Junyi Li

Mildura means “red earth” in the local indigenous language. It is a flat dry land on the south bank of the Murray River. The region relies on regular river flow for irrigation water supply. However, the outdated irrigation canal network can no longer meet the increasing demand for irrigation. They are abounded and leave scars on the land.

The idea is to build up a barrier along the channel to stop the encroaching suburbia. In the meantime, try to protect the existing bushland and woodland from drought by collecting and supply water to the land. The structure is also a museum that exhibit the memory and the history of the water in the local area.

The form of the structure is inspired by the abandoned irrigation infrastructures. The roof provide shade to the visitors and vegetation. It diverts rainwater to a channel under it. Light weight partitions made of different materials keep out the suburbs. The floor made of local red gum wood is lifted from the ground to give plants space to grow. The structure is a continuous wall with changing height and transparency. A continuous bike lane gives visitors the opportunity to experience the local landscape.