NewScape design were engaged to upgrade Margaret Knoll Lookout on Christmas Island. The lookout is located within the most populated area of the park and easily accessible via a sealed road, making it a highly visited destination for both local residents and tourists.
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NewScape design were engaged to upgrade Margaret Knoll Lookout on Christmas Island. The lookout is located within the most populated area of the park and easily accessible via a sealed road, making it a highly visited destination for both local residents and tourists.
The project called for the design, documentation, technical advice and construction phase services for a new lookout. An interactive interpretation strategy was adopted in the design for the new lookout to reflect the unique culture of the island, and encourage a playful interaction between visitors, the lookout and the surrounding environment.
Margaret Knoll Lookout offers visitors an opportunity to closely observe many of the birds which are unique to the island. The Brown Booby is synonymous with this place and the shape of shade structure is inspired by the shape of its wing.
Visitors follow Brown Bobby footprints, embedded into the mini-mesh stairs and platforms to learn more about Christmas Island, the endangered fern that grows at the base of the lookout and the wildlife that flies above.
We engaged an artist to design images burnt and etched into teak seats, calling visitors to open their senses to look, listen and hear the sounds around them. The base of the seats are made from recycled plastic that has been collected from the ocean surrounding Christmas Island. The planks are produced by local company Eco Crab Industry to not only support the local community but to bring to life the message of the importance of environmental preservation.
A life sized Brown Bobby statue, sits on the handrail, framed by a breathtaking view, perfect for an iconic sharable moment. The information board continues with the artist images to provide the curious visitor with more detail about the wildlife and history of the Island
Project Team:
NewScape Design (Landscape Architect and Lead Consultant)
NJK Consulting Engineers (Structural Engineer)
ARUP Australia (Geotechnical Engineer)
Peta Misenbrena, Elm Design (Artist and Graphic Designer)
Beeton Pty Ltd (Construction)
Alchemy Art and Ironwork (Brown Bobby Sculpture)
Routers Australia (Seat Artwork Fabrication)
