Six Degrees

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Victorian Minister for Training and Skills, Gayle Tierney has announced the funding for a $60 million redevelopment of the Bendigo TAFE City Campus, with Architectus in collaboration with Six Degrees appointed to lead the redesign.

The funding is a major boost for Bendigo locals and the more than 400 students enrolled in Free TAFE courses in Bendigo, Castlemaine and Echuca.

Minister Tierney was joined by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards at the Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute, where more than 1000 students have enrolled across its Victorian campuses – a jump of 12 per cent compared to the same time last year.

Minister Tierney also announced more than $2.3 million through the Regional and Specialists Training Fund for Bendigo TAFE to deliver courses in welding, plumbing, horticulture and disability to meet the needs of the local community and industry.

The Andrews Government expects more enrolments at TAFEs across Victoria, as a result of the $172 million Free TAFE program that is making 30 priority TAFE courses and 20 pre-apprenticeship courses tuition fee free from this year.

Students can save up to $2,500 for some pre-apprenticeship courses and up to $5,000 for Certificate IV courses. For high cost courses such as a Diploma in Nursing or a Diploma in Building and Construction, students will save more than $10,000 through the Free TAFE initiative.

For Architectus, the news follows the recent appointment of new Principal, Alan J. Duffy. Alan who has joined the practice from Woods Bagot, where he developed substantial expertise working on notable Australian University projects including, the Western Sydney University Liverpool City Campus, the University of Sydney Business School and Macquarie University Student Experience (MUSE) project.

Duffy’s appointment follows 12-months of continued growth at Architectus with recent significant project wins including the Western Sydney Airport Business Park Master Plan and Melbourne Airport Rail Link. 

<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/bendigo_tafe_city_campus_building_j_churchst.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Sketch of Architectus and Six Degrees' concept for Bendigo TAFE. Image: Architectus"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="299" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bendigo_tafe_city_campus_building_j_churchst.png?itok=-1c1vUFQ" title="Sketch of Architectus and Six Degrees' concept for Bendigo TAFE. Image: Architectus" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sketch of Architectus and Six Degrees' concept for Bendigo TAFE. Image: Architectus</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
"Creating an invigorating education environment where students and staff can foster strong learning partnerships is the aim of the Architectus’ led revitalisation project for the City Campus of Bendigo TAFE.

Home to a multitude of student cohorts including Foundations Studies, Creative Industries, Business, Commerce and IT, a key aspect of the brief was to develop an integrated campus that meets all of the needs of these cohorts, including specific learning, access and spatial necessities.

With the refurbishment of three existing buildings - two of which being heritage listed - and the development of two new buildings, Architectus and architects in association Six Degrees, aim to deliver a collaborative environment that inspires new ways of learning and creating, while embracing the site’s historical context. The nature of the differing cohorts learning in an integrated campus encourages the students to find and develop their own individuality, promoting a feeling of support and belonging.

Woven into the historic fabric of Bendigo, the new City Campus will celebrate Bendigo TAFE’s heritage and legacy in contributing to the region, showcasing Bendigo TAFE as an industry focused, forward looking and inspiring place to learn and develop future skills."

-  Ruth Wilson, Architectus Director
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“We’re investing in first class training infrastructure for Bendigo TAFE while also taking the financial pressure off students to enrol.

Free TAFE will help Victorians get real jobs across a range of industries that are crying out for more skilled workers.”

- Gayle Tierney, Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“Our record funding for TAFE courses and upgrades is helping Bendigo locals get the skills they need to take up the jobs that are most available.” 

- Maree Edwards, Member for Bendigo West
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“Free TAFE is now filling Bendigo campus as students begin courses that lead directly to jobs all over the state.”

- Jacinta Allan Member for Bendigo East
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“Bendigo TAFE is delighted to offer free priority courses to support Victorians with getting the training they need for a great career while contributing to our state’s economy.”

- Trevor Schwenke, CEO of Bendigo TAFE
</blockquote>
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Laurence Dragomir

Architectus and Six Degrees appointed for $60 million redevelopment of Bendigo TAFE City Campus

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This morning, City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp joined PDG Corporation’s Managing Director, Vince Giuliano at the former Munro site located adjacent to the Queen Victoria Market, to announce that demolition works onsite have commenced in earnest.

