Australian National Arboretum and Gardens ::

Project Description::

Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, in association with landscape architects Taylor Cullity Lethlean, won an Australia wide competition for the Australian National Arboretum and Gardens, on a 240 hectare site of bushfire-damaged land north of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin. Initial clearing and planting started on site in 2006.

The design for the Arboretum is based on a collection of 100 forests, each home to one endangered species. Species are chosen from the many thousands that are threatened, and curated according to colour of foliage, pattern of bark and leaf, filigree of branches, scent and texture, and suitability to the local growth conditions.

A simple formal geometry, developed from Griffin’s water axis, interacts with the landform on which it is laid. 250m wide forest bands are defined by native-planted clearings leading to the lake. Each Forest offers the experience of a single species, a hermetic world – rekindling the pleasure of being enveloped in a forest of one species. Each Forest holds a viable population, creating a seed orchard for the world, so that vulnerable and endangered species are preserved.

Defined gardens and event spaces are surrounded by the forests. With the provision of services, pavilion shelters and toilets these spaces have the potential to be booked for a wide range of events, as well as opportunities for themed gardens, sponsored plantings and temporary exhibits, artworks and garden designs.

A linear water feature will serve as the water storage facility, located in the main valley clearing of the Arboretum. The water bodies will have a total capacity of 10 megalitres, and will be a demonstration of water sensitive landscape design, showcasing contemporary design and ecological water recycling technology.