Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

The Red and Black Architect

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Intrepid architect and Apartments.com.au peer Michael Smith (The Red and Black Architect) has in recent days posted rolling reports from the 2014 National Architecture Conference in Perth.
Held in the West Australian capital for the first time in over a decade, <q cite="http://wp.architecture.com.au/news-media/2014-national-architecture-conference-in-the-making-creative-team-selected/">The act of making; the dirtiness, directness and honesty of architecture is the inspiration behind the theme for the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2014 National Architecture Conference.</q>
<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/img_2656.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2656.jpg?itok=u2Lw9cc9" width="580"></a>
<blockquote>
	High rise, not shiny-smooth, but furry-fuzzy
	<cite>Richard Hassell</cite>
</blockquote>
Keynote speakers such as Richard Hassell, co-founding director of WOHA Singapore plied their trade while industry misconceptions were discussed at length. Issues of meritocracy, women in architecture and the adoption of an equity policy by the Australian Institute of Architects were also covered. Of course, some of Perth's finest new architecture was discussed and subsequently Michael has blogged about it.
Visit <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/category/2014-architecture-conference/" target="_blank">The Red and Black Architect's blog</a> for a comprehensive summary of the 2014 National Architecture Conference.
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silvermb

The 2014 National Architecture Conference

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We all have a daily involvement with our built environment. Some see their city as something which is fixed in design and should not, or cannot change.

Others take the view that we should have greater ability to adapt, modify and improve our surrounds. Evidence of this can be found in the rise and success of street art culture which reflects this desire to react to the built environment and become a personal agent for change.

City building, infrastructure planning and urban design have traditionally been a top down approach where the government or large corporation imposes their design down upon the community to embrace. This can be quite successful, particularly when there is a structured meaningful community consultation process informing a high quality design.

However all too often, this consultation is inadequate and reduced to an authority promoting the fixed and final proposal. This disrespect results in a mismatch between the will and desires of the community and that of the powerful governments and financial stakeholders. As seen by the recent East West link protests, there is a genuine desire for the community to be very actively involved in decisions shaping their city.

<blockquote>
While the public do shape the environment in small ways – by creating signage, planting gardens, or by simply occupying space – ‘ordinary’ citizens are at a disadvantage when it comes to influencing the larger forces of urban strategy, zoning regulations or infrastructure.
<cite>Dr Rory Hyde, Future Practice</cite>
</blockquote>

Can the design process go the other way, from community to the government? Recently two emerging architecture firms released details of pro bono collaborations with local community groups in Melbourne in a model which proposes just that. By pairing the Architect’s skill set and abilities directly with the goals, desires and knowledge of the community, it gives the citizens a much stronger voice and tilts the city shaping balance of power slightly closer to an even footing.

The first example of this pro-active approach is project entitled ‘Streets Without Cars’ by Mihaly Slocombe Architects. This project re-imagines a 120 metre stretch of an inner suburban Melbourne street, reorganising the space to prioritise pedestrian movement above that of cars.

The process began with detailed and genuine community discussion and consultation which importantly will continue through the life of the project via meeting and a dedicated website. From this starting point of understanding, the architects developed the project into an exciting scheme capable of acting as a backyard for everyone in the street. By achieving community ‘buy in’ there is no doubt that should the project go ahead it will create a greater sense of community amongst the residents.

<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/20140331-pecha-kucha-09.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20140331-pecha-kucha-09.jpg?itok=O9VyTH5A" width="580"></a>

Data from community consultation. Image Mihaly Slocombe.

The urban intervention itself includes community space for a number of uses. For entertaining and socialisation there is a Kitchen and BBQ area whilst for the youngest residents there is a play room and a sand pit. There is also the intention for the community space to be able to produce food by including a mini orchard and vegetable patch.

<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/20140220-ericas-garden.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20140220-ericas-garden.jpg?itok=ghyPjvk2" width="580"></a>

Image Mihaly Slocombe.

<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/20140323-9-sport.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20140323-9-sport.jpg?itok=s0QBUO8P" width="580"></a>

Image Mihaly Slocombe.

