Rest Stops and Viewpoints
A Case for Small Public Architecture in Regional NSW
Sydney-based architect Jordan Silver has been awarded the 2022 Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship for his project titled ‘Rest Stops and Viewpoints: A case for Small Public Architecture in Regional NSW’. The coveted Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship is part of a continuing legacy gifted by the late Byera Hadley to support Australian architects undertaking international travel to advance the field.
‘Well, would you look at that!’: Jordan Silver will travel across Norway and Scotland to study small projects that enhance visitors’ experiences of nature.
Pictured is Reststop Akkarvikodden by Manthy Kula.
A new network of small projects along road networks in regional NSW could leverage the functional requirement for rest areas and simultaneously provide immersive experiences of landscape. High quality small public projects have become commonplace in major Australian cities but are yet to benefit regional travel.
Central West and Orana
Hunter
Riverina Murray
New England North West
South East and Tablelands
Click to see more! An interactive map of potential future sites for rest stops and view points in regional NSW.
The standout international example of a structured program of small public architecture is the Nasjonale turistveger (Norwegian Scenic Routes), which has populated Norway’s fjord coastline with unique architectural installations. Viewed at a distance, the program seems to have had a profound effect on the culture of design in Norway, which is known for its remote, nature-based architecture.
Jordan will travel to Norway to study the Norwegian Scenic Routes, seeking to understand the origins and effects of the program. He will meet with architects, government officials and locals to understand the program from multiple perspectives. Traveling by campervan, he will visit the sites and document his experiences along the way. He will then travel to Scotland to study the Scottish Scenic Routes, a similar program based on the Norwegian model.
The Nasjonale turistveger (Norwegian Scenic Routes): A selection of projects from the Norwegian Scenic Routes including two by Peter Zumthor.
Initial conversations with government stakeholders have been well received. A network of rest stops and viewpoints aligns well with key frameworks from the Government Architect, Transport for NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service and funding pathways at a state and federal level.
Aligning with key government frameworks: Key frameworks from the Government Architect of NSW (GANSW), Transport for NSW (TfNSW), Destination NSW and the NSW Government.
Jordan has a deep appreciation for activities that connect people with nature and local stories. Since starting a family, the potential for high quality amenities to improve the nature of travel in his home state has become even more apparent.
In his associate role at Andrew Burns Architecture, Jordan has led several high-profile regional tourism projects including the Light to Light Walk, the first hut-to-hut walking facility for NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Alongside his architecture practice, Jordan holds a regular guest spot on ABC radio (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) radio and has written for the ABC on a range of issues related to small public architecture.
Experience on regional tourism projects: Images of the Light to Light Walk accommodation for NPWS. Images by OZU Estudio.
Jordan welcomes the opportunity to include multiple voices in his research. If you would like to get in touch, you can contact Jordan here: