Federation Square

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Since opening in 2002, Federation Square has welcomed approximately 10 million visitors each year and is home to several of Melbourne’s cultural institutions including Flinders St Amphitheatre, Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.

In April earlier this year, the Victorian Government announced that they would be exploring ways to future-proof the precinct. The review aims to reconsider accessibility of Federation Square, creation of more public and commercial spaces, inspire public gathering and to deliver better access to the Yarra River, transport links, as well as sports and cultural precincts.

The year-long review process has recently reached Stage 1, which has now opened up the project for discussion with 'community consultation'. The feedback phase will run for two months before ideas are pitched to stakeholders.

To date, some of the requests include the following:

<ul>
<li>Urban organic vertical garden</li>
	<li>A large and welcoming public library</li>
	<li>More green spaces</li>
	<li>Move the carpark</li>
	<li>Create seating for people to relax near the river</li>
	<li>More shade</li>
	<li>Creation of a culture and history museum</li>
	<li>Ice skating rink</li>
	<li>Replace paving with lawn</li>
	<li>Fountain or sculpture</li>
	<li>Plant more trees</li>
	<li>Improve the overall connection between zones of the precinct</li>
	<li>Multi-generational friendly spaces</li>
	<li>Install drinking fountains</li>
	<li>Retractable dome roof so the plaza can be used year-round</li>
	<li>Solar implementation</li>
</ul>
While <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/federation-square-review">many also commented</a> that they would like Federation Square to be left as-is.

<blockquote>
“Just let it be. It doesn’t have to be an activity destination. Allow it to keep evolving organically as an integral fabric of our city.”
</blockquote>

Others also placed emphasis on cultural, arts, literary and entertainment offerings.

<blockquote>
“Make it primarily a meeting place. Events-driven. Rotate new pop up restaurants every season to showcase Melb gastronomy (keeps it fresh).”
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
“Draw on the local Indigenous culture. Showcase different aspects of Melbourne. Make it a fun and interesting place that isn’t just concrete”
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
A weekly farmers market on a weekday. Compare it to somewhere like Union Square in New York. Better quality food on offer.”
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
“A new public library with the capacity to provide visitor services. It will drive visitation, increase activation and support community life”
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
“A museum of Australian Architecture or an international tramways museum”
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
“Free water fountains for summer to help reduce waste. More shade. More focus on Australian artists.”
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
“Make it the cultural hub Melbourne is missing! There is Acmi and Ian Potter already. Build on this for a place for exhibits, concerts, talks”
</blockquote>

Share your thoughts on the Federation Square Review in the comments below.

Commentary sourced from <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/federation-square-review">Federation Square Review</a>. Lead image credit: Urban Developer.
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Olivia Round

The Victorian Government invite the public to share ideas for Federation Square Review

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Fed Square has today released images of a "refined" design for the Apple Global Flagship Store set to be located within the Square, on the site of the current Yarra Building.

The new design is the result of a series of design workshops involving Fed Square Management, the Victorian Government, Melbourne City Council and Apple.

As part of the development, the Apple will provide more than 500 sqm of new public space, outdoor shading, improved connections between the Square and the Yarra River, and will allow for the delivery of more cultural events in addition to boosting visitor numbers - estimated to be an additional two million additional people to Federation Square every year.

According to Fed Square management, the refined design complements Fed Square’s existing buildings and will include a roof design which not only harnesses solar power but also provides solar shading which will enhance the energy efficiency of the building.

'Today at Apple' will be a daily program of free events, using local creative talent to run educational workshops and experiences showcasing local tech, design, art and education communities. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/2457_melbourne_dc33_pedestrianwalk_d-1-1264x380.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Apple's refined design for its Flagship Store. Image: Federation Square"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="174" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2457_melbourne_dc33_pedestrianwalk_d-1-1264x380.jpg?itok=o9XWtzXm" title="Apple's refined design for its Flagship Store. Image: Federation Square" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Apple's refined design for its Flagship Store. Image: Federation Square</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
(An Apple Global Flagship Store) is consistent with Federations Square’s Civic and Cultural Charter, which recognises Melbourne’s pre-eminence as a centre for creativity and innovation.