From a transport perspective early the intention was to remove cars completely from the street. This objective was later revised through the community consultation process such that vehicles could still traverse the street but at a slower speed, making it less desirable for through traffic.

Through design, the priority has been given to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. To encourage this further 96 undercover bicycle spaces have been provided for the residents to use. Despite this shift in priority, the proposed design will keep 80% of the existing car parking capacity.

<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/20140331-pecha-kucha-16.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20140331-pecha-kucha-16.jpg?itok=iN16_y4R" width="580"></a> 
Image Mihaly Slocombe.

<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/20140323-13-money-shot%20%281%29.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20140323-13-money-shot%20%281%29.jpg?itok=VpEYQV-I" width="580"></a> 
Image Mihaly Slocombe.

The second example of community driven architecture is the recent <a href="http://betterewldesign.com/">Better East West Link Design</a> project undertaken by Atelier Red + Black. This project began with a group of local residents who were alarmed by the threat to one of Melbourne’s most significant park. The combination of a very poor reference design, a consultation process that did not give the community any say and political intransigence led the group to explore alternative designs as a harm minimisation strategy.

The most remarkable thing about the Safety Net For Royal Park was the amazing work undertaken by an unfunded community group. The Safety Net group comprised people with diverse expertise from engineering to economics and public health. These people managed to produce a feasible and prudent road design that has enormous advantages over the government’s destructive version of the project. The alternative location saves Royal Park from being turned into a quarry but as the design developed it also had other flow on benefits. Community infrastructure such as the Elderly Chinese Residents home in Parkville and the brand new seeing eye dogs facility in Kensington would be saved along with 55 homes. The quality of this better design is due, in large part, to an iterative and responsive design process. Credit must also go in particular to the convener of the SNRP, Anthony Peyton, who put in an incredible amount of time and expertise on the project.

Despite having a remarkable understanding of the technical design issues, such as relevant safety standards and feasible construction techniques, the community group still faced an uphill battle in achieving credibility with key stakeholders in the project. The group met with all three of the construction companies tendering for the project. Initially they were reluctant and dismissive, however as they attempted to shoot down the alternative design they became aware of the level of thought and technical knowledge applied to the design. It remains to be seen if any of these tenderers will have the bravery to put forward this design alternative within their tenders.

The next step for the community group was to prove how the alternative design through the Arden Macaulay precinct could be integrated with the environment surrounding the tunnel portal. It is important to note that at this point that the Linking Melbourne Authority’s reference design has yet to prove it can achieve an acceptable urban design outcome around its tunnel portal in Royal Park.

In order to enrich this project with urban design and strengthen its credibility to the authorities and wider community, <a href="http://redblackarch.com.au/">Atelier Red + Black</a> took on this very important project on a pro bono basis. From this partnership several important outcomes ensued. Firstly the design was modified and enhanced. Environmental restoration and improvements to the Moonee Ponds Creek were incorporated. Heritage elements within the Arden Macaulay precinct were protected and enhanced. New community facilities including a school, community centre and sporting facilities were added. The inclusion of this community infrastructure could then enable the sensitive revitalisation of the precinct and support an increase in density. The ultimate result is a net benefit to the Arden Macaulay precinct despite the inclusion of the portal tunnel.

The ultimate result is a net benefit to the Arden Macaulay precinct despite the inclusion of the portal tunnel.

<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/aerialview_from_west_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial view from the West - image © Atelier Red + Black"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="278" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aerialview_from_west_0.jpg?itok=h-tps6Xn" title="Aerial view from the West - image © Atelier Red + Black" width="580"></a>

<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/aerial_view_from_east_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial view from the East - image © Atelier Red + Black"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="278" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aerial_view_from_east_0.jpg?itok=r_7JvK9Y" title="Aerial view from the East - image © Atelier Red + Black" width="580"></a>

The second important outcome of Atelier Red + Black’s involvement was the ability to represent the design on an equal footing to that of the well resourced Linking Melbourne Authority. The technically competent yet community led design could be explained with animations and rendered perspectives rather than only lines on a map.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/sNW_3XZuBbk" width="100%"></iframe>

The lessons from these two pro-bono projects are important for both the design community and governments alike. For emerging design practices it is incredibly fulfilling to work for community groups that would otherwise be powerless to create change. It would be even better if there were government grants available to fund community led design proposals such as these so that the quality of architecture and built environment was not reliant upon an architect’s ability to work for free.

