Urban Land Institute

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Members of Mirvac’s design team have claimed the top prize in the 2018 Urban Innovation Ideas Competition, organised by the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Bohan Jones, HJ Yoon, Will Cai and Linda Lin who conceived the winning scheme - dubbed 'Reflective Lane' - received $2,000 for their efforts and will travel to Shanghai to present their proposal at the ULI 2019 Asia Pacific Conference.

The 2018 Competition sought innovative ideas from students and young professionals within the industry which enhanced the streetscapes within the north-west corner of Melbourne CBD, bound by La Trobe, William, Bourke and Spencer streets. The Competition received 42 entries.

The area has experienced significant development with the completion of the Upper West Side development on the site of the former Lonsdale Street powerstation, and the neighbouring West Side Place across the road. Other projects include <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/amber-melbourne-204-king-street-melbourne">Amber</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/aspire-melbourne-299-king-street-melbourne">Aspire</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/640-bourke-street-melbourne">640 Bourke Street</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/melbourne-grand-560-lonsdale-street-melbourne">556-558 Lonsdale Street.</a>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/site_area_2.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The Competition site in Melbourne's CBD. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="462" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/site_area_2.png?itok=qaILqgH8" title="The Competition site in Melbourne's CBD. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Competition site in Melbourne's CBD. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Reflective Lane proposes a public arts program in selected laneways that would seek to enrich them and unite members of various communities together by showcasing local stories and artistic responses across a range of social, cultural and ecological themes. 

According to the Competition Jury, Reflective Lane was awarded first place due to its ability to impact the area, which currently lacks activity and vibrancy, through new experiences, but also embodied the ethos of the competition and the organisation, which focuses on boldness, innovation and the sharing of new concepts. Further it also highlighted the importance of ideas and innovation from younger generations.

The announcement of the winner marks the end of Stage Two of the Competition which ran for the duration of October. As part of the Stage Two process <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/urban-innovation-ideas-competition-shortlist-announced-voting-now-open">the three shortlisted finalists</a> were required to further develop and refine their schemes. The two other finalists were ‘Welcome to Melbourne’ – Fabian Culican, Kavita Sonar, Shelley Black and Simon Zhao from Tract Consultants and ‘Mixed Collectivo’ – Lindy Huang, a student at University of Melbourne; and Marc Schmailz, a student at Technical University of Munich.

The submission ‘Mixed Collectivo’ was awarded the prize for best student entry at the conclusion of Stage 1 of the Competition in late September. The popular vote winner was also announced, as decided by the public, and was awarded to ‘Celebration: Park, Street, Laneway’ comprising University of Hong Kong students Wong Lap Man, Kam Destiny and Kwong Yuk Chun.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/example_-_visions_of_japan.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Reflective Lanes was the winner of the 2018 Competition. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="356" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/example_-_visions_of_japan.png?itok=dqMx9iCD" title="Reflective Lanes was the winner of the 2018 Competition. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Reflective Lanes was the winner of the 2018 Competition. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say....</h2>

<blockquote>
The jury saw design-based propositions from the majority of entrants, but the winners took an experienced-based approach to enliven and enrich through stories and connections.

This submission stood out because it shows a singular cultural and creative approach to changing the experience and perception of this area. It recognised the power of creative activity, supporting artists’ place in their own communities and building international connectivity through the process.

The concept of Reflective Lane would uplift the community and create value to the urban fabric, highlighting the positive impact of arts and culture on cities and precincts. The ULI is about people who want to come together and share for the collective benefit of the cities in which we live.

The winning proposal stood out in emphasising that change was not just affected by urban design and built form but by the programming and activation you can apply within the built form.

- David McCracken, ULI Australia Executive Director and Jury Chair
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
Through the competition we are interested in thought and the idea that something could actually happen. Deep critical thinking to us is the real essence of where the future may go and we are really proud of everyone’s efforts in the competition.

- Roger Nelson, NH Architecture (Competition sponsor)
</blockquote>

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Laurence Dragomir

Winner announced for Urban Innovation Ideas Competition

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<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/urban-land-institute-invites-ideas-for-north-west-corner-of-melbourne-cbd">As covered on Urban.com.au last week</a>, the Urban Land Institute is now accepting entries in the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition which is seeking innovative ideas to reinvigorate the north-west corner of the Melbourne CBD.

The ULI's Executive Director David McCracken spoke to Urban.com.au, providing insight into the competition and the benefits of young people getting involved in planning.

Urban.com.au: What do you look for when selecting sites for ULI Urban Innovation Ideas competitions?

David McCracken: The Competition sites we select are less about the specific place but more to act as a catalyst or a canvas for expansive thinking and innovative thought, in the context of a real or perceived urban challenge.

The sites selected previously – George St in Sydney – a linear space in the CBD becoming car free and public, but perhaps without the character elements to stimulate it, and in 2016 – Centennial Place – a poorly used green knuckle between the CBD and vibrant Valley district in Brisbane – offer challenges for intervention that change the way these spaces may connect with their city context.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/uli_image_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. Image: ULI"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="385" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uli_image_1.jpg?itok=65K-ywNB" title="The site of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. Image: ULI" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The site of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition. Image: ULI</figcaption></figure>In Melbourne this year, the site has been recognised as part of the CBD that perhaps does not live up to the image of Melbourne - vibrant, active, attractive and communal. We are seeking ideas that may not directly solve that challenge, but that, if implemented will add identity engagement and momentum to this part of the city fabric, and as an outcome, add value to those who live, work and visit the area.

U: What is different about the younger generation compared to older generations when it comes to urban planning and enhancing cities?

