Detailed Report: Light Square Development and Construction

This report provides a detailed analysis of Light Square in Adelaide, examining its development and construction. It begins with an overview of the square's location and historical context, including its design by Colonel William Light and subsequent renovations. The report delves into the neighborhood surrounding Light Square, highlighting its working-class residential character and the presence of various modern buildings. It then explores the infrastructure and services available within the square, such as footpaths, electricity, and public seating. Architectural elements, including the monument and neighboring buildings, are discussed, along with the landscaping and vegetation present. The report also considers the strengths and weaknesses of Light Square, concluding with a summary of its key features and significance.

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DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION
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Location
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Location
Situated in Adelaide on the Tandayanga which is also referred as place of Red Kangaroo
Dreaming, Light Square was among the Squares designed by Colonel William Light. The
square was originally intended for recreation purposed to serve the surrounding city;
however, it developed a reputation for drinking, violence and prostitution (Tan and Lenhard,
2016). The light square site, which is also known as Wauwi is among the five public squares
in the Adelaide City Centre. The square is located in the centre of the north-western quarter
of the Adelaide City Centre. Its Southern Boundary is Waymounth Street, while the Currie
Street crosses its northern tip, hence separating almost a quarter of its land. The Morphett
Street runs through the centre in a north-south direction.
Fig 1: Showing views from Light Square

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Fig 2: Image showing site location plan of Light Square
Fig 2: Showing site plan

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History and context
The Light Square was included by Colonel Light on his 1836 Survey which was referred to as
“Plan of Adelaide”. The square was named Light Square on 23 may 1837 by the street
naming Committee. The park was named after Colonel Light. After the death of Colonel
Light on 6th October 1839, a monument and a grave were added to the central point of the
square. In 1843 James Hurtle Fisher laid the first foundation stone.
In 1908 Tram tracks were laid and Currie Street was extended in 1910 making it to cut
through the square. In 1920, a redesign of the square was effected which saw the removal of
the iron fence, extensive removal of trees, additional of new kerbing. All the designers who
were involved in coming up with the new design maintained the Gardenesque approach
of planting trees , hence retaining many vegetation species which included; olive trees,
Pepper trees, river sheoak trees and Moreton Bay figs. Landscape renovations were carried
out in the 1980s, which included the replacement of all old trees and redesigning the
pathways. Sculptures and other statues were placed in the square during this time. The figure
below shows the Light Square in 1911.
Fig: Light Square in 1911

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Neighbourhood
Light Square is located in West Adelaide where majority of the resident are working class,
the square is located in an area with affordable housing, factories, workshops and warehouses
(Pereira et al 2012). Initially the neighbourhood was largely a residential area, which was
made up of temporarily houses which were constructed doe to the increased demand from
the new arrivals. With the increased demand for residential houses, land was subdivided
further, hence becoming much smaller and more affordable. Currently, Light Square is
surrounded by many modern buildings which serves different purposes. Some of the
buildings include; Electoral Commission of Southern Australia, Common ground Adelaide
Limited, Iron Industry, Gym and the UniSA College.

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Infrastructure and services
There are many infrastructures and services within the Light Square and they include the
footpaths which facilitates easy circulation within the site. Electricity, fibre optics, sewage
lines, street lights, outdoor sitting spaces, garbage bins, water features.

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Fig: Street lights
Fig: Cabro paved footpaths

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Fig: Public sitting space and Garbage collection Bins
Architecture
There are many different architectural elements within Light Square. Ranging from the
Monument and scriptures to the complex architectural structures. All these architectural
elements are constructed using different construction materials. Majority of the neighbouring
building s are constructed of Masonry and concrete (Wyld, 2016). Also, in some
neighbouring building there are buildings with glass cladding. The monument which is
centrally placed in the site is constructed of concrete and reinforcement steel while the
scriptures are made of steel.

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Fig: Concrete monument.
Landscaping and vegetation
There are many vegetation species in Light Square, ranging from the small vegetation such as
grass to large trees such as olive trees. Different landscaping principles were observed during
the landscaping of the square, which ensured that there is law and order (Chase et al 2014).
Different landscaping elements have been used in landscaping such as; different types of
trees, monument, scriptures, outdoor chairs, water features, street lights. A water feature has
been incorporated with the main monument, while other features have been distributed within
the site (York et al 2011). The image below shows a view of Light Square showing different
landscaping and vegetation.

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Fig: different vegetation and landscaping elements.
Consideration
Strengths
Light Square is well connected to the essential services and infrastructures such as electricity,
water, sewage lines, fibre optics and a well-developed road network makes it ideal for fast
development of any nature (Ouyang et al 2011).
Its location in the central Business District within Adelaide makes it closure to basic facilities
such as commercial centres, health facilities, Education facilities among others. This will
greatly improve its growth.
Weakness
Even though there are many strengths in the development of Light Square, there are
weakness such; Light Square is a conservative area, which cannot be used for other
development purposes.

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Conclusion
In conclusion, the light square site, which is also known as Wauwi is among the five public
squares in the Adelaide City Centre. The square is located in the centre of the north-western
quarter of the Adelaide City Centre. Initially the neighbourhood was largely a residential
area, which was made up of temporarily houses which were constructed doe to the
increased demand from the new arrivals. With the increased demand for residential houses,
land was subdivided further, hence becoming much smaller and more affordable.