The other lesson for governments and local authorities is that the built environment is first and foremost for the benefit of people. The community must be involved meaningfully and openly from the earliest stages in a project. It is also important that the design is allowed to evolve as a direct response to this consultation. Anything less and we are giving up on our democratic values and risking the future quality of our cities.

Architecture is for Everyone.

Michael Smith is a director at Atelier Red + Black and this post was originally published on <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Red + Black Architect blog</a>.
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redblackarchitect

Small architecture firms engaging the community with big ideas

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As <a href="/expert-insights/buying/what-to-do-about-the-stokehouse">previously reported</a>, the much loved Melbourne restaurant The Stokehouse on the St Kilda foreshore was burnt to the ground in a fire in January. Since then a new temporary ‘pop up’ structure has been assembled to continue the service of fine food. The speed with which this temporary structure was installed reflects the urgency that the owners have also put on the ongoing task of seeking a permanent replacement.

<dl>
<dt><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/img_2134.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Michael Smith"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="278" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2134.jpg?itok=jcZ3R7rM" title="Image © Michael Smith" width="580"></a></dt>
	<dd>The temporary Stokehouse ‘Pop Up’ Restaurant</dd>
</dl>
After substantial commentary surrounding this replacement building, including both calls for a replacement replica structure and others for a contemporary design via architectural competition, there has been some resolution as to the who, what and how of the replacement building.

Firstly it has been decided that the new Stokehouse will have a contemporary look, ruling out the idea of building a replica. This is a very good decision which is respectful of our existing heritage by not further muddying the waters of what is old and what is new. It has also been decided that a competition of sorts will be run for the design of the site.

The competition is by invitation only which limits the field of entrants to four. As reported on RRR the Architects, there was a nominal fee for the work done by the various architects to get the designs for the competition. The remuneration of the architects in the selective competition is a substantial positive over an open design competition, which leaves practices to undertake substantial volumes of work for free.

The Architects selected for the Stokehouse competition were:

<ul>
<li><a href="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-australia/a672e0c88513f8a56588fca4e32882f2e4185d2b/documents/attachments/000/010/139/original/Sketch_design_1_-_Denton_Corker_Marshall.pdf?1396855630" target="_blank">Denton Corker Marshall</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-australia/6767aca88c6bf71509eabaf73fe5ee1da4bf0f84/documents/attachments/000/010/138/original/Sketch_design_2_-_JacksonsClementsBurrows.pdf?1396855600" target="_blank">Jackson Clements Burrows</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-australia/d512c71914d02efc39a813dee4c738f54eed9174/documents/attachments/000/010/137/original/Sketch_design_3_-_Robert_Simeoni.pdf?1396855576" target="_blank">Robert Simeoni</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-australia/0178cd08f5ae5406f5f596f4fff2e683cacb30b4/documents/attachments/000/010/135/original/Sketch_design_4_-_Sean_Godsell_Architects.pdf?1396854957" target="_blank">Sean Godsell Architects</a></li>
</ul>
Notably all of these architects are of a similar calibre in terms of quality of design and level of profile within the local architectural community. I have no doubt that any of these four practices could produce an excellent architectural result, however a downside to this selection is the lack of diversity in the practice types shortlisted. In terms of their influence, their level of experience and the gender balance of the directing architects, it is somewhat homogenous.

<dl>
<dt><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/img_2140.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image © Michael Smith"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_2140.jpg?itok=MAixW6Zx" title="Image © Michael Smith" width="580"></a></dt>
	<dd>The temporary Stokehouse in the landscape</dd>
</dl>
As argued by John Doyle of Index Architecture in his letter to The Age Newpaper this process could have been an opportunity for smaller and emerging practices to step up to the plate and challenge the well-established design masters. Doyle highlights in particular a lack of opportunity afforded to small and emerging designers within the public realm. It is incumbent on the architecture community to foster these emerging architects as much as possible for the long term benefit of our built environment.

