Hidden Rippon Lea: a sonic and AR experience of undergound water stories

The watery landscapes which once characterised the south-eastern short of Port Phillip bay (Boon Wurrung Country), were gradually filled, piped underground, drained or built over through a process of Colonial urbanisation. But water must always flow and ecologies find away to survive, even underground. Hidden Rippon Lea is sound and AR experience at Rippon Lea Estate in Elstenwick which explores the hidden and underground water narratives which underpin this well-known colonial site. Weaving together the voice of Boon Wurrung elder N'arweet Carolyn Briggs, recordings of pre-colonial watercourses running under Glen Eira Road and AR imagery of the intricate 19th century water reticulation system at Rippon Lea, this interactive experience, delivered through mobile device, demonstrates the complex and vulnerable hybrid natural/artificial water ecologies under our cities. The app explores the way sustainable water management at Rippon Lea has supported the site to become a haven of biodiversity including for the migratory shortfin eel as well as endangered migratory birds. Join us for a panel discussion with representatives of National Trust of Australia, Melbourne Water and Boon Wurrung Land and Sea Council as well as geographers, planners and designers to discuss how we can reposition sites like Rippon Lea as part of Country and consider the role they can play supporting ecologies in the urban environment. This will be followed by a guided tour of the Estate and it's hidden water through the Hidden Rippon Lea experience.

Host or Publisher Presented by Monash University Urban Lab’s Atlas of the Underground project.