In the Loop: Cronulla Circuit

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: Craig Douglas and Rose Monacella, as principals of the Office of Transformations Research (OUTR), were joint second prize winners in the Cronulla Design Ideas Competition. The competition was set up to generate ideas for the revitalisation of the commercial centre of this south Sydney beachside suburb, esepcially the Cronulla plaza. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: 'In the Loop' proposes a Cronulla Circuit that can be continuously transformed to simultaneously be an event as well as a site for a range of scheduled events that activate, connect, and celebrate Cronulla. Douglas and Monacella's design is based on a dynamic choreography of the space that transforms seasonally around community events, enabling different modes of community engagement. A series of drawings convey three innovative urban community initiatives: 'Urban Forest' (outdoor spaces providing intimacy), 'Cronulla Market' (for community vibrancy) and 'Pavilion C' (a biannual international competition). Key design elements include mobile seats and tree planters, glow-in-the-dark footpath lanes, and light towers that are also rain water tanks. This project is part of Douglas and Monacella's ongoing participation in urban transformations research, specifically 'urban speculations.' RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: A distinguished jury comprising Helen Armstrong, AM - Professor (Emeritus) of Landscape Architecture QUT, landscape architect Crosbie Lorimer and Darlene Van der Breggen of the NSW Government's Architect's Office, judged the awards. It found 'In the Loop' was a 'bold and future-focused concept for a flexible circuit of activities anchored around a seasonal event calendar for Cronulla'. The researchers won $5000 and their work was included in a public exhibiton at Cronulla Central and online. The competition received wide coverage in local newspapers including Monica Heary, 'Visions for Cronulla revealed', (St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, 23 Sept 2014).