Bungarribee at Doonside

BACKGROUND: Through his practice JMD Design, Anton James led a multidisciplinary team of engineers, architects, artists, heritage and community consultants to design the 250ha Bungarribee Precinct in Western Sydney. The $15 million development is the largest recreational space in Western Sydney. Commissioned by the Western Sydney Parklands Trust, the new park is comparable in size to eastern Sydney's Centennial Park (220 hectares). According to Premier Mike Baird, it is expected to 'become as iconic for Western Sydney as New York's Central Park and London's Hyde Park.' CONTRIBUTION: The strength of the project lies in its artful integration of play into the natural landscape. The wetland around the area is being protected and 20 hectares of native wildflower and trees are being planted to restore the Cumberland Plain. The design frames and celebrates the existing natural landscape allowing the visitor to appreciate the natural landscape of the grasslands, the big open sky and distant views whilst hinting at the pastoral and industrial past of the site. The over-scaled, play features are sculptural landmarks that create iconic gathering spaces that are subtly connected to the industrial objects from nearby. This project extends James' ongoing practice in the integration of recreational and natural spaces through the design of prominent public parks and play spaces. SIGNIFICANCE: Bungarribee at Doonside received the Award of Excellence in the Parks and Open Spaces category at the 2018 National Awards of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects. According to the jury, 'This project succeeds in [providing] a substantial new typology of open space for western Sydney...' In 2014, JMD was awarded the Planning Award by the AILA for the project's Masterplan. AILA is the peak industry body for landscape architects and architecture. The project has received extensive reviews in the media since the release of its Masterplan in 2014.