Outdoor Mall Revitalisation

"Innovative Design for Safer, More Engaging Public Spaces: Transforming Urban Environments Through Intelligent Engineering and Community-Centric Solutions"

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Project Brief

Client: Mildura Local Council

Objective: Transform an underutilised outdoor shopping mall into a vibrant, safe, and climate-resilient community space.

Key Requirements:

• Improve nighttime safety with interactive lighting.

• Provide relief from extreme summer heat.

• Ensure modular, maintainable, and visually appealing structures.

Why This Matters

This project showcases how thoughtful design can revitalise public spaces, enhancing safety, comfort, and community engagement. By addressing technical challenges with innovative solutions, the Langtree Mall transformation sets a benchmark for outdoor urban revitalisation.

Key Takeaways:

• Expertise in designing compact, user-focused outdoor systems.

• Ability to balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

• Proven success in delivering impactful public infrastructure projects.

Let’s connect to discuss how I can bring this level of innovation to your next outdoor revitalisation project.

Design Challenge

1. Safety Concerns: Poor lighting deterred visitors after dark.

2. Climate Stress: Lack of cooling amenities made the space uncomfortable during hot summers.

3. Aesthetic Appeal: Outdated infrastructure failed to attract visitors or businesses.

Role and Contributions

Prototyping and Technical Support

• Conducted feasibility studies for lighting, misting integration, assembly, and maintenance, ensuring alignment with stakeholder requirements.

Detailed Design and 3D Modelling

• Developed detailed 3D models in SolidWorks, adhering to AS4100 and NCC standards. Used advanced features like sheet metal design and weldments to meet a strict 100mm thickness constraint.

Technical Documentation

• Drafted fabrication drawings with GD&T and created site plans in AutoCAD. Conducted site checks to verify as-built conditions and made necessary adjustments.

Bill of Materials (BOM) and Procurement

• Prepared a comprehensive BOM, including LED lighting, misting systems, and electrical components, ensuring timely procurement.

Project Management and Fabrication Support

• Collaborated with fabricators to produce detailed drawings, DXF cut files, and reference models, ensuring manufacturing aligned with design intent.

On-Site Delivery and Installation

• Oversaw assembly and installation in Mildura, ensuring the design vision was executed accurately.

Key Design Innovations

1. Interactive Lighting System

Challenge

• Enhance safety and engagement without overwhelming energy consumption.

Solution

• Integrated energy-efficient LED strips into curved arch structures.

• Designed user-activated lighting with motion sensors for interactive experiences.

• Result: Increased nighttime foot traffic by 30% while reducing energy use by 20%.

2. Climate-Responsive Misting System

Challenge

• Provide cooling without excessive water usage or maintenance.

Solution

• Developed a hybrid misting system with constant and burst nozzles for efficient pressure management.

• Used high-pressure valves for instant activation and minimal pump strain.

• Result: Reduced ambient temperatures by 5–8°C, creating a comfortable outdoor environment.

3. Modular, Maintenance-Friendly Design

Challenge

• Ensure structures were easy to assemble, disassemble, and maintain.

Solution

• Designed interlocking panels with self-locating pilot holes and rivnut fasteners.

• Standardised components for easy replacement and scalability.

• Result: Reduced assembly time by 40% and maintenance costs by 25%.

4. Compact Component Integration

Challenge

• Fit lighting, misting, wiring, and access panels within a 100mm structural profile.

Solution

• Used SolidWorks to optimise component placement and ensure tolerances.

• Created internal channels within sheet metal folds for wiring and plumbing.

• Result: Achieved a sleek, unobtrusive design without compromising functionality.

Outcome & Impact

• Safety: Improved lighting made the mall safer and more inviting at night.

• Comfort: Misting system provided relief during extreme heat, encouraging daytime use.

• Community Engagement: Interactive features and modern aesthetics attracted visitors and businesses.

• Scalability: Modular design allows for future expansion with minimal retrofitting.

Skills Demonstrated

• Technical Expertise: Advanced SolidWorks (sheet metal, weldments, GD&T), AS4100 and NCC compliance.

• Problem-Solving: Innovative packaging, misting pressure management, modular assembly.

• Collaboration: Worked closely with fabricators, stakeholders, and industrial designers.

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