An online 3D presentation tool has proved to be a highly successful consultation and planning tool for Manningham Council in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. The online tool has been used during consultation for the major Doncaster Hill project.
The Doncaster Hill Precinct is expected to attract up to 4,000 apartments, 8,000 new residents, 10,000 workers and up to five million visitors each year.
In February 2000, Manningham City Council commissioned RMIT University’s Interactive Information Institute to develop a 3D planning and presentation tool to assist it in determining an appropriate scale of development for a new sustainable urban village. The three dimensional model is based on the latest digital technology, allowing viewers to virtually walk through and visualise future urban environments.
Doncaster Hill is a 58 hectare site poised to become the civic heart of Manningham. Located only 12 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, the site is one of the highest points in metropolitan area, with spectacular views across the surrounding ranges and the city skyline. Home to Westfield Doncaster Shoppingtown, it is designated a Principle Activity Centre under the Victorian Government’s Melbourne 2030 Strategy.
Manningham’s Mayor, Councillor Bill Larkin, said the Virtual Reality Model (VRM) of Doncaster Hill showcases the existing and potential built form on the site.
“People can navigate with complete freedom along roads, around sites, building exteriors and facilities, providing personal viewing experiences and design interactivity,” he said. “The development of the VRM for Doncaster Hill was crucial in establishing Council’s support for this high density sustainable urban development.
“The VRM also provides shadow analysis for selected development proposals. It allows viewers to experience the impact of the proposed facilities on the environment at specific times of the day. The model provided the option of viewing proposed buildings from any position, allowing people to assess the real impact of different forms of development.”
