architecture tips

The art of masterplanning a theme park aims to establish principles that convey the intent, goals, and long-term values of the park and provide direction for subsequent design stages for the project.

Masterplanning should establish a high level of investigation and identify clear objectives and opportunities early in the design process to achieve a satisfactory outcome for all stakeholders.

A well defined masterplan will enhance the desired distinctive character of the proposed theme, enhance any local usable landscape that is to be retained, define a strong sense of place while providing a quality environment that is safe and appropriate to the use. Development of a masterplan will establish a series of strategies to guide the design and can typically cover the following.

Space Planning

The consideration of space is an important element in design and designing efficiently across the park. How spaces are to be used and how they relate to each other is important to achieve a harmonious result.

Typical space considerations may include:

functions of individual spaces;space relationships;paths of travel and access;patron areas and no access areas;accommodation of multiple user types and multiple uses;scale and it's relationship to the user;linkages through spaces and areas of conflict.

Access, Circulation and Ease of Movement

Closely related to spaces, the efficient circulation of patrons, personnel, emergency services and maintenance services all combine together to address circulation throughout the park.

Where are the potential conflicts?Are there opportunities to avoid potential accidents and incidents?Can uses be combined to enhance value for money for infrastructure such as lighting and pavement?

Consideration of movement aims to achieve good permeability throughout the site.

Existing Environment

Protection and enhancement of the existing environment - aside from promoting and achieving excellent sustainable goals - can often result in an 'instant effect' from day one.

This can include protection of existing trees, reuse of site materials such as topsoil and chipping of trees to be removed, design consideration based on existing topography and overall drainage consideration and overland water flow.

Often sites are 'scraped bare' to start with a clean slate for ease of construction when in fact the protection and consideration of existing site elements often achieves a more impressive result for a little bit extra construction heartache.

Character including Visual Character

Theme parks typically have a strongly defined character based around a particular theme or fantasy. Often there are themes within themes associated with individual attractions.

Defining character may include:

designing distinctive landscapes based around precincts, rides or attractions;consideration of the character of natural features such as existing trees or useful topography;proposed themed architecture;site context;enhanced spaces within attraction areas;ride and attraction architecture;building materials and construction techniques.

Read more about landscape masterplanning of theme parks at the following link.

Masterplanning Theme Parks

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