- Jonathan Tribe, CEO of Federation Square
</blockquote>

Other projects currently underway or set to commence within Fed Square include a new Digital Facade on the Transport Building and the new station entry for Town Hall Station, which replaces the current Visitor Info Centre on the north-west corner. 

<h2>Comment</h2>

Since the project was first mooted healthy public debate has raged regarding the appropriateness of a private entity such as Apple occupying what is essentially public space, albeit a portion of public space which is largely internalised and currently accommodated within the Yarra Building. 

From a business case point of view, the economics of Apple setting up in Fed Square are best left for someone more knowledgeable than I but I imagine the footfall from Flinders Street Station, the tram stop along Swanston Street and in 7 years time from Town Hall Station, and the prominence of the building's location and visibility both from within the Square itself and from the river were attractive propositions.

As for the design itself, the first iteration released to the public which was dubbed 'the pagoda' due to its roof line.  It provided no real dialogue between the architecture of the existing buildings and appeared as if an alien space ship had landed in the square. 

The latest incarnation takes a more restrained approach with both Prof. Don Bates (LAB Architecture) and the Office of the Victorian Government Architect's (OVGA) Jill Garner having worked to help refine the design. An Apple Flagship store draws attention to itself for the simple fact that it's an Apple store, no ornament or dramatic architecture is required. 

For mine, what is most significant is the improved connections the design and siting provide between the Square and the Yarra.  In addition to the increase in the amount of public open space due to the smaller building footprint - which represents a public benefit - it is not only adding additional open space to the square but also a different type with sloping green verges and additional trees. 

I think the provision of additional open space far outweighs the fact that Apple is building a store within the Square which is a public space. It is replacing an existing building which was added late in the design process of Fed Square and not part of the original plans, and within a much more compact footprint.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/fed_square_projects.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Current projects within Fed Square."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="209" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/fed_square_projects.jpg?itok=L7r0X-qD" title="Current projects within Fed Square." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Current projects within Fed Square.</figcaption></figure>It's worth considering Fed Square was always going to evolve. Prof. Bates himself has previously recognised the Square's design has a number of shortcomings which couldn't be addressed within the budget and scope at the time it was designed. I'm however, of the opinion that prior to any significant works being undertaken within the Square, be they cosmetic, a Metro Station or an Apple Store, they should be guided by a set of principles set out in a considered and cohesive Master Plan for the Square which includes appropriate choices of materials, key vistas, desire lines etc.

Finally, the process needs to be transparent, so that due process is followed through the town planning process in the same way any other private entity would be required and allowing for the general public to have their say, whether in support or in objection.

- Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S8
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Laurence Dragomir

Apple's "Refined" design for Fed Square unveiled

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Several leasing opportunities in Melbourne’s Federation Square are on the market.
The tenancies range from 48 to 276 square metres, with including internal and external spaces, some of which have views of the Yarra River.
Prices for the tenancies start at $26,500 per annum.
According to leasing agent, Teska Carson’s Richard Munday, the tenancies on Federation Square are tightly held, such as Kirra Gallery’s 15 year current lease. 
Two spaces, Tenancies 27 (183 square metres) and 28 (276 square metres), are only available on 18 month leases.
"In terms of inquiry we have had so far with 50 calls on the first day of advertising," Munday said.
Federation Square hosts 10 million visitors more than 2000 events annually, including New Year’s Eve celebrations, Melbourne Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

"Very rare" Federation Square leasing opportunities on the market

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An Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign to develop Federation Square East is almost upon us, with a release on Monday 15 September 2014 slated. The 3.3 hectare site represents one of Melbourne's most crucial and intriguing development opportunities, with design and public realm parameters allowing for and seeking design excellence.

The development will effectively serve to develop the glaring hole in Melbourne riverfront vista, whilst also acting as a nexus between multiple city precincts.

Public opinion will vary wildly as to what should be delivered onsite, but the EOI document excerpts below go some way to providing guidance as to what the chosen scheme will entail.

<h2>Building design</h2>

<blockquote>
The preferred design outcome is to provide for a generally lower rise development commensurate with the human scale of Federation Square, with the inclusion of discrete, well-designed buildings of greater height in the appropriate locations.