With builder Hamilton Marino at the helm, the City of Melbourne is starting construction on significant new community facilities, interconnecting laneways and a hotel and residential development adjacent to the iconic Queen Victoria Market market. The historic Mercat Cross Hotel facade on the corner of Queen and Therry streets will be retained, restored and integrated into the new development.

<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/munro_site_demo.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Demolition progress onsite at the Munro site. Image: Urban forum member redden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/munro_site_demo.jpg?itok=9845an6g" title="Demolition progress onsite at the Munro site. Image: Urban forum member redden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Demolition progress onsite at the Munro site. Image: Urban forum member redden</figcaption></figure>The City of Melbourne entered into an agreement with developer PDG Corporation after Council acquired the site in 2014, to develop a 120-place childcare centre, 56 affordable housing units, a community centre and kitchen and 500 basement car parks for market customers with an end value of $70 million. This will assist in making the market more accessible for shoppers and freeing up the current surface car parking site for a new ‘Market Square’.

The community component of the project has been designed by Six Degrees Architects who say it has been designed as an exemplar council development, with high ESD values and an exceptional emphasis on consultation with users and stakeholders. 
PDG will develop the balance of the site with a 40-storey residential tower accommodating 360 units and an 80-room hotel. According to architects Bates Smart, the tower has been designed to "maximise direct solar access and to provide natural ventilation to all apartments, thereby creating a model for high quality inner-city living within Melbourne."

Bates Smart took inspiration for the building’s façade from the fine grain texture of the market’s historic sheds and stalls providing the development with an appropriately contextual response.

<blockquote>
QVM Residences has been designed to be one of Australia’s most sustainable mixed-use developments. It will include a boutique hotel, fine grain retail and a limited number of apartments for sale.

The development draws on values of sustainability, health and modern design with the market’s legacy and Melbourne’s laneway culture serving as major points of inspiration. The result is a singular lifestyle offered to future residents, who will enjoy an incredible selection of vegetables, produce, delicacies and bespoke offerings at their door.

- PDG Corporation
</blockquote>

<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/project-detail-gallery-qvm04.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Artist's impression of the Munro development. Image: PDG Corporation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="412" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/project-detail-gallery-qvm04.jpg?itok=xKprE1zf" title="Artist's impression of the Munro development. Image: PDG Corporation" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Artist's impression of the Munro development. Image: PDG Corporation</figcaption></figure>The City of Melbourne will decide on the course of action to take with regard to the $250 million redevelopment of the Queen Victoria Market, following a series of recommendations put forward in a report prepared by the 'People's Panel.' The 40-person People's Panel comprises market traders, customers and local residents selected during an independent selection process. 

The City of Melbourne's Future Committee at its 10 December 2018 meeting resolved to request that management progresses seven recommendations, analyses three recommendations and refers a further three to QVM Pty Ltd for consideration.

<blockquote>
A report will now be prepared for a Council meeting in the first quarter of 2019 including analysis of the provision of market infrastructure at G Shed, car parking for vans, buses and large vehicles as well as further investigation of the minority report. 

In addition to the 500 car parks in Munro, management will investigate an additional 500 car parks in the precinct with the current at grade car park to become an open space once transitional parking there is no longer required.  The report will also consider implications to the Implementation Framework and Business Case.

- City of Melbourne
</blockquote>

The People's Panel Report can be viewed <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/qvm-peoples-panel-report.pdf">here</a>.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
We’re expecting 24,000 new residents in this area by 2040 so it’s essential we provide more community facilities and pedestrian friendly spaces to meet the needs of the growing population as well as encouraging more people to come to the market precinct.

We’re delivering a new network of interconnecting laneways featuring retail stores, cafes and restaurants. The popular street art precinct in Blender Lane will remain and the new community facilities will better connect the market precinct to the city.

We purchased this site from the Munro family five years ago to protect the market from inappropriate development and prevent a supermarket or large chain stores being built in direct competition to fresh food offerings of the Queen Vic Market.