The four architectural practices engaged in this exercise have now completed their competition entries which are now open for public viewing and comment. To view the schemes and participate in the process, follow this link.

For those wanting to know my thoughts on the schemes, here are my comments.

<h2>Denton Corker Marshall</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/image14_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="241" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image14_5.jpg?itok=QQwNHp-q" width="580"></a>

This project for me is the least resolved of the proposals. Whilst the romantic perspective sketches are art in their own right, the elevation for me is less engaging. The rectilinear form appears to be less site specific and more utilitarian. The use of imagery on the building seems to give the building a more commercial feel without adding the more substantial connection with place.

7/10

<h2>Jackson Clements Burrows</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/image7_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image7_0.jpg?itok=aOATEIRN" width="580"></a>

This project is a clear crowd favorite due to its comprehensive presentation and semi-realistic montages. It is the easiest to understand and is beautiful in appearance. The use of over-sized text on the front of the building is a good way to quickly build an individual sense of place. This is an interesting contrast to the DCM imagery which seems less successful. On the down side it seems like the design could leave the building with a very serious and almost sombre feel.

It will not be surprising if this is the project which is given the green light

8.5/10

<h2>Robert Simeoni</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/image16_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="276" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_3.jpg?itok=aXbD8FkT" width="580"></a>

Clearly the connection with the site was a driving factor in this project which presented substantial analysis to better its case. Consequently this could be quite an architectural gem if it was developed and given the go ahead. Central to this design is the formation of an earth mound on the Jacka Boulevard approach. One would enter via a slice in this landscape to reveal a spectacular dining room with waterfront view beyond.

Unfortunately I don’t think the massing model does this presentation justice as it dominates visually and may well read as an extreme and un-articulated façade to an unsuspecting public.

8.5/10

<h2>Sean Godsell Architects</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/image15_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="379" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_5.jpg?itok=a76L8Jtz" width="580"></a>

The greatest strength and weakness of this scheme is the way it extends the brief and the site either side along the foreshore. Sean Godsell Architects have integrated a new surf life-saving club building within the proposed structure which is defined through a series of matchstick style columns and beams. This decision is both brilliant and a substantial risk of resulting in the scheme being ruled out if this is not a commercial possibility.

This scheme takes a while to digest but is worth the effort. The suggested weathered materials, matchstick layering and big picture thinking makes this project my favorite of the four.

9/10

For more information and to have your say visit <a href="http://haveyoursayatportphillip.net.au/stokehouse" target="_blank">http://haveyoursayatportphillip.net.au/stokehouse</a>.

Architecture is for Everyone.

To see the original article, visit the <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Red and Black Architect's blog</a>.
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What to do about the Stokehouse (Part Two)

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The following article was originally published on The Red and Black Architect's <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/2014/03/27/a-better-east-west-link-design-revealed/" target="_blank">blog</a>.

As previously reported (<a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/east-west-tollway-to-trash-an-inner-city-oasis/" sl-processed="1">East West Tollway to trash an inner-city oasis</a> and <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/2013/12/10/an-update-on-the-east-west-link/" sl-processed="1">an update on the East West Link</a>), many people in Melbourne are dismayed over the destruction that the controversial East West Link will reap over the inner city communities and significant parklands of Melbourne. At its essence Melbourne has become very much a design city and it is therefore not surprising that such a bad design has been widely criticised and that better alternatives have arisen.

At the time of writing the Assessment Committee is part way through its 30 day hearing schedule. Lawyers and experts from all sides have been slugging it out debating Melbourne’s future, whilst the only update to the public seems to be an excellent <a href="http://eastwestlinkblog.com/live-blog-public-hearings/" sl-processed="1">community blog</a> written by volunteers. This is a process that will hopefully lead to a revised design which will be better outcome for the community at large. But how did it get to this stage? Where was the community consultation? How did the LMA reference design change based on this consultation?