The built form Design Guidelines require:

<ul>
<li>Consistency with the urban scale of Federation Square</li>
	<li>Some variety in height</li>
	<li>Active frontages</li>
	<li>Inviting, public interface to Birrarung Marr negotiating level differences</li>
	<li>Limited number of high buildings of exceptional design quality</li>
	<li>Greater height to be located to the north-east of the site</li>
	<li>Limited overshadowing</li>
	<li>Compliant with air space protection requirements</li>
</ul>
<cite><a href="http://www.majorprojects.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/8578-MPV-Federation-Square-East-A4-8pp-Developers-Brochure-WEB-V2.pdf">Federation Square East EOI overview document</a></cite>
</blockquote>

On the face of it there seems to be much leeway in terms of tower height, should the respective entrant include the typology. "Some variety in height" is usurped by the need to be "Compliant with air space protection requirements" which Nicholas Harrison <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/flight-paths-and-tall-buildings-in-melbourne-explained">aptly explained</a>. In effect the door is open to deliver a scheme with a tower in the proximity of 300 metres should the applicant so desire.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image36fse.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Is there a better landmark Melbourne development opportunity? Image courtesy Major Projects Victoria"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="211" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image36fse.jpg?itok=At2OzD1v" title="Is there a better landmark Melbourne development opportunity? Image courtesy Major Projects Victoria" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Is there a better landmark Melbourne development opportunity? Image courtesy Major Projects Victoria</figcaption></figure><h2>Public realm</h2>

<blockquote>
Any development of the site is to contribute a significant improvement to the existing public realm by providing connections with adjoining areas, taking advantage of the site’s locale at a junction of the city, parklands, river, sporting and cultural precincts.

The nature and quality of the spaces on the site need to be carefully designed to offer diversity of uses and work as civic spaces and places in their own right. Generally the civic spaces should be intimate rather than catering for large gatherings, which are already served well by Federation Square.

The mixed-use project involving commercial, retail, residential and cultural uses will create:

<ul>
<li>Multiple north-south connections which are not regimented</li>
	<li>East-west connection from Federation Square</li>
	<li>Open to the sky and sun</li>
	<li>Views of the river and to the north</li>
	<li>Varied, highly considered open spaces of appropriate dimension</li>
	<li>Visual links within and through the site</li>
	<li>Protection of Russell Street and Exhibition Street view corridors</li>
</ul>
<cite><a href="http://www.majorprojects.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/8578-MPV-Federation-Square-East-A4-8pp-Developers-Brochure-WEB-V2.pdf">Federation Square East EOI overview document</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Comment</h2>

On the face of it Major Projects Victoria look to want another Federation Square-style development with connectivity to Birrarung Marr and the Hoddle Grid. They also seem cognizant that by handing the project over to private interests, a reasonable return on investment from the developer is expected over and above the cost of delivering the deck structure. Hence the ajar door for increased height.

There's a certain intangible to the design brief (height being the most obvious) which should allow for some hugely varied designs from a raft of local and international consortia. Interesting times ahead!

See the <a href="http://www.majorprojects.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/8578-MPV-Federation-Square-East-A4-8pp-Developers-Brochure-WEB-V2.pdf">EOI overview document</a> for further details.
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silvermb

Design requirements that will define Federation Square East

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What happened to Federation Square East (FSE)? Did it slide into the murky depths of the Yarra?

Last year the project had progressed to a point where EVOLVE Development founder Ron Walker was splashed across the media, drumming up support for $680 million bid to expand the precinct. Urban.com.au also knew of one of Australia's largest developers who had also prepared a submission with the intention of snaring the site for a landmark development.

Alas like Flinders Street Station's overhaul and the Jolimont Railyards decking project, Federation Square East has fallen off the radar. Major Projects Victoria website states "The feedback received from the market has been provided in an Options Analysis which is being considered by Government." Options Analysis, is that code for no time soon?

Prior to offering forward five existing designs that I feel if transplanted in Federation Square East would suit it perfectly, I'll assert that Federation Square East should be devoid of any tall (beyond 15 level) buildings. The delineation that Flinders Street provides should not be broken by excessive towers which for mine would detract from the built form balance that should only be enhanced by Federation Square East.