DM: What I have witnessed is perhaps a greater social conscience in the urban outcomes that shape our cities. There is a sense that what has gone before has not always delivered and that wider and more diverse voices need to be listened to as we plan our cities. ‘Green’, ‘active’, and ‘programmed’ are buzzwords perhaps more to the older generations and now taken as ‘business as usual’ for those with a younger perspective.

However, with the advent of social media, Pinterest and the like, we see the colour of our cities in more graphic detail and perhaps we don't experience and understand the grain and pulse of cities as much anymore. Our experiences are often quick and superficial rather than longer, deeper and more considered as they may have been in the past. The urban planning and development of our cities shapes the long-term impact and image of that city and we must understand that decisions made are there forever – timeliness over timeframe, authenticity over fashion.

U: What is the benefit of generating ideas from people outside of the sector?

DM: Our cities are shared by a great diversity of people and by giving a voice to all those who experience, contribute to and shape our cities, you reach a far better understanding of how to synthesise what is relevant and impactful.

For me, the skill in great design is not just the innovation or the idea – it’s how it responds to a need, desire or challenge in its own urban context or community.

Through the competition, the challenge is not only to solve the particular design issue or place issue at hand, but to promote new alternate ways of thinking. Along with traditional civic and municipal planning, these may improve the character and experience of the site area and ultimately its social, economic and environmental value.

U: What are the biggest issues facing Australian cities that you hope young people and their ideas can address in current and future competitions?

DM: The ULI Urban Innovation Competition is a forum for ideas – conceptual thinking around ideas that may stimulate new urban interventions and promote alternate ways of thinking in our cities.

The competition provides a forum for young professionals from multiple disciplines to come together and share ideas and approaches to key urban challenges in our cities.

The issue or challenge we are addressing is to engage young people in the urban debate, to share a variety of ideas with today’s decision makers, opportunities and alternatives to ensure that what has been done before is not what has to be done tomorrow. Through the competition, and the debates we engage around it, we try to teach or mentor competitors and their peer groups while helping them become better decision makers for tomorrow.

Entries in the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition close Monday 10 September.
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ULI's David McCracken on the 2018 Urban Innovation Ideas Competition

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The Urban Land Institute (ULI) Australia is inviting the next generation of industry professionals, including architects, developers and urban planners to propose novel ideas for the north-west corner of Melbourne's CBD.

The ULI is recognised internationally within the realms of urban design, development and built environment. It promotes youth leadership, urban innovation and collaboration in the property industry via its Urban Innovation Initiative program, with support from its Principal Sponsor, Mirvac.

The 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition provides a platform to investigate innovative solutions to issues affecting our cities – matching leading young professionals with mentoring from industry leaders and sector specialists.

The theme for 2018 is ‘Nurturing the inner city’s diversity and liveability’ and entrants are encouraged to consider the area’s context, and identify opportunities and challenges that will ultimately assist in informing their responses.

The site bound by La Trobe, William, Bourke and Spencer Streets will be the focus of this year's competition which is seeking ideas to revitalise this emerging precinct into a more vibrant, safe and liveable 24-hour neighbourhood.

It was selected due to its diverse mix of land uses, proximity to public transport, increased residential activity and a lack of definition and neighbourhood identity.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/uli_image_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The characteristics of the chosen competition area. Image: Urban Land Institute Australia"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="355" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/uli_image_2.jpg?itok=fnXtQqFs" title="The characteristics of the chosen competition area. Image: Urban Land Institute Australia" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The characteristics of the chosen competition area. Image: Urban Land Institute Australia</figcaption></figure>According to the ULI, despite the significant transformation the city has undergone in recent years, the Competition site suffers from a lack of identity, limited on-street activity outside of business hours, little open public space and community amenity.

The ULI is hosting the ULI City Forum this evening (22 August) to launch the 2018 Competition. The event involves a panel discussion around the challenges and changes since the City of Melbourne’s Future Melbourne 2020 plan was developed over 10 years ago.

Panellists include:

<ul>
<li>Ian Briggs,Plus Architecture;</li>
	<li>Sarah Macklin from Urbis; </li>
	<li>Professor Donald Bates, the University of Melbourne; and</li>
	<li>Bec McHenry,The Space Agency.</li>
</ul>
Participants can enter individually or as a team of up to four, with the winners receiving a trip to the 2019 ULI Asia Pacific Summit on 4-6 June in Shanghai where they will present their idea at ULI’s Regional conference.

2018 marks the first year the Competition has focused on Melbourne, with support from the 2018 project sponsor NH Architecture and project partners Urbis, Plus Architecture and the University of Melbourne.

Registrations for the first stage of the 2018 ULI Australia Urban Innovation Ideas Competition open on 24 August and close 10 September. For more info and to register click<a href="http://www.urbaninnovations.com.au/"> here</a>. 
 

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
ULI’s Urban Innovation Initiative provides a platform for young people and their ideas and brings together collaborative leadership, innovation and creativity to address topical issues in urban development.

In the Competition we are looking for ideas that are both practical and creative, adopting innovative approaches that will generate significant value across multiple channels. It’s important that entrants represent a new approach or way of thinking and synthesise urban practice from a number of different areas.

- David McCracken, ULI Executive Director 
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Whilst Melbourne’s CBD has been guided by a suite of targeted and innovative approaches – from the postcode 3000 policy, the renewal of its laneways, and the design of its streetscapes – the city’s north-west corner continues to face a number of prevailing issues that are impacting the vitality and appeal of this area

As such, this year we are seeking proposals that if realised would transform the north-west corner of Melbourne’s CBD into a locality that is diverse, liveable, vibrant, activated and resilient.

- Sue Say, Director at Urbis and Chair of the ULI District Council
</blockquote>
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