Brisbane's $3 billion casino controversy
The architecture for Queensland’s $3 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane casino has all sorts of critics.
Last year, plans for the casino and lifestyle complex were condemned for its designs that prevent people experiencing homelessness from sleeping on benches and seats.
The site sits on 12 hectares of government-owned land, potentially reclaiming 15.3 hectares of the Brisbane River.
The development put forward a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Report to the state government. The report made it clear that “furniture installed in the area should have features that minimise anti-social behaviour.”
“This may include discreet solutions on seating and low walls that minimise use for skateboard tricks, and fixed armrests that prevent sleeping on the furniture.”
That went down like a ton of bricks in some quarters.
Greens councillor, Jonathan Sri, described the furniture design “disgusting”, pointing out that “public spaces should be for everyone – not just the mega-rich”.
He said Brisbane Central MP Grace Grace needed to ensure that no development on state government land included hostile architecture.
“Rough sleepers are extremely vulnerable and are among the most likely members of our society to be victims of crime,” Sri told the Brisbane Times.
“When councils and governments discourage them from using highly visible public spaces, they end up sleeping in unsafe areas on the margins.”
Brisbane Central MP Grace Grace responded by holding a public information session about Queens Wharf. At least one local resident was enthusiastic about the project.
The Destination Brisbane Consortium has defended the plans. “The development seeks to cater for all user groups, with landscaping and features at the river edge including places for people to sit and enjoy this part of the city”, a spokesman said in a statement.
James Petty, who completed a PhD in Criminology that looked at how homelessness is regulated and criminalised in Melbourne, said the Queens Wharf’s development design application is problematic.
“Anything that targets specific uses that are characterised by marginalised groups, like people who lie down on benches – yes, I would say that definitely constitutes hostile architecture,” Petty told ArchitectureAU.
Leon Getler 21st March 2018.
