Cool Slopes: A pattern of contours

About this pattern

It is possible to manipulate the shape of a site to create sheltered cool pockets and areas for respite or pathways.

Cool slopes are commons that provide coolth for people walking or running through a community or seeking respite around the community.  They would typically have the greatest benefit either side of midday. Open space that slopes to creeks or lakes is ideal for the insertion of cool features such as cool banks, shade trees, grass mounds and paths.

To create these cool commons, site planning should map the pre-development landform and slopes to take advantage of existing contours; sun (e.g. southern sides), wind and rainfall patterns; soil types and drainage.

This requires a fine grain analysis of site contours, so that the existing site gets regraded to create these pockets of coolth where practical.  The resultant mounding can be used to contain services such as underground rainwater storage tanks.

Successful application of this pattern will yield complete shade for when the pocket is most commonly used.

Pattern Conditions

Enablers:

• Local Environment Plans developed by local government require areas of open space for common recreational use.
• Integrating cool slopes, mounds or pockets within the ground modelling can add to the amenity. Innovative approaches can be explored in community workshops to enable civic participation in the design of cool slopes.

Constraints:

• Open space has to allow for multiple recreation uses. Open space planning often allocates flat land, so playing fields become the dominant use. This precludes ground remodelling in an open space context.
• Mounding will have to be created with consideration of ecological and hydrological impacts.

Commoning Concerns

Access: High consideration of accessibility for all abilities should be considered when applying cool slopes, and wherever possible the principles of Universal Design applied.

Use: Passive recreation, integration into play spaces, urban design features, active transport pathways.

Benefit: Increased amenity in public open space and improved walkability due to increased shade and cooler spaces.

Care: Minimal care would be required by the community as the landowners would likely maintain this common as part of the broader open space maintenance. 

Responsibility: The landowner would have ultimate responsibility, but the community would be required to use the common in a responsible manner.

Ownership: Local government, development agency.

Staging of construction activities at strategic locations may be required to sustain access to cool commons through the development process and beyond.