Turning behavioral data into design recommendations
The northern banks of Melbourne’s Yarra River (Birrarung) hold immense potential for becoming a physical, cultural, ecological, and economic bridge between the city and river. The ambitious Greenline Project aims to transform the disconnected riverbank sites into a series of iconic urban parklands and destinations, all connected by a new riverfront promenade that links Birrarung Marr Parklands to Melbourne’s Docklands.
To understand how the spaces truly performed for people, Gehl used a mix of qualitative and quantitative assessments and spatial mapping. Over three days, the team collected 22,000 data points using Gehl’s Public Life App. The findings revealed big differences in how the riverfront is used by various age groups and perceived genders. The findings also showed how public behaviors had shifted since COVID-19, along with changes in commuter habits. These insights were key to guide the design of the future masterplan and ensure that the riverfront is equipped with the right mix of everyday amenities, services, and vibrant destinations to bring the area to life.
The project has won several prestigious awards, including the ‘Future Projects Masterplanning Award’ and the ‘WAFX Prize for Water’ from the World Architecture Festival, and the ‘2024 AILA National Award of Excellence for Landscape Planning’ from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
