Sippy Downs Entrance Statement

Background

Sippy Downs is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast’s knowledge precinct, featuring a rapidly growing urban population, newly introduced high density living, and the major campus of the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Early in 2019 an experimental co-lab was set up by the Sunshine Coast Council in conjunction with a cross disciplinary team of students from the University of the Sunshine Coast. You can read more about that co-lab here. Ideas were generated during this process for an entry statement that would sit at a major intersection where upgrades were being undertaken. 

Following the development of these ideas, POMO was engaged to take the basic ideas further and into a finalised set of designs. Working closely with the Sunshine Coast Council and lighting designer-collaborator Rick Morrison owner of Light In Design, the team set about developing a bold and compelling statement for Sippy Downs that was founded on the unique qualities of the place.

In 2022, the project won the AILA QLD Landscape Architecture Award for Infrastructure.

Design Process & Insights

A collaborative approach was used which involved POMO as lead design consultants, working closely with the Sunshine Coast Council and lighting designers Light In Design.

The name ‘Sippy’ is derived from the Aboriginal word Dhippi or Jippi, a generic name for ‘winged creatures’ and believed to be ‘a place of birds (Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government). The wetlands in the area are well known for supporting a range of wildlife.

This founding principle informed the development of the design, drawing on the Goshawk as a bird which is found locally, but also a bird who has species which are now long since gone from the area - such as the Red Goshawk.

The design for the structure emerged from early prototyping in the studio using model making and sketching. It was informed by the idea of bird wings, turning and rising, symmetrical - but not completely symmetrical - replicating nature’s imperfections.
Lighting was a key focus of the design, and we were able to incorporate a lighting design through which features programmable colour changing lights purpose designed for each fin so as to not overpower the structure or the surrounding area. 

Timber, locally and lovingly shaped by hand, fixed to each element in the wings softens the structure and brings through a reference to a secondary band of natural colour or feathers. 

The seat design was developed from the mathematical coordinates taken from the outstretched wings of a Goshawk bird in flight. With subtle lighting from underneath, the seat can appear to float at night.

The botanical signs have drawings which were hand sketched by a local artist, and speak of local flora found in the area.

The garbage bins feature stories of local students and their journey through or early experiences of education - Sippy Downs being the gateway to the Sunshine Coast knowledge precinct, various schools and the university campus.

Local history was brought to life through a sign which tells the story of Sippy Downs from indigenous inhabitation to present day.

A complete place-anchored project, developed through a collaborative process which combines artistic design with purposeful outcomes and speaks to the creative spirit and unique natural environment of the Sunshine Coast. A bold and ambitious design, totally unique, which challenges expectations, pushes the boundaries of materials, surprises, and delivers on the objective to create a real statement for a rapidly changing part of the Sunshine Coast.

Sustainability Outcomes

Environmentally Sustainable Outcomes

• Inspired by Local Nature: The entire design is founded on the natural environment of the area. The name ‘Sippy’ is derived from the Aboriginal word for ‘winged creatures,’ and the design reflects this theme.
• Celebration of Local Wildlife: The main wing-like sculptures are inspired by the Goshawk, a bird found locally, with the design intentionally “replicating nature’s imperfections.”
• Use of Natural and Local Materials:The structure incorporates timber that was locally sourced and shaped by hand, softening the structure and referencing natural elements.
• Focus on Local Flora: The project includes botanical signs with hand-sketched drawings by a local artist that showcase the local flora of the Sippy Downs area.
• Considered Lighting Design: The lighting was specifically designed to be subtle and not overpower the structure or the surrounding natural area at night.

Socially Sustainable Outcomes

• Strengthening Local Identity: The project creates a bold and unique gateway that defines the identity of Sippy Downs as the Sunshine Coast’s “knowledge precinct,” home to the University of the Sunshine Coast.
• Community Collaboration and Education: The design was the result of a “co-lab” between the Sunshine Coast Council and University of the Sunshine Coast students. This process provided students with valuable practical experience and professional skills while allowing them to contribute to their community.
• Storytelling and Placemaking: The installation tells the story of the area through various elements:
  • Custom garbage bins feature stories from local students about their educational experiences.
  • A historical sign details the history of Sippy Downs from its Indigenous inhabitation to the present day.
• Award-Winning Design: The project’s success in creating a meaningful place was recognized when it won the AILA QLD Landscape Architecture Award for Infrastructure in 2022.
• Artistic and Creative Expression: Described as a “complete place-anchored project,” it combines artistic design with purposeful outcomes that speak to the creative spirit of the Sunshine Coast.