We’ve made sure the Mercat Cross Hotel is incorporated as a central feature within the community facilities and the iconic sign and balcony will be a tribute to the site’s history

- Lord Mayor Sally Capp, City of Melbourne
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
PDG is delighted to achieve a significant milestone on this highly anticipated and vital project. The end result will be an exemplary mixed-use development that provides tremendous benefits to the community.

In collaboration with the City of Melbourne, we are now able to continue advancing Melbourne’s premier mixed-use project – a development that will be leading-edge for sustainability and liveability next door to Victoria’s most beloved and visited icon, Queen Victoria Market.

- Vince Giuliano, PDG Corporation Managing Director
</blockquote>

 Lead image: Original image courtesy of PDG Corporation
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Demolition in full swing at City of Melbourne's 'Munro site'

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A new retail and dining precinct at Riverside Quay in Melbourne recently opened as part of Mirvac's revitalisation of the precinct, following the completion of 2 Riverside Quay.

The culinary precinct now comprises 10 new eateries located along the ground plane of Riverside Quay’s four commercial buildings. According to Mirvac, the existing Southbank Promenade restaurants together with the new retailers will create "an enhanced, vibrant food and beverage offering, emulating the ambience and buzz of Melbourne’s famous laneways."

Six Degrees Architects was engaged by Mirvac to assist in the revitalisation of Riverside Quay, with McGregor Coxall responsible for designing the public park, working in tandem with City of Melbourne. The project involved various stages of analysis and design including the production of a series of studies and feasibility reports along with a detailed set of design guidelines for future retail tenants.

Urban.com.au spoke with Mark Healy, Director at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/six-degrees-architects">Six Degrees</a> regarding the office's design strategy for revitalising the public realm.

<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/mirvac_riversidequay-857.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A revitalised Riverside Quay. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="169" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mirvac_riversidequay-857.jpg?itok=TOpYDq8D" title="A revitalised Riverside Quay. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A revitalised Riverside Quay. Image: Supplied</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: What was the brief from Mirvac for revitalising the precinct and how did you approach the site? Who were the intended users? Office workers? Residents?

Mark Healy: Six Degrees’ approach was to bring the ‘Melbourne laneway culture’ across the Yarra to Southbank. The spaces between the buildings of Riverside Quay were reimagined as laneways with small scale ‘fine grain’ tenancies activating the ground plane. Each of the new tenancies were designed with different personalities reflecting the evolution of Melbourne’s laneways. - to capture some of the character found along Melbourne laneways. The positioning of the new foyer entries in convenient  pedestrian locations also reinforced the activation of the laneways. Riverside Quay is a dynamic retail precinct that has become a destination in its own right. It not only caters for the local residents and office workers, but is now bringing people across the river. Mirvac were incredibly supportive of the design.

U: Could you describe the process and collaborating with the City of Melbourne on the new space?

MH: with a lot of our urban design work, the planners at City of Melbourne were very supportive of the strategy. This project is comprised of many small projects, or many small decisions, which gradually accumulate and create significant change. This is exactly what Rob Adams and his excellent team have been doing in the CBD for the past 30 years.

U: What were some of the challenges with the site, noting the new park sits to the south of the commercial buildings so solar access in winter is limited?

MH: The north-south orientation of the laneways gives direct sunlight during lunchtime hours in a similar way to Melbourne’s most famous lanes like Centreway and Degraves. The buildings to the south of the park are well placed to bounce light down to the public realm below. This is especially important during Melbourne’s cold and grey winter months when solar access to the ground is limited.

U: What were some of the opportunities the site presented?

MH: The larger space between buildings 1 &amp; 2 (1 Southbank Blvd &amp; 4 Riverside Quay) allowed for a small square or “piazza” to be created where we were able to place a mature tree and permanent shade structures as a focus to the tenancies that surround it.

U: It can be argued that Southbank is lacking in quality open space, although this is starting to be addressed. How does the public realm at Riverside Quay tie into the emerging public realm within Southbank? 

MH: We wanted to give the pedestrian experience of discovery that Melbourne laneways offer. The new park, designed by McGregor Coxall, is a very welcome addition to this area of Southbank.  
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Six Degree's Mark Healy talks Riverside Quay 

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The recently completed Clyde Mews is an environmentally focused community comprising six family-centric townhouses and two apartments. Designed by Six Degrees Architects for Excelon Group the project sets a new benchmark for inner city, medium density development. 

