Rio Tinto Naturescape

The Authority’s vision for Naturescape is to provide a highly interactive and engaging nature based environmental experience for the whole community that has a unique sense of place and, through fun, discovery, immersion and connection with nature is a catalyst for positive environmental interaction and learning.

Naturescape is a unique, innovative, interactive and accessible 6 Ha naturalistic landscape which forms part of the$10M Environmental Education Facility within Western Australia’s Kings Park andBotanic Garden. Stage 1 was completed in 2011 and Stage 2 was completed in2017. Naturescape invites all members of society to immerse themselves in a naturalistic environment through both formal and informal nature-based activity, from school-based environmental programmes to informal water play, cubby building, tree climbing and foraging. While Naturescape is designed to be highly responsive to the existingA Class reserve and bushland arboretum in which it is set, unique sensory and interactive landscapes have been created including thickets, wetlands and creeks offering a diverse range of experiences themed on iconic Western Australian habitats.

While local and international examples of naturalistic playscapes were examined, no examples of experiential, immersive and environmentally grounded ‘naturescapes’ existed that would meet BGPA’s vision. Naturescape’s unique design and ongoing management is therefore grounded in research, science and community and stakeholder consultation. A series of workshops with community representatives, Kings Park staff and volunteers, funding partners and stakeholders informed the unique brief developed by PLAN E in association with the Client. Further input was obtained from the University of Western Australia Centre for Built Environment with regard child development and learning, and the Western Australian Department of Health, who’s involvement continues today through the testing of, and the setting of standards for naturalistic, nature based interactive water play facilities. Previous to Naturescape no water quality, testing or management models existed for facilities of this type.

In light of the unique nature of the project, and to preserve the significant and ancient bushland environment, including rare and endangered species, the understated and low-key landscape design was founded in the existing natural attributes of the site and in particular existing habitats and landform. A recreated “natural” creek and wetland system, designed for wading and water play, forms the spine of Naturescape while introduced interactive elements, including two dramatic aerial teaching structures, shelters, viewing towers and seating pods were specifically designed to present as stylised and deliberate intrusions into the natural landscape inspired by the shape of seeds, leaves and nests. Many of these elements have been designed to encourage alternative perceptions of nature, in order to stimulate greater thought and awareness of our environment.

PLAN E’s materials palette, comprising a range of sympathetic natural materials from throughout Western Australia, including 150 tonnes of Ironstone brought 1400 kilometres from Tom Price, link the project with the iconic landscapes of WA and the northwest in particular. These innovative design solutions fully respect and protect the existing fragile landscape while offering the community hands-on immersion experiences. The design is robust enough to withstand the significant pressures presented by high visitation to Kings Park while also being safe, accessible and highly sustainable over time.