The East West Tunnel project will have a near permanent presence on the environment, our communities, our heritage and our finances. This of all projects must therefore engage the public to produce an outcome that is better across the board.

With this situation as the backdrop, <a href="http://redblackarch.com.au/" target="_blank">Atelier Red + Black</a> have undertaken a pro-bono project with a group of local professionals under the banner of Better East West link Design. The objective was to develop a road design from the community group, Safety Net for Royal Park, to create a better overall design for Melbourne. The central premise of the design is that the underutilized Arden Macaulay precinct is a far better location for the City Link connection than Royal Park.

<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/overall-map.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Comparison map"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="502" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/overall-map.jpg?itok=W67hx8GF" title="Comparison map" width="580"></a>

Using the City of Melbourne’s vision for Arden-Macaulay as a guide, Atelier Red+Black set about creating a vision to integrate the Better East West Link Design into an under-utilized commercial fringe of North Melbourne. Located beside the Citylink Freeway and Moonee Ponds creek, the proposed site spans from Alfred Street to Macaulay road with Boundary Rd as its eastern perimeter.

The design integrates the proposed viaduct/tunnel for the link while also retaining nearby heritage buildings. It also effectively utilizes alternate programs such as a mid-sized Retail strip and a large retail outlet to act as visual &amp; acoustic sound buffers. The design also embraces the saw-toothed grain of the existing warehouses into various aspects of the new design, thus referencing the history of the area.

Other programs within the project boundary include:

<ul>
<li>Large Commercial precinct along Citylink Freeway and Alfred Street – a buffer program located close to the freeway which also benefits from its proximity to Flemington Road and the tram network.</li>
	<li>Smaller Commercial precinct along Boundary Road</li>
	<li>Public Gardens proposed at Alfred St.</li>
	<li>Neighborhood Park and playgrounds at Sutton Street (beside the new Civic hub).</li>
	<li>Smaller Residential Precinct along Boundary road – which benefit from proximity to the city and nearby parks. They also provide a built form transition towards the taller building envelopes closer to the freeway.</li>
	<li>Medium-Density Residential Precinct along Macaulay Road – located to symbiotically function with the mid-sized retail strip &amp; promenade.</li>
	<li>Secondary school and Neighborhood sports centre – to demonstrate that their programmatic requirements can be met within inner-city locations. The school also acts as a landmark visual terminus to the corner of Boundary Rd, Macaulay Rd and Canning St.</li>
</ul>
Click the images for a full view.

<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/aerialview_from_west_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial view from the West - image © Atelier Red + Black"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="278" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aerialview_from_west_0.jpg?itok=h-tps6Xn" title="Aerial view from the West - image © Atelier Red + Black" width="580"></a>

<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/aerial_view_from_east_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial view from the East - image © Atelier Red + Black"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="278" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/aerial_view_from_east_0.jpg?itok=r_7JvK9Y" title="Aerial view from the East - image © Atelier Red + Black" width="580"></a>

At the heart of the proposal is a generous creation of a public Plaza, new Civic Hub and Parklands. Instead of the isolation of Moonee Ponds creek, the design aims to integrate it into the urban fabric of North Melbourne and Kensington by improving pedestrian links across to new public spaces on both sides. One of the parallel outcomes of doing so is the removal of the level-crossing at Macaulay Road and the sinking of the railway line (with a new Station design) to improve the connection between the suburbs of Kensington &amp; North Melbourne.

Victorians get only one opportunity to design and construct this project. If we build it and it fails for any reason we have blown over $8 Billion in the process. The stakes have never been higher for Melbourne.

To review the design options and for further information check out the website

<a href="http://www.betterEWLdesign.com" sl-processed="1">www.betterEWLdesign.com</a>

Architecture is for Everyone.

Apartments.com.au editor remarks:

Whilst we do not believe new freeway construction should be at the top of any Government transport infrastructure priority list, Apartments.com.au endorses the initiative demonstrated by the Safety Net for Royal Park community group and Atelier Red + Black architects.