Located at 80 Clyde Street in Thornbury, the project is at the forefront of sustainable design and construction, with Excelon and its design team working alongside the independent Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL) to improve its sustainability credentials and minimize waste where possible.

<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/clydemews_ahutchison_stitched.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Clyde Mews employs recycled materials where possible. Images: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="429" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/clydemews_ahutchison_stitched.jpg?itok=XuKwbWlj" title="Clyde Mews employs recycled materials where possible. Images: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Clyde Mews employs recycled materials where possible. Images: Alice Hutchison</figcaption></figure>The development repurposes materials from the previous dwellings which occupied the site, complemented by recycled timber, and locally sourced recycled bricks which were carefully selected. Each residence is equipped with energy and water efficient V-ZUG or Miele appliances, and living areas carpeted with durable 100% New Zealand wool carpet from Cavalier Bremworth.

Designed to foster a car-free lifestyle, Clyde Mews is located in close proximity to public transport, walking and cycling tracks, and within walking distance to local eateries, cafes, and boutiques, as well as amenity such as hospitals, childcare, playgrounds, markets, and sporting facilities.

<blockquote>
The project is a development of two traditional Thornbury housing blocks into medium density housing, and provides an alternative model to the usual car centric development of this type.

Instead a model of medium density living is delivered that that prioritises the development of community, shared amenity, sustainability and landscape.

The dwellings have been designed to maximise the site's orientation to provide energy and water efficient residences that are sustainable, comfortable and affordable.

- Six Degrees
</blockquote>

<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/clydemews_ahutchison_-17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Clyde Mews' communal gardens. Image: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/clydemews_ahutchison_-17.jpg?itok=Kkper-AQ" title="Clyde Mews' communal gardens. Image: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Clyde Mews' communal gardens. Image: Alice Hutchison</figcaption></figure>The project is designed to allow residents to live easily without a car and each dwelling includes two wall mounted bike racks, however at least one on-site car space is offered per dwelling. Car spaces are situated around the perimeter of the project to maximize internal space within the site for pedestrian access and public and private open space positioned around a a central shared space. 

The communal garden has been designed to act as a shared backyard that contains seating and large planter boxes for communal gardening, including fresh fruit and vegetables for residents to enjoy. Extensive pergolas provide the framework for vines to form a lush canopy that will provide shade in summer, and will lose its leaves in winter allowing sun through to each residence.

Water efficiencies at Clyde Mews include a 30,000 litre underground water tank for toilet flushing and laundry. Other sustainable amenities include solar power, and passive heating and cooling systems have been incorporated throughout the design as well as the building oriented to maximize natural light with north-facing windows, and awnings in the living and dining areas to reduce heat gain from summer sun exposure.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
Excelon are excited to have completed Clyde Mews, a project with incredibly strong sustainability credentials. We are committed to the Melbourne market and look forward to working alongside our industry friends to create a strong portfolio of sustainable, community-driven projects.

-  Kelvin Taing, Excelon Group Managing Director
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
We were thrilled to be involved with Clyde Mews. The project was conceived and designed to encourage a sense of community, and offer a new model for sustainable medium density housing. It’s a project at the vanguard of modern sustainable living in Melbourne.

- James Legge, Six Degrees Director
</blockquote>
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Six Degrees and Excelon combine for Clyde Mews

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With residents moving into the recently completed <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/approval-granted-for-nightingale-village-in-brunswick">Nightingale</a> designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/breathe-architecture">Breathe Architecture</a> - who first championed the concept of ethical community-driven projects via the award-winning The Commons - and with Nightingale's 2, 3 &amp; Nightingale Brunswick East all hot on its heels, the attention now turns to Nightingale Village. 

Nightingale is based on the principles of the German baugruppen model which provides an alternative approach to how apartments are built and delivered in cities.  

Baugruppen which is German for “building group”, removes developers from the equation with a group of like-minded purchasers, instead coming together to collectively fund their own apartment projects, supported by architects.  

Without profit as the main driver, the focus instead shifts to delivering quality, sustainable, liveable and shared community facilities.

