Landscape focal points
Overview
Within the overall campus landscape there are several locations where the level of amenity provided is increased in order to facilitate a range of activities not otherwise possible within the broader landscape. These places of intensification are generally within the Parkland and Bushland Zones and act as a counterpoint to their otherwise informal character.
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Sub-topics
Entrance earth sculpture
University Park
Water garden
Lakeside lookout
Woodland Garden
Sugar Cane Sculpture Garden
Lakeside amphitheatre
Research/contemplation pavilions
Artwork precincts
Entrance earth sculpture
That portion of the central spine lawn between the entrance road and spine buildings is sculpted to form a series of interweaving mounds. This landscape based earth sculpture both acts as a termination focus for the central spine and attracts the attention of entering visitors to this most important axis of the campus.
University Park
Based around existing copses of predominantly eucalypt trees this park is the primary landscape link between the University campus and the Sippy Downs Town Centre. Located adjacent the University entrance, the park is also a significant component of the entry experience to the campus. The character of the park is closely associated with the open woodland parkland landscape of the campus. However, the level of amenity is higher in order to provide for a broad range of passive recreational activities. Seats, barbecues, a small shelter, paths, under planting and irrigated grass allow University and Town centre workers, students and residents to gain a relatively peaceful respite from the more built-up surrounding areas.
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Water garden
Located adjacent the inlet to the upper lake system the water garden provides a quiet contemplative place within the campus landscape. Permanent ponds house a variety of riparian and water plants beneath a canopy of shade trees. Paths, seating and a small shelter facilitate strolling and enjoyment of both the waterbodies and their associated plants.
Lakeside lookout
Located on the south east side of the upper lake this area provides a rest spot and focal point along the main north-south path between the high school and Chancellor's Park. Seating, a boardwalk on the lake edge and a barbecue encourage students, staff and the local community to enjoy the view across the lake to the main campus and its central spine.
Woodland Garden
Located on the lower lake, the Woodland Garden provides a place of respite within the Bushland Zone. This garden showcases a range of plants from the Sunshine Coast region, focusing on rare, endangered and threatened species. Seating, minor paths and a barbecue provide visitors with an opportunity to rest within the garden. Plant species within the garden are labelled and the theme of the garden is interpreted with appropriately designed signage. This garden could be the site for a sculpture which compliments it's conservation theme.
Sugar Cane Sculpture Garden
Located along the main path linking the core campus and the sports precinct, the Sugar Cane Sculpture Garden provides a reminder of the former use of the site as a sugar plantation. Sugar canes are planted in rows running parallel with the adjacent buildings, creating a striking geometric pattern within the otherwise informal parkland landscape. Along the path large pieces of machinery salvaged from a local sugar mill are informally ‘scattered' to form a sculptural counterpoint to the rows of canes. Low key and carefully placed signage will provide some interpretation of the University sites' history and relationship with the sugar industry.
Lakeside amphitheatre
The edge of the main lake is shaped to form a broad lawn area which slopes uphill from the banks. An arc of trees defines the edge of the sloping grass to form an amphitheatre suitable for performances and large events. Informal uses would include ball games and resting on the grass overlooking the lake.
Research/contemplation pavilions
A path from the lower lake winds through the Bushland Zone to four pavilions which provide opportunities for research, outdoor teaching and contemplation. Designed as environmentally sensitive structures which sit lightly within the bushland, the pavilions would be managed to ensure all security and public safety requirements are satisfied while facilitating an appreciation of the ecological complexity and beauty of the environment indigenous to the campus.
Artwork precincts
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