<h2>The chosen five</h2>

<h3>Jean Nouvel: Philharmonie de Paris</h3>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image3fse.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jean Nouvel's Philharmonie de Paris. Image courtesy Dezeen Magazine"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="200" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3fse.jpg?itok=x74UugfZ" title="Jean Nouvel's Philharmonie de Paris. Image courtesy Dezeen Magazine" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jean Nouvel's Philharmonie de Paris. Image courtesy Dezeen Magazine</figcaption></figure>Modern and uniform in appearance, Jean Nouvel's <a href="http://www.dezeen.com/2013/01/03/jean-nouvel-philharmonie-de-paris-spared-the-axe/">Paris Concert Hall</a> provides a stark contrast to the surrounding built form of Flinders Street and Federation Square itself. In situ at FSE and surrounded by greenery or other ancillary buildings, it would look incredible.

<h3>Asymptote: Kaohsiung Marine Gateway</h3>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image9fse.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A light and modern solution. Image © Asymptote"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="528" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image9fse.jpg?itok=tqkO-Exm" title="A light and modern solution. Image © Asymptote" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A light and modern solution. Image © Asymptote</figcaption></figure>Yes it's a harbour terminal but the notion remains the same. Asymptote's design transplanted at FSE would see a flowing, modern superstructure with multiple venues located under the one roof. Partly elevated, the complex would see greenery below the elevated elements while still providing an overall modern juxtaposition to its immediate surrounds.

<h3>Sériès et Sériès: Taichung City Cultural Center</h3>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image11fse.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Taichung City Cultural Center. Images courtesy Evolo"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image11fse.jpg?itok=XnChcqM6" title="Taichung City Cultural Center. Images courtesy Evolo" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Taichung City Cultural Center. Images courtesy Evolo</figcaption></figure>Bulky and economically unviable? Probably, but it is a statement! There's something enticing about having Birrarung Marr continue seamlessly into a new FSE

<blockquote>
The success of the cultural center lies in the ability of the built environment to actually inspire the residents to look beyond the common and expected, materialistic and the easily consumed, in favor of the stimulating and daring. The the Taichung Fine Arts Museum and Library is designed to become a sustainable landmark.
<cite>Evolo</cite>
</blockquote>

<h3>Striking a mix</h3>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image12fse.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New Ordos Museum, Kaohsiung Port Terminal &amp; New Dalian Planning Museum . Images courtesy Evolo"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="296" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12fse.jpg?itok=lO1SC5BL" title="New Ordos Museum, Kaohsiung Port Terminal &amp; New Dalian Planning Museum . Images courtesy Evolo" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New Ordos Museum, Kaohsiung Port Terminal &amp; New Dalian Planning Museum . Images courtesy Evolo</figcaption></figure>Multiple architects contributing their individual design to FSE similar in scope and scale to what Zaha Hadid, RTA-Office and 10 Design have conceived above. Ideally FSE would not be seeded to a developer and likely single architect, rather transferred to a body such as Places Victoria (if they were in any way capable), who would in turn gather the best design put forward.

There's something captivating about having the best of the best selected designs side by side in such a prominent position... ahh wait reality is calling.

<h3>Peddle Thorp: Biocity</h3>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image10fse.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Biocity. Image © Peddle Thorp"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="295" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10fse.jpg?itok=ISfizhcp" title="Biocity. Image © Peddle Thorp" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Biocity. Image © Peddle Thorp</figcaption></figure>OK so it's a little old and completely out there but Melbourne-based Peddle Thorp ticked all the boxes with this 2008 concept for FSE.

<blockquote>
The Cycle of Life, closely linked to our most precious resource, formalises this urban extension above a city railyard. Composed of five blocks interconnected by a rainforest atrium, pedestrians are free to wander the whole of the ground level through public spaces designed as a plateau, canyon or valley.
<cite><a href="http://www.australiandesignreview.com/designwall/424-biospace">Australian Design Review</a></cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Why highlight Federation Square East</h2>

I've chosen buildings that convey a grand, almost homogenous exterior that clash nicely with the varied built form surrounding FSE. This is similar to what Herzog And De Meuron's <a href="http://www.evolo.us/architecture/highly-contextual-proposal-for-flinders-street-station-rejuvenation-herzog-and-de-meuron/">Flinders Street Station design</a> would have achieved with its singular roof structure.