<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/breathe_nightingale_23232kr.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Residents have now moved into Nightingale. Image: Peter Clarke"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/breathe_nightingale_23232kr.jpg?itok=IoHeLC2e" title="Residents have now moved into Nightingale. Image: Peter Clarke" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Residents have now moved into Nightingale. Image: Peter Clarke</figcaption></figure>Nightingale Village will comprise seven buildings located on Duckett Street, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/brunswick-vic">Brunswick</a> after a collective of architects bought up the entire street in Melbourne’s inner north, not far from The Commons and Nightingale 1.

The first images of three of the buildings have begun to emerge with the Avengers-like ensemble of architects revealing the designs via their Instagram accounts as they are lodged for town planning. 

This followed on from two information sessions held in February and March at the University of Melbourne, where the project was presented to potential purchasers. The recording can be viewed <a href="https://echo360.org.au/media/7371b031-cacb-4bf6-9b9d-1cae5b3d5f60/public">here</a>.

The following architects are designing the ensemble of buildings which comprise the village;

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/architectus">Architectus Architecture</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/austin-maynard-architects">Austin Maynard Architects</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/breathe-architecture">Breathe Architecture</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/clare-cousins-architects">Clare Cousins Architects</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/kennedy-nolan-architects">Kennedy Nolan</a></li>
	<li>
<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/wowowa-architecture">WOWOWA Architecture  </a>     </li>
</ul>
<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/nightingale_village.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Nightingale_WOW, Nightingale CCA and Nightingale Breathe. Images: Nightingale Village"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="218" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nightingale_village.jpg?itok=NEXgGxu9" title="Nightingale_WOW, Nightingale CCA and Nightingale Breathe. Images: Nightingale Village" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Nightingale_WOW, Nightingale CCA and Nightingale Breathe. Images: Nightingale Village</figcaption></figure>The first Nightingale's to be revealed are designed by WOWOWA, Clare Cousins Architects and Breathe Architecture, with the former two now at town planning.

As always <a href="http://www.urban.com.au">Urban.com.au</a> will endeavour to keep up to date with each of the buildings as they are submitted.

Meanwhile, construction is progressing at Nightingale 2.0 in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/fairfield-vic">Fairfield</a> with builder <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/atelier-projects">Atelier Projects</a> at the helm. Already the lift and stair core has been erected and ground floor slab poured.

Located at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/nightingale-20-30-railway-place-fairfield">72A Station Street</a> adjacent to Fairfield Railway Station, Six Degrees' design for Nightingale 2.0 takes advantage of its island site, maximising light and cross-ventilation through the building. 

<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/nightingale_2_progress.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Progress at Nightingale 2.0. Images L-R: Six Degrees; HIP V. HYPE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="210" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/nightingale_2_progress.jpg?itok=CpInY1ow" title="Progress at Nightingale 2.0. Images L-R: Six Degrees; HIP V. HYPE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Progress at Nightingale 2.0. Images L-R: Six Degrees; HIP V. HYPE</figcaption></figure>Lead image: Nightingalehousing.org
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An early glimpse of Nightingale Village's first buildings

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Following on from <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/escala-newquay-in-focus-part-one">yesterday's Q&amp;A with MAB's David Allt-Graham</a>, Urban.com.au today discusses the design approach to Escala in NewQuay with Six Degrees Director Mark Healy and how the office's experience in the residential sector and within Melbourne's laneways, informed the key design drivers and composition of the project's architecture.

<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/escala-facade-1140x430.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Escala's podium will comprise a series of buildings, providing a fine grain approach to the streetscape. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="219" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/escala-facade-1140x430.jpg?itok=GFjFo7YJ" title="Escala's podium will comprise a series of buildings, providing a fine grain approach to the streetscape. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Escala's podium will comprise a series of buildings, providing a fine grain approach to the streetscape. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: Escala represents Six Degrees jump into high-rise development. What was Six Degrees' approach for designing Escala and how did your experience working on more low-rise to mid-scale projects help inform the design of Escala? 

Mark Healy: Escala represents a new challenge for Six Degrees, but it is precisely our experience in low-rise and mid-scale projects that informed this project. Rather than approaching this as one high-rise project, we envisage it as a series of smaller buildings making up a community. For example, priority is given to the lived experience of the resident, rather than the view of the tower from a helicopter window – as is so often the case with high-rise development design. The bottom-up approach so clearly embraced at Escala is reflective of Six Degrees’ human-driven approach to design.  

