Recontextualizing a 'Sense of Place': Georges Island as Palimpsest.

Abstract

Built Heritage sites, through their presence, location, and commemoration provide evidence and contextual understanding of a place’s past. Creating urban landscapes that are rich and accumulated with remnants that provide a foundation to a ‘Sense of Place’ and form a tether between community and place. However, many Built Heritage sites traditionally focus on a singular or one-dimensional aspect of their past, rather than expressing their often multi- temporal history. Within recent decades, politics and policies regarding Heritage sites have presented a more inclusive approach to their conservation and reuse. This thesis proposes a method to expose these multiple layers within Georges Island. Countering the singular objective and restorative approach; the isle is treated as a palimpsest, allowing for the recontextualization and re-activation of its temporal layers. Establishing a renewed connection with the community, through flexible programming, to facilitate a diverse ‘sense of place’ within its present and future urban setting.