Federation Square East is an incredibly rare opportunity to deliver a truly recognisable structure (avoiding the term landmark) rather than merely another skyscraper or the like. An opportunity to deliver something out of the box, or is that out of the rail yards? Just make it soon...
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Five designs to make Fed Square East proud

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By <a href="http://theconversation.com/profiles/scott-mcquire-125252">Scott McQuire</a>, University of Melbourne.

If you’re in Melbourne or Sydney over the next couple of weeks, you can enjoy the nightly transformation of some familiar urban landmarks. How should we understand this growing global enthusiasm for spectacular urban illumination?

Tonight in Sydney, the Opera House will again become an urban canvas for <a href="http://www.vividsydney.com/events/lighting-of-the-sails/">Lighting The Sails</a>, now an established part of the annual <a href="http://www.vividsydney.com/">Vivid</a> festival (May 23-June 1). Instead of reflecting the harbour’s ambient light, the sails will be shrink-wrapped with a large-scale video projection created by <a href="http://59productions.co.uk/">59 Productions</a>, the team responsible for the video design of the London 2012 Olympic <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4As0e4de-rI">Opening Ceremony</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/photo-11_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Flinders Street Station at White Night Melbourne 2014 - image © Michael Smith"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="368" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/photo-11_2.jpg?itok=w467FTrx" title="Flinders Street Station at White Night Melbourne 2014 - image © Michael Smith" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>White Night Melbourne, February 2014.Michael Smith</figcaption></figure>In Melbourne in June, a new interactive light-based installation <a href="http://www.fedsquare.com/events/radiant-lines-by-asif-khan/">Radiant Lines</a> by renowned London-based light artist <a href="http://www.asif-khan.com/">Asif Khan</a> will open in Federation Square as part of its long-running <a href="http://www.fedsquare.com/events/the-light-in-winter/program/">Light in Winter</a> festival.

Radiant Lines is a sculpture comprising 40 rings of raw aluminium suspended in space and illuminated by hundreds of LED lights pulsing in a rhythm that mimics bioluminescence. As visitors approach, they are able to trigger new patterns that immerse them.

Urban illumination projects of this kind are increasingly popular, not only for festivals such as Vivid, Light in Winter, <a href="http://enlightencanberra.com.au/">Enlighten</a> in Canberra and various “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Night_festivals">White Nights</a>” around the world, but for all kinds of transformations of urban space — both temporary and permanent.

New forms of public and commercial lighting, large-scale projection, urban screens and media facades have profoundly transformed the look and ambiance of cities around the world. In Hong Kong, the city’s skyscrapers even perform <a href="http://www.tourism.gov.hk/symphony/english/details/details">a nightly choreography of light</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hk_light_show_anita_ritenour_flickr_cc_by_sa_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hong Kong Light Show, image source Flickr."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="381" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hk_light_show_anita_ritenour_flickr_cc_by_sa_20.jpg?itok=fRu24hLb" title="Hong Kong Light Show, image source Flickr." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong. Flickr, Anita Ritenour</figcaption></figure><h2>A short history of lighting cities</h2>

While much urban lighting has a functional dimension, there is a long history of lighting cities for spectacle and pleasure. Gas-lit Paris was proclaimed the world’s first “city of light” in the 1820s. From the 1870s, World’s Fairs regularly showcased new developments in electric lighting, paving the way for the twentieth century “electropolis”, as cities such as Chicago, Berlin and New York came to be defined by the intensity of their illumination.

The “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eHfWwSIjuI">bright lights, big city</a>” of which Jimmy Reed sang in the 1950s became a dominant image of the modern city, establishing a new rhetoric of urban space in which lighting for productivity and security was overtaken by lighting for spectacle, mood and advertising.

<figure><a class="colorbox" href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/49198/area14mp/4dvvfwyw-1400722612.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Source: Curtis Perry"><img alt="" src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/49198/width668/4dvvfwyw-1400722612.jpg"></a>

<figcaption>Curtis Perry</figcaption></figure>For a century, urban lighting depended on incandescent bulbs and various fluorescent tubes, such as the neon tube that became synonymous with advertising from the 1920s.