UM: Why do you think MAB engaged Six Degrees for the project?

MH: As Melbourne’s first laneway bar, Meyers Place in many ways gave birth to the laneway culture this city knows and loves today. Six Degrees continues to design laneway projects all these years later, and I think MAB sought to bring the authenticity inherent in these spaces to NewQuay. When we designed Meyers Place, Melbourne’s CBD was not at all the vibrant place it is now, but having a long-term vision for what could be was crucial – and that’s how we approached this project.    

UM: One thing Docklands has been criticised for is that it lacks some of that finer grain quality of say parts of the CBD both in terms of how buildings are articulated and the tactile quality of them. Were Six Degrees conscious of this criticism and did you seek to address this in the design for Escala?

MH: It's a big ask when you're tasked to build a new high-density city building, on a piece of vacant land, with little heritage surrounds. So, we asked ourselves how we could introduce the best bits of the CBD –  like finer grain, scale and material diversity –  to speed up the sense of community and placemaking. Our use of handmade tiles, breezeblocks, delicate metals like bronze and stained glass embodies this, so too does the introduction of a Melbourne-scaled laneway at Escala.

UM: How does Escala respond to the buildings that are already there and what were some of the challenges and opportunities that you faced in an area that is still trying to find its identity? 

MH: Overcoming the cold, southerly winds that plague the Docklands was a challenge that we overcame by creating the intimate laneway buffeted from the breeze. When it came to responding to buildings already in place at NewQuay, we designed a T-shape tower as it maximises the northern light, city and water views, as well as creating more corner apartments.

We were conscious of a new supermarket soon to be built across the way from Escala, so the placement of the piazza deliberately provides interests along the path that people will use when they buy groceries. The movement of not just residents, but visitors and workers through the square will help generate activity and buzz in this area of NewQuay.

UM: And how much influence do you have in helping to shape the identity and character of the area through a single or this instance a collection of buildings?

MH: At Six Degrees we are firm believers that social life should generate what a building looks like. For example, we’re aware that many office workers venture to the city for drinks or coffee, so we designed the piazza with space for a buzzing north facing café to encourage people to stay in the precinct

UM: What do you consider to be the most critical aspect of Escala's design and what distinguishes it from some of the other buildings in Docklands?=

MH: The most symbolic aspect of Escala’s design is the piazza because it is a genuine public space not just for residents, but for the wider community to socialise. What also stands out about Escala is the significant amount of active street frontage. Even the car park entry is presented like a shop window, with bike racks making it feel like an inner-north bike shop – we’re highly conscious of activating every space.
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Escala NewQuay in Focus - Part Two

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Urban.com.au <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/a-double-design-delight-for-docklands">recently highlighted</a> two projects within <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/docklands-vic">Docklands</a> that have strong design credentials which stand to add to the ever-evolving precinct's body of architecture. One project in particular, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/projects/escala-newquay-381-docklands-drive-docklands">Escala</a> - <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/mab-corporation">MAB's</a> latest offering at its NewQuay development - has sought a different approach to previous residential buildings in the area, with the aim of introducing some <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne CBD</a> fine grain and character to the eastern precinct. 

To that end, MAB Corporation tasked architects <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Six Degrees</a> - synonymous with the rebirth of Melbourne's laneway culture - to design a set of buildings which not only meet rigorous design criteria for apartments but also provide a unique mixed-use development which capitalises on its location and changing context.

Urban.com.au recently asked David Allt-Graham, General Manager Residential at MAB to provide a bit of background on the approach and process for conceiving Escala, and what it will add to the precinct. This will be followed by a piece with Six Degree's Mark Healy who will discuss the design in greater detail.

<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/180108_lot_5_new_quay_v02_tower_hero_final.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Escala will add a unique dimension to the NewQuay precinct. Image : Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="670" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/180108_lot_5_new_quay_v02_tower_hero_final.jpg?itok=habFA7tR" title="Escala will add a unique dimension to the NewQuay precinct. Image : Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Escala will add a unique dimension to the NewQuay precinct. Image : Supplied</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au: NewQuay has continued to evolve over nearly 20 years, with greater diversity in the architecture and product offering, with buildings by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/plus-architecture">Plus Architecture</a>, McBride Charles Ryan, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and now <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/six-degrees-architects">Six Degrees</a> making their mark on the precinct. How has MAB's vision for the precinct evolved and have you had to revisit it over the course of 20 years?

