One integral aspect of the interaction node which needs to be defined before the potential users are explored and analysed, is the specific activity that the node will offer. The interaction node is required to provide an informal learning environment and supply the public with information, demonstrations and any other necessary means of translation of a specific activity, selected from a list of genres.
The two more relate-able and logical genres for myself personally, were food and sports. I think something to do with both of these things would greatly enhance the space and there is a suitable client base for both activities within the close surroundings of the site.
Some sort of cooking lessons or an interesting and unique food cart could attract a large number of people to the Wharves and help to create a vibrant and lively environment. While an exercise station located close to the river boardwalk, which is used heavily by runners and cyclists, could provide a great means of additional exercise to passers by. The station could be hired out by personal trainers, leading a group, or one on one session with a client, while the food cart could allow a variety of chefs to use it, each one specialising in something different.
Each option is explored further and analysed below.
OPTION 1: FOOD STALL AND COOKING LESSONS.
Summary:
What is it?
- A multicultural cooking school and food stall.
What services will it provide?
- The node will provide a variety of cooking classes, each offering a take on a different style of cuisine.
- It will provide an opportunity to learn about different cultures, their traditions and of course the cooking styles.
Who will be the users?
- The node will provide lessons to anyone who cares to sign up via the Brisbane City Council website.
- When not offering classes, the node will double as a food stall, providing interesting and authentic, exotic cuisine to anyone who cares to venture to the Wharves.
- Key users will include people who work in the city as well as people who live close to the site.
How will it enhance the space?
- It is hoped that the node will increase the number of people who visit the wharves and help to create an active environment.
- It will provide refreshments to people occupying the parkland that surrounds it.
- The node will be a great means of educating the greater public on the immense cultural diversity that exists within Brisbane and will also offer an opportunity for users to learn about the history of the Wharves and in turn, the history of Brisbane itself.
Examples of existing food stalls are shown below.
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| Image sourced from: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/13/90347343_eb9ba96e9f.jpg |
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| Potential Pros and Cons of a food stall and cooking school. |
A major pro of the proposed node is the fact that it represents and would educate people on many of the various cultures that are present in Brisbane. Brisbane's ever growing immigrant population is something that everyone will need to learn to live with, and if everyone was aware of certain aspects of the culture of these immigrants, it will certainly make the adjustment easier.
Coming from a very diverse cultural background myself, being of Indian descent, born and growing up in Zimbabwe and now living in Australia, and having been lucky enough to travel to various countries, i have experienced my fair share of cultural diversity. I believe that a food stall offering various cuisines would be a great addition to the site and would create a new attraction within the inner-city.
OPTION 2: EXERCISE STATION AND PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS.
Summary:
What is it?
- A structure that combines a variety of bars, steps and ropes, that can be used for body weight exercises, such as pull-ups under the instruction of a personal trainer, or by an individual.
What services will it provide?
- The node will provide users of the Eagle street boardwalk with an opportunity to take part in a variety of strength exercises, rather than simply the cardiovascular exercise of running of cycling.
Who will be the users?
- The node will be free to use and open to the public, unless previously booked by a personal trainer.
- Key users will be office workers who exercise on their lunch breaks.
How will it enhance the space?
- The structure will provide a point of interest within the site and along the riverside boardwalk.
- The parkland around the node could also be used for various exercises, if the personal trainer were to chose to do so.
- The node will draw more people into the space and hopefully reactivate the site.
Examples of exercise stations are shown below:
The image above is an example of an existing exercise station which is fairly simple and makes the use of a simple combination of bars and ropes.
This is another example of an existing exercise station, constructed from simple bars at different levels.
OPTION 2: EXERCISE STATION AND PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS.
Summary:
What is it?
- A structure that combines a variety of bars, steps and ropes, that can be used for body weight exercises, such as pull-ups under the instruction of a personal trainer, or by an individual.
What services will it provide?
- The node will provide users of the Eagle street boardwalk with an opportunity to take part in a variety of strength exercises, rather than simply the cardiovascular exercise of running of cycling.
Who will be the users?
- The node will be free to use and open to the public, unless previously booked by a personal trainer.
- Key users will be office workers who exercise on their lunch breaks.
How will it enhance the space?
- The structure will provide a point of interest within the site and along the riverside boardwalk.
- The parkland around the node could also be used for various exercises, if the personal trainer were to chose to do so.
- The node will draw more people into the space and hopefully reactivate the site.
Examples of exercise stations are shown below:
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| Image sourced from: |
The above image demonstrates that a minimum amount of equipment is needed to run an effective personal training session.
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Pros and Cons of a Exercise station and Personal Training Centre:
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| Pros and Cons of an Exercise station and PT centre. |
There is also a large client base within the area, with a large number of people using the riverside boardwalk to exercise, as well as a large residential area close to the site. The station could be used by office workers who exercise on their lunch breaks, the general public, or it could be hired out by a personal trainer, looking to run a group fitness session.
A major con of such a node is that it may not be used as it is designed to be. a number of exercise stations have been placed in parks around Brisbane and very few are ever used. It could be argued that the large client base within close proximity to the site would make for a different outcome, but there is no guarantee to this. When not used by personal trainers, it is difficult to predict the manner in which the station may be used.
SUMMARY:
Both nodes have a lot to offer to the site, and would be effective in their own way. The food stall is assured to be used in the proposed manner, while the exercise station leaves a lot up to the intuition of the user.
The cooking school could potentially sell the food prepared, to generate a profit that could help to sustain the node, or be donated to charity. Alternatively, the food could be supplied to a homeless shelter in the area. When not used for a class, the node could be operated by various users of different cultural backgrounds, each providing a different cuisine. Each day could be different, for example, Monday could be Thai, while Tuesday may be Lebanese. This would be very effective, and provide people in the area an opportunity to sample food items they may usually not have the chance too.
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