We encourage readers to share this proposal with friends &amp; colleagues and also call on the wider urban development, engineering, planning and design communities of Melbourne to rally behind the <a href="http://betterewldesign.com/" target="_blank">Better East West Link Design</a> cause.

— Editors Alastair Taylor and Mark Baljak.
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Atelier Red + Black reveals "A Better East West Link" design

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White Night was a celebration of Melbourne’s Urbanism and culture on an unprecedented scale. From the National Gallery of Victoria in the South, to the Melbourne City Baths in the North, the city was turned over to the people to explore, feel, participate and spectate over 100 separate activities and installations. Estimates suggest that half a million people flooded in to the Central Business District to take in the festival. At its peak, Swanston Street seemed to have narrowed with the sheer volume of people taking over the street.

<a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-26.jpg"><img alt="White Night Melbourne 2014" height="478" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-26.jpg?w=640&amp;h=478" width="640"></a>

<h2>Flinders Street Illuminated</h2>

Perhaps the most iconic aspect to White Night was the Flinders Street Projections. The artwork created by Electric Canvas transformed the Flinders Streetscape into an intense canyon of colour and movement.

<dl>
<dt><a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-11.jpg"><img alt="Flinders Street Station Illuminated" height="406" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-11.jpg?w=640&amp;h=406" width="640"></a></dt>
	<dd>Flinders Street Station Illuminated</dd>
	<dt><a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-13.jpg"><img alt="Flinders Street Illuminated" height="856" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-13.jpg?w=640&amp;h=856" width="640"></a></dt>
	<dd>‘Wonderland’ Flinders Street Illuminated</dd>
	<dt><a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-14.jpg"><img alt="The Forum Illuminated" height="856" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-14.jpg?w=640&amp;h=856" width="640"></a></dt>
	<dd>The Forum Illuminated</dd>
	<dt><a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-12.jpg"><img alt="Drawing on Architecture in Chapter House Lane" height="838" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-12.jpg?w=640&amp;h=838" width="640"></a></dt>
	<dd>Drawing on Architecture in Chapter House Lane</dd>
</dl>
<h2>The State Library of Victoria</h2>

The State Library was projected upon both inside and out. From the outside images of roman antiquities artificially aged the neoclassical facade back 2000 years. Moments later a brilliant projection of macro scale plant forms transform the facade into something else entirely.

<dl>
<dt><a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-10.jpg"><img alt="State Library Illuminated" height="478" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-10.jpg?w=640&amp;h=478" width="640"></a></dt>
	<dd>State Library Illuminated</dd>
</dl>
Once within the reading room, the viewer is exposed to a 360 degree projection entitled Molecular Kaleidoscope ‘Virus One Billion Times’. The animation features super sized virus cell structure and DNA chains that pulsate colour around the room to an intense soundtrack composed by Franc Tétaz. The reading room is a perfect location for this expression which mixes science and art so successfully.

<dl>
<dt><a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-29.jpg"><img alt="State Library, MOLECULAR KALEIDOSCOPE – ‘VIRUS ONE BILLION TIMES’" height="779" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-29.jpg?w=640&amp;h=779" width="640"></a></dt>
	<dd>State Library, MOLECULAR KALEIDOSCOPE – ‘VIRUS ONE BILLION TIMES’</dd>
</dl>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/U7pAbsJEXsk" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>Melbourne Central Shot Tower</h2>

Of all the fantastic projection and illumination pieces on offer during White Night, one of the most eye-popping pieces was I Heart Melbourne by Kollide Projections. The way that the artist used the brick canvas to create an illusion of folding and sliding bricks was brilliant.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/FJpa8ahkCek" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>National Gallery of Victoria</h2>

One of the most popular attractions of White Night was National Gallery of Victoria. The iconic stone facade designed by Roy Grounds provided the perfect canvas for elaborate projections of tattooed bodies by Nicole Reed and The Electric Canvas. The piece entitled Tattooed City played upon the link between street art on our buildings and tattoos on our skin.