The current explosion of urban illumination projects has been sparked by a range of new technologies, including the maturation of digital projection systems, light-emitting diode (LED) video screens and LED lighting from the mid-90s.

The capacity to computer program LED lights down to the individual pixel means that lighting designers can create complex sequences and rhythms, such as the light narrative designed by Bruce Ramus, former lighting designer for rock luminaries U2, that plays on the LED skin wrapping Melbourne’s AAMI Park stadium.

Bringing computer-aided design together with high-precision large-scale digital projection has also created the distinctive new art form of projection mapping. Projection mapping enables real structures, such as the curvaceous Sydney Opera House, to be transformed into a screen on which images can play without distortion.

<figure><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="343" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/o5ZvCv7yUKk?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="100%"></iframe>

<figcaption>URBANSCREEN lighting the Sydney Opera House, 2012.</figcaption></figure>Precise integration of mutable light with material structures can result in astonishing contemporary retakes on the old son et lumière show, as solid buildings seem to come alive through virtuoso combinations of light and shadow. For Lighting the Sails in 2012, German company <a href="http://www.urbanscreen.com/">URBANSCREEN</a> took the sails metaphor of Utzon’s famous structure literally, using projection mapping to make them appear to undulate and ripple.

<h2>Public space debate</h2>

New lighting technologies inevitably raise new questions about access and control over public space. The complexity and cost of large-scale projection mapping means it requires the deep pockets of large festivals. But it is also becoming an increasingly common promotional tool for high profile commercial events.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/vivid_sydney_flickr_pavel_cc_by_sa_20.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sydney Opera House at Vivid Sydney 2011 - image source Flickr"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/vivid_sydney_flickr_pavel_cc_by_sa_20.jpg?itok=uCsLyaQi" title="Sydney Opera House at Vivid Sydney 2011 - image source Flickr" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sydney Opera house at Vivid Sydney 2011 <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.flickr.com/photos/blueriotriver/5794841347" target="_blank">Flickr, Pavel</a></figcaption></figure>Lighting the modern city has always had a strong commercial bias, and has been a key factor in tilting the contemporary city towards becoming a “brandscape”, a spectacle that is consumed rather than inhabited in other ways. However, new technologies can carry other possibilities for public communication.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6E8V_Re8UyU" width="100%"></iframe>

The Helix Tree installation (video above) that <a href="http://www.ramus.com.au/">Bruce Ramus</a> designed for Light in Winter in 2013 lit up in response to people singing. Light became a medium for congregation and collective public participation.

There are also myriad examples of “unauthorised” illumination projects around the world, variously termed digital graffiti, photon bombing and mobile guerrilla projection.

During the Occupy Wall Street phenomenon in 2011 artists projected “99%” and “Occupy Together” right across the front of buildings such as City Hall. And predating Lighting the Sails was the memorable guerrilla projection in 2006 of the “We are all boat people” logo on to the Opera House sails.

More than ever before, lighting has become integral to debate over public space.<img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/26449/count.gif" width="1">

Scott McQuire was part of an ARC linkage project, Large-screens and the transnational public sphere 2009-2013, in which Fed Square P/L was one of three industry partners.

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="http://theconversation.com/let-there-be-light-behind-the-trend-of-illuminating-cities-for-art-26449">original article</a>.
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theconversation

Let there be light: behind the trend of illuminating cities for art

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News has filtered through that <a href="http://www.unstudio.com/" target="_blank">UNStudio</a> have replaced Bjarke Ingles Group in partnering with Hassell to deliver a competitive scheme for the new 447 Collins Street, previously outlined in <a href="/development/2014/02/17/cbus-brings-in-the-big-guns-for-447-collins-street" target="_blank">Laurence's article</a>.

So accomplished are UNStudio that we thought it appropriate to highlight five of their designs that would fit into a given Melbourne streetscape seamlessly - or at least we wish they would.

