is located, is a where One Central Park is located, is a
primarily residential area. This means there primarily residential area. This means there
are most likely apartment buildings, are most likely apartment buildings,
terraces, and houses surrounding the park terraces, and houses surrounding the park
on the north, east and west sides. on the north, east and west sides.
Urban Renewal Project: The Central Park Urban Renewal Project: The Central Park
precinct itself is a large urban renewal precinct itself is a large urban renewal
project. This means there could be project. This means there could be
construction zones or other development construction zones or other development
projects happening nearby. projects happening nearby.
Overall, One Central Park occupies a unique Overall, One Central Park occupies a unique
location that blends urban elements with a location that blends urban elements with a
focus on a green, natural environment. focus on a green, natural environment.
 Accessibility
One Central Park in Chippendale, Sydney boasts excellent accessibility by public transportation.
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
Train:
Central Station: Just a 3-minute walk from One Central Park, Central Station offers a central hub
for all Sydney Trains services.
Wheelchair Accessibility: All Sydney Trains are wheelchair accessible with features like:
Wider doorways on carriages
Designated wheelchair spaces
Accessible toilets on some trains
Platform Safety: Platform screen doors on all stations create a safe gap between the platform
and the train.
Station Accessibility: Many stations have lifts and ramps for easy access to platforms.
Light Rail:
Full Accessibility: The light rail system is entirely wheelchair accessible with:
Low-floor trams
Wide doorways
Priority seating for passengers with disabilities
Station Information: Stations have tactile indicators and audible announcements for upcoming
stops.
Bus:
Most Accessible: The majority of Sydney buses are wheelchair accessible, featuring:
Kneeling suspensions for easier boarding
Ramps for wheelchairs
Designated wheelchair spaces

Functions
One Central Park in Sydney functions as a mixed-use development, incorporating several functions
within a single building complex:
Residential Apartments: One Central Park offers residences, making it a home for people living in
Sydney.
Retail Spaces: The complex houses shops, restaurants, and entertainment outlets at its base,
providing a place for people to shop, dine, and relax.
Commercial Office Space: There might be commercial office space within the towers, catering to
businesses and professionals.
Public Park: One of the most distinctive features of One Central Park is the presence of a public park,
known as Chippendale Green. This park serves several purposes:
Urban Oasis: It provides a green space amidst the concrete jungle of Sydney's urban
environment, offering a place for relaxation and recreation.
Social Hub: The park can be a venue for community events, art installations, and performances,
fostering social interaction and a sense of belonging.
Environmental Benefit: The park contributes to the overall sustainability goals of the
development by filtering rainwater and reducing the urban heat island effect.
Overall, One Central Park combines residential living, retail options, and a public park, creating a
vibrant and multifaceted community hub in the Sydney cityscape.
 Circulation
Pedestrian Circulation:
Vertical Movement: Likely, there will be separate elevator banks for residential floors,
commercial office floors, and public access to the park.
Horizontal Movement:
Ground Floor: This level would likely be dedicated to pedestrian movement with a focus on
retail entrances, public park access, and building entrances.
Residential Levels: Separate corridors would likely exist for each residential floor, with
controlled access points for security and privacy.
Office Levels: Similar to residential areas, there might be dedicated corridors for office
spaces, with separate access controls.
Public Park (Chippendale Green): This green space within the building would likely have
dedicated pedestrian pathways for visitors to explore and navigate the vertical park or central
courtyard concept.
Vehicular Circulation:
Limited Access: Given the focus on pedestrian-friendly design and the presence of public
transportation nearby, vehicle access within One Central Park would likely be limited.
Underground Parking: There's a good chance there's an underground parking lot accessible from
a designated entry point, separate from pedestrian traffic.
Service Vehicles: Delivery and service vehicles might have designated loading zones, likely
separate from the public areas.
Additional Considerations:
Internal Amenities: If One Central Park has amenities like a gym or pool, these would likely be
accessible via dedicated corridors within the building, separate from the public park area.
Sustainable Design: One Central Park is known for its sustainability features. Pedestrian-friendly
design with easy access to public transport could be a priority, potentially limiting the need for
extensive vehicle circulation within the complex.
Remember, this is a general analysis based on common practices. The actual circulation patterns at
One Central Park may differ.

Materials
Primary Structure: Secondary Structure: Unique Features:

Concrete Steel Glass Stainless Steel Cables

This is a strong Steel is likely used for Large expanses of glass One Central Park's
possibility for the beams, columns, and are likely used for the distinguishing feature
building's core reinforcements within building's facade, is the vertical garden
structure due to its the concrete structure, allowing for natural "veil" that climbs the
load-bearing capacity offering additional light and maximizing exterior. A complex
and fire resistance in strength and support views . network of stainless
high-rise buildings steel cables and rods
supports over 2500
climbing plants and
vines
 Construction Technology Used
One Central Park in Sydney is known for its innovative construction techniques that blend modern
technology with sustainable practices. Here's a breakdown of some key technologies used:
Sustainable Technologies:
Hydroponics: This method grows plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich water solution. One
Central Park utilizes hydroponics to irrigate the vertical gardens, reducing water consumption
Heliostats: These are computer-controlled mirrors that reflect sunlight. One Central Park uses
heliostats to redirect sunlight into shaded areas of the building, reducing reliance on artificial
lighting
Thermal Tri-generation Plant: This on-site plant generates electricity, heating, and cooling for the
building, potentially reducing reliance on the traditional energy grid
Building Technologies:
Precast Concrete: This involves constructing concrete elements off-site and then assembling
them on location. This method can improve efficiency and quality control
Cable Net System: The vertical garden trellis system uses a complex network of stainless steel
cables and rods to support the climbing plants. This system is both strong and visually striking
Additional Considerations:
Building Information Modeling (BIM): This technology might have been used to create a digital 3D
model of the building, allowing for improved coordination between different design disciplines
and potentially streamlining the construction process.
Modern Construction Equipment: Advanced cranes, lifts, and other equipment would have been
essential for constructing a high-rise building like One Central Park.

Unique Site Features

One Central Park in Sydney boasts several innovative features that set it apart from other buildings.
Here are a couple of the most unique:

Vertical Hanging Gardens

This is likely the most recognizable aspect of One Central
Park. The building's facade is covered in a massive vertical
garden, the largest in the world at the time of construction.
Designed by botanist Patrick Blanc, these living tapestries
provide insulation, improve air quality, and create a visually
stunning effect .

Heliostat System: One Central Park utilizes a unique

cantilevered heliostat system. This system uses a series of
mirrors to reflect sunlight deep into the building, bringing
natural light to areas that wouldn't normally receive it. This
not only reduces the need for artificial lighting but also
creates a more dynamic and light-filled living environment.