Student ideas for potential Midland redevelopment projects will be on display this week as part of the first Perth-Turin architecture design studio Think Tank.
The project is a joint initiative between Curtin University’s School of Built Environment and the Department of Architecture at the Polytechnico Di Torino in Turin, Italy. Senior architecture students at both universities worked together to bring different perspectives on proposals for the Midland area.
Curtin senior lecturer Dr Elizabeth Karol said Midland was chosen because it had all the qualities that could make it both an urban hub and a regional centre.
“It has important links to surrounding employment, residential areas, existing fabric, a town centre precinct and rail connection into Perth City,” Dr Karol said.
“The aim is to demonstrate how Midland can become a model of an internationally recognised, highly desirable and sustainable centre for people to live, work, study and play.”
To complete the assignment, Masters in Architecture students engaged with a wide cross section of industry, including business leaders, city visionaries, environmentalists, politicians, and technological and agricultural researchers to develop fresh ways of approaching urban living.
“The intent is to explore the possibilities of creating an intelligent, ecological appropriate design that acknowledges cultural and built heritage of the Midland Railway Workshops through adaptive reuse and innovative new uses,” Dr Karol said.
The final project consists of a proposed tertiary education and research science facility linked to an urban farm testing facility and pilot plant that could potentially be used by academic institutions and agriculture-related industries and agencies.
The students have also proposed to create a landscaped area featuring public facilities to enhance the surrounding space.
The works are on display from 25th – 27th November, 9am – 5pm, at the MRA Office, Railway Institute Building on the corner Helena Street & Yelverton Drive in Midland. Entry is free of charge.
