Soul Garden

Schematic Plan

Plan

The Charbagh design intends to implement
symmetry through the use of geometry. It is symbolic of heaven, and is meant to be a space that is peaceful and prompts self reflection. To implement the concept of the Charbagh, I mimicked the geometric design. Each elevated patch is representative of a river in heaven according to Islamic beliefs; Saihan, Jihan, Furat, and Nile. There are two distinctive features on the site. On the South of the design are two identical pond gardens. The ponds have planted species that favour wet soils and to complement the wet soil surrounding the pond. This side of the design is symbolic of the Furat and Nile rivers. On the North side of the site are the Saihan and Jihan gardens, which are intended to be a colourful garden to represent the universe and diversity. Each garden is elevated to create threshold on the site. This in return creates a sense of surprise, as the site is completely concealed by surrounding trees. The drawn plan shows the Saihan and Furat gardens, located in the West.

Elevations

Seating area

Stairs for

access

Pools

Wall elevated
600mm above ground level to transform
into a seating space

Elevation A:

The rivers are depicted on the site through the planting of fauna of different colours. Furthermore, the Dutch crocus is a species of flower found in many parts of Europe, particularly the Middle East. The addition of these flower to the site is to symbolise the diverse ethnic culture of Melbournians. The colours are also aimed to be attractive to the masked bees to encourage pollinating and to reinstill natural bee habitats.

Elevation B:

The Furat river of heaven is transcribed as sweet and fresh, and the Nile river is a reference of the river in Egypt. Ponds are added to this part of the site to articulate a peaceful and ‘sweet’ environment. Furthermore, the trees and shrubs planted around the pond favour wet soils and are intended to atrract species such as the Limnodynastes dumerilii (pobblebonk), dragonflies and other miniscule wetland creatures.