Master Plan for Port Stanvac Environmental Park (SA)
Project Highlight: Situated on the historically significant Port Stanvac refinery site, which suffered environmental damage from a 1999 oil spill, the MesoSpace proposal seeks to transform this troubled past into a beacon of environmental stewardship and community rejuvenation. Here’s how our innovative design concept unfolds:
- Environmental Restoration: Our vision for the site centres on environmental renewal and habitat restoration. The park will showcase special endangered plants alongside native South Australian species, serving as a sanctuary for biodiversity and ecological regeneration.
- Symbolic Design Elements: Drawing inspiration from the site’s history, our design incorporates symbolic elements that reflect the impact of the oil spill and the resilience of nature. The main access pathway, paved in black granite, symbolizes the onshore oil spill, cutting through the gardens and creating arid valleys. A curved jetty represents the dispersion of oil in water, while random black and brown shapes signify the return of oil from the sea, challenging the surrounding landscapes.
- Exploratory Landscape Design: The park’s layout is designed to encourage exploration and discovery. Inspired by existing urban grids, each 100m x 100m box forms a unique level within the park, with less accessible areas housing endangered species. Ramps and pathways connect these levels, creating a dynamic experience for visitors as they uncover hidden pocket gardens and diverse perspectives.
- Educational Opportunities: By creating unexpected changes in scenery and maximizing connections between land and water, the park offers valuable educational opportunities, particularly for younger generations. Through interactive exhibits and interpretive signage, visitors can learn about environmental protection and conservation practices firsthand.
- Integration of Historical Features: Preserving the footprint of the site’s former oil tanks as a shallow pond, our design pays homage to the area’s industrial past while repurposing it as a reflective water feature. This integration of historical elements adds depth and context to the park’s narrative, connecting past, present, and future.
Through thoughtful design and a commitment to environmental stewardship, the Port Stanvac Environmental Park promises to be a transformative space that honours the site’s heritage, restores its natural ecosystems, and inspires a new generation of environmental advocates.