<dl>
<dt><a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-25.jpg"><img alt="Tattooed City, National Gallery of Victoria Illuminated" height="478" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-25.jpg?w=640&amp;h=478" width="640"></a></dt>
	<dd>Tattooed City, National Gallery of Victoria Illuminated</dd>
</dl>
Within the gallery, The Melbourne Now exhibition was in full swing with some additional events such as a silent disco and a RRR Radio Live broadcast.

Aside from the beautiful Roy Grounds masterpiece, a clear highlight is the much publicised <a href="http://cargocollective.com/roryhyde/Bin-Dome" target="_blank">‘Bin Dome’ by Dr Rory Hyde</a>. Constructed primarily from plastic rubbish bins sourced from Ikea, the geodesic dome sits boldly within the space. It is a sublime piece of design which highlights the confidence and competence of Melbourne’s architectural industry.

Naturally for a night like White Night it would not suffice for the dome to be used as a chill out space. Instead a mini dance party was taking place in front of a live DJ to ensure a dynamic audio and visual experience was combined.

<dl>
<dt><a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-28.jpg"><img alt="Bin Dome by Dr Rory Hyde" height="856" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-28.jpg?w=640&amp;h=856" width="640"></a></dt>
	<dd>Bin Dome by Dr Rory Hyde</dd>
	<dt><a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-27.jpg"><img alt="From within the Bin Dome by Dr Rory Hyde" height="856" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-27.jpg?w=640&amp;h=856" width="640"></a></dt>
	<dd>From within the Bin Dome by Dr Rory Hyde.</dd>
	<dt><a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-30-copy.jpg"><img alt="NGV Ceiling Reflection" height="668" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-30-copy.jpg?w=640&amp;h=668" width="640"></a></dt>
	<dd>NGV Ceiling Reflection</dd>
</dl>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gidFvjSwfk4" width="100%"></iframe>

<h2>Purple Rain</h2>

Who would have thought Melbournians would queue for up to an hour, just to see rain. Who would have thought that this wait would be well worthwhile? Purple Rain was an installation art piece by Pierre Ardouvin which creates a truly remarkable sensory experience. Set against the backdrop of the Old Melbourne Gaol, participants are equipped with transparent umbrellas and then enticed into a purple mist. Naturally the experience is capped off by the amplified soundtrack, Purple Rain by Prince.

<dl>
<dt><a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-32.jpg"><img alt="Purple Rain experience" height="478" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-32.jpg?w=640&amp;h=478" width="640"></a></dt>
	<dd>Purple Rain experience</dd>
	<dt><a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-31.jpg"><img alt="Purple Rain backdrop" height="478" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/photo-31.jpg?w=640&amp;h=478" width="640"></a></dt>
	<dd>Purple Rain backdrop</dd>
</dl>
White Night 2014 was an experience like no other Melbourne has seen. Part arts festival, part street party, part exhibition, Melbourne has never looked more like a cultural hub. Key to this is the world class architecture, the cornerstone of Melbourne’s cultural expression.

Architecture is for Everyone.

Michael Smith is Director of Melbourne architecture firm <a href="http://redblackarch.com.au/">Atelier Red + Black</a>, and this article originally appeared on The Red and Black Architect <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/2014/02/25/white-night-melbourne-2014/" target="_blank">blog</a>.
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White Night Melbourne 2014

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Last weekend a much loved restaurant on the waterfront of St Kilda was burnt to the ground. Fortunately no one was injured in the blaze which was reportedly caused by fat in the industrial exhaust system catching fire. It is no doubt a difficult time for the owners of the business and those employed by the Stokehouse, however as co-owner, Frank Van Haandel pointed out, they are far more fortunate than those in the Grampians who have suffered immeasurably worse in the recent bushfires.

<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-17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The site of the recently destroyed Stokehouse restaurant"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/photo-17.jpg?itok=LqzzYExn" title="The site of the recently destroyed Stokehouse restaurant" width="580"></a>

The site has now been cleared and media attention has turned to what to do with the site. The land itself is crown land which is leased out the City of Port Phillip for long term uses. Consequently the local council and the State Government will be significantly involved in the planning and design stages.

