A Brisbane design firm has released a vision to transform the Mt Coot-tha quarry into a connected green space, which acknowledges the area’s First Nation’s heritage.
PRAX Studio, which has offices in the inner city, responded to Brisbane City Council’s call for future development ideas for the quarry precinct in the city’s south-west.
In a submission, it said the there was an opportunity to deliver a vibrant new public space for Brisbane.
It said it had a vision for Mt Coot-tha that was open, green, accessible and both inspired by and deeply connected to its rich First Nations heritage, while reflecting Brisbane’s contemporary and innovative spirit.
“Mt Coot-tha derives its name from the Aboriginal word ‘ku-ta’ which means honey. This was an area where the Aboriginal people collected honey from the stingless bee which is native to the area. In recognition of this, our vision evokes honeycomb like structures with a waterhole forming the central focus around which all life and activity revolves,” the submission stated.
It said the vision was for a seamless, organic interconnection between built structures and the natural environment, delivering opportunities for community gathering, exploration, discovery and memory building.
“Perched on the ridge line overlooking the site, structures take their inspiration from the eucalyptus leaf, as an acknowledgement and reflection on Mt Coot-tha’s past as ‘one tree hill’ after the European settlers removed all but one large eucalyptus tree from the summit.”
See more pictures of the PRAX Studio design.