David Allt-Graham: In 1997, MAB saw the opportunity to bring NewQuay to life, with a vision of creating a 24-hour city for Melburnians to live, play, work and stay on the shores of Victoria Harbour. This was extremely bold thinking, as, at the time, the Harbour was surrounded by dilapidated sheds and the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/docklands-vic">Docklands</a> looked very different. Now, more than twenty years later, MAB’s vision is realising its full potential. The important elements are falling into place, with a new primary school, supermarket, cinema complex and two hotels being only some of the new additions due to be built in NewQuay over the next few years.

Our vision for NewQuay remains unchanged, however our approach has become more sophisticated as we respond to a maturing suburb and an evolving housing market. Escala is arguably the best example of MAB’s adaptability as it includes a proprietary, split-level internal design which was developed to offer affordable, double height living spaces within apartments.

UM: What was it about Six Degrees' work that attracted MAB to engage the practice for Escala? 

DA-G: MAB’s open-minded approach to art and design has produced some remarkable collaborations. An example of this is the creation of ‘Monument Park’ and the multi award-winning ‘The Quays’.

Escala is the result of a new collaboration between MAB and Six Degrees. Six Degrees is a practice that, like MAB, has over 20 years’ experience in the industry as well as a passion for city living in Melbourne. Six Degrees are undoubtedly the pioneers of transforming Melbourne’s city into a liveable place. Their work is synonymous with Melbourne’s laneway culture and it is exciting to see their ideas being translated into a tower development. Working with Six Degrees has inclined our team to think more about scale and has also helped us to further understand how people use and enjoy different spaces.

Six Degrees’ work is timeless and it aligns with our mission for integrity over fashion in the final product.  

UM: The approach to Escala differs slightly from some of the previous buildings in NewQuay particularly with multiple buildings which form the podium -  what was the brief to Six Degrees?

DA-G: The intention of designing Escala as a collection of buildings was so to deliver a development which presents variety, as well as one that presents an idea of spaces being built over time. This approach saw Six Degrees prioritise materiality, scale, and to embrace diversity.  This concept is clearly expressed in the uniqueness of each streetscape of Escala, with buildings of different character.

Simple, robust materials, including brick and bluestone are integral to each streetscape.  These materials are carried into the interiors of the building, with concrete ceilings in the apartment living areas and corridors lit from stain glass feature windows.  We also expressed to Six Degrees that we wanted to offer some relief from plasterboard and carpet at Escala.

UM: Will Escala be the final residential development completing NewQuay East?

DA-G: Escala is MAB’s thirteenth boutique project in NewQuay and we have subsequently learnt a great deal about apartment living over this journey.

Escala is the final stage of development in the Eastern precinct and it will be a ‘keystone’ project that unifies the neighbouring developments in the area.  Escala will deliver a new piazza on Docklands Drive, which will become a focal point for street life and provide a sunny and restful space to simply hang out in or to have lunch at.  There is a great buzz around Escala and the feedback from everyone who has seen it, including Council planners, has been fantastic and positive. We look forward to completing it!

UM: What impact do you think the proposed Docklands Primary School, the overhaul of the former Harbour Town retail and entertainment precinct which will include a Fresh Food Market, Supermarket and cinemas, will have on the attractiveness of not only Escala but NewQuay?

DA-G: These amenities have been in planning for a long time and NewQuay is currently experiencing a major ‘step change’ as they each come through construction over the next few years.  We’re not selling the dream anymore, it is now happening.

NewQuay is becoming increasingly diverse, with expanding retail in the District Docklands (including a new H&amp;M store), entertainment areas, a modern school, and sophisticated new residences like Escala and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/banksia-newquay-429-docklands-drive-docklands">Banksia</a>.  This means that we can cater to a much broader cohort of residents and businesses.  This further expands our markets and makes the whole precinct more vibrant – it is a virtuous circle.
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