From back alley to lively laneway
Rodda Lane
Overview
Rodda Lane is part of the revitalisation of RMIT University’s public realm stitching together a warren of back-of-house laneways in order to provide a new focal point to the city campus through the addition of flexible outdoor spaces. The design centres around two courtyards that anchor social activity: here, new custom seating and pergola-like shade structures are set among planters along with increased lighting. These courtyards are joined by narrow laneways with impressive vertical volumes: new seating and lighting seek to accentuate existing spaces while providing new places to dwell. All of these multiple urban infrastructures allow for diverse spaces and uses.
This was evident onsite at Rodda Lane where Sibling witnessed entwined lovers, a manga drawing club, security patrols, a new-born puppy being taken out for a frolic, and students passing through, all in one hour. A rhythmic pattern of directional custom concrete paving in hues of blue, light-grey and white, along with light, provides wayfinding to the campus, signaling a sense of movement and stimulation on the ground surface.
As people move to the centre of Rodda Lane, other viewpoints are revealed, enhancing perceptions of safety and a sense of jouissance.
The design centres around two courtyards that anchor social activity.
A rhythmic pattern of directional custom concrete paving in hues of blue, light-grey and white, along with light, provides wayfinding to the campus.
The design centres around two courtyards that anchor social activity.
A rhythmic pattern of directional custom concrete paving in hues of blue, light-grey and white, along with light, provides wayfinding to the campus.