<h2>695 Collins Street</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image10_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ever so slightly better. Image © UNStudio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="262" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image10_11.jpg?itok=4uJXbJ6l" title="Ever so slightly better. Image © UNStudio" width="580"></a>

My favoured <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/expert-insights/buying/batmans-hill-leaves-much-to-be-desired" target="_blank">punching bag</a> this week, Lend Lease have chosen a 'minimalistic look' for their dual commercial buildings that will plug the last remaining gap on Collins Street. If nothing else the above designs in <a href="http://www.unstudio.com/projects/columbia-business-school" target="_blank">New York</a> and <a href="http://www.unstudio.com/projects/galleria-cheonan" target="_blank">Cheonan</a>, Korea demonstrate that a delicate facade can do wonders, even on a simple rectangular floorplate.

<h2>101 Waterfront Way</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2684618480.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Better than the Melbourne Star? Image © UNStudio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2684618480.jpg?itok=yfqnIMYn" title="Better than the Melbourne Star? Image © UNStudio" width="580"></a>

Roll Melbourne Star into the Bay? The maligned development even though rebuilt still screams of simple 'Meccano' design - not much more than an enlarged Ferris wheel. There are some incredibly well designed observations wheels out there, perhaps no better than UNStudio's Japanese example, <a href="http://www.unstudio.com/projects/gow-nippon-moon" target="_blank">Gow Nippon Moon</a>.

Hybrid tension design and incredible looks; Melbourne Star pales in comparison.

<h2>Fed Square East</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2703986929.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A ready-made Fed Square East. Image © UNStudio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="345" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2703986929.jpg?itok=hVw7aW4u" title="A ready-made Fed Square East. Image © UNStudio" width="580"></a>

A slice of Guangzhou in Melbourne? The <a href="http://www.unstudio.com/projects/three-museums-one-square" target="_blank">Three Museums One Square</a> competition entry could be adapted for Fed Square East easily enough.

An open deck adorned with cocoon-like structures would contrast markedly with the bustling, varied designs of Melbourne's CBD and Federation Square itself. Heading toward the Yarra the design transitions into a latticework of greenery and bridges, melding seamlessly into Birrarung Marr.

<h2>Camberwell Station</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image12_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Camberwell station? Image © UNStudio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="240" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/Image12_11.jpg?itok=YQMTrqvb" title="Camberwell station? Image © UNStudio" width="580"></a>

An oldie but a goodie. Designed during 2007 as a competition entrant for <a href="http://www.unstudio.com/projects/masterplan-train-station" target="_blank">Bologna's Central Station</a> expansion, a scaled down version would generally comply with the the Camberwell Station development envelope. Originally destined to become <a href="http://www.arno.com.au/project_place_01" target="_blank">Place</a> by the Arno Group, the failed development still leaves a gaping hole in Burke Road's streetscape.

Could the likes of Geoffrey Rush and Barry Humpries be placated by a magnificent new Camberwell Station, offset by commercial or residential development above? Unfortunately, most likely not.

<h2>Anywhere you please</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/2736898423.jpg" rel="gallery-all" style="font-size: 12px;" title="DAM Workshop concept. Image © UNStudio"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="392" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/2736898423.jpg?itok=aUK-a0zt" title="DAM Workshop concept. Image © UNStudio" width="580"></a>

Whilst the CBD talls garner most attention, equally as important are Melbourne's suburban 5-8 level apartment blocks.

UNStudio have produced a concept of a redesigned existing Frankfurt multi-level car park into a "<a href="http://www.unstudio.com/research/iop/dam-workshop-reuse-reclaim-revitalize" target="_blank">series of modular plug in living units</a>." Adaptive re-use or new build, the design is intriguing, green, efficient, stylish, viable and any other descriptive word you care to think of. If designs such as the above became the norm around Melbourne, surely they would go some way to breaking down the 'NIMBY' negative connotations toward medium density suburban living.

<h2>The purpose of such an article</h2>

Multi-pronged of course! In highlighting some impressive UNStudio designs we also highlight some of Melbourne's shortcomings both in development (lack of in some cases) and design.

It is refreshing to see an international design competition held for one of Melbourne's premier development sites: 447 Colllins Street. They don't occur all that often for commercial developments, yet the calibre of UNStudio's architecture outlined above, coupled with the fellow local/international design competitors should ensure a landmark development for 447 Collins Street.
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