<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-22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Empty site surrounded by palm trees"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/photo-22.jpg?itok=6eEWnKTA" title="Empty site surrounded by palm trees" width="580"></a>

The original structure was constructed around 1904 and has been extended and renovated several times over its 110 year history. Despite its age, the building was not listed on the heritage register and from many accounts was not of significant architectural value.

<blockquote>
The community is mourning … the special place that they celebrated is now gone.
<cite>Cr Amanda Stevens, City of Port Phillip Mayor</cite>
</blockquote>

Very early in the piece, the State Planning Minister Matthew Guy went <a href="http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&amp;url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/Guy.mp3">on radio</a> to voice his view that an architectural competition should be held to create an architecturally significant design to replace the original. This was later contradicted by <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/design-competition-for-razed-stokehouse-ruled-out-by-government-20140120-314ve">The Age</a> in a subsequent media piece however by then the community debate had started, replica or new design, a restaurant or something more?

<blockquote>
It would appear to me to be a great shame if a building that has been so much in the public consciousness as a favourite St Kilda destination is not vested with some greater ideals of public good.
<cite>Professor Philip Goad, University of Melbourne</cite>
</blockquote>

<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-23.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Empty site with the Palais Theatrein the distance"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="433" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/photo-23.jpg?itok=TMoXvXSf" title="Empty site with the Palais Theatrein the distance" width="580"></a>

<dl>
<dt><a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/photo-18.jpg"><img alt="St Kilda Pier Kiosk replica built 2006" class="size-medium wp-image-700" height="224" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/photo-18.jpg?w=300&amp;h=224" width="300"></a></dt>
	<dd>St Kilda Pier Kiosk replica built 2006</dd>
</dl>
There are many people, it seems, who are advocating for the building of a replica or a copy of what was destroyed. This position has some precedent in the more historically significant St Kilda Pier Kiosk, which also met its demise in flames back in 2003. The Kiosk had been standing at the end of the pier since 1904 and had subsequently made a very large impression on the hearts of locals. After much political and professional argument, it was decided to rebuild a replica from the original design. At the same time an addition to the rear of the building was completed in a contemporary style to increase the floor space. This act in a way re-wrote history in an attempt to claim back something that was gone.

As discussed in a <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/2012/07/08/heritage-round-new-is-old-again/" target="_blank" title="Heritage round, New is old again.">previous post on heritage</a>, there is a document which has been developed to assist with making ethical choices about our built heritage called the <a href="http://australia.icomos.org/wp-content/uploads/The-Burra-Charter-2013-Adopted-31.10.2013.pdf">Burra Charter</a>.

Below is an extract from the relevant section:

<blockquote>
Reconstruction

20.1 Reconstruction is appropriate only where a place is incomplete through damage or alteration, and only where there is sufficient evidence to reproduce an earlier state of the fabric. In some cases, reconstruction may also be appropriate as part of a use or practice that retains the cultural significance of the place.

Places with social or spiritual value may warrant reconstruction, even though very little may remain (e.g. only building footings or tree stumps following fire, flood or storm).

The requirement for sufficient evidence to reproduce an earlier state still applies.

20.2 Reconstruction should be identifiable on close inspection or through additional interpretation.
<cite>The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance 2013, International Council on Monuments and Sites</cite>
</blockquote>

The charter sets out two key requirements to determine if a replica rebuild process will provide an acceptable outcome. Firstly does the building in question hold historical, social or spiritual value to the community? Without holding any value a replica rebuild is pointless. Once it has been determined that the building held significant value to the community the next requirement is to access the feasibility of reconstructing a finished product such that it doesn’t look like a poor quality caricature of the original. One of the most important aspects of this is accessing the documentation of the deceased building, to determine if there is enough DNA to successfully bring it back to life.

In the specific case of the Stokehouse I would argue that whilst there is clearly some social value placed by a small section of the community, these memories seem to be more in response to the experience of the people, food and atmosphere rather than the building itself. I have no doubt that those most familiar with the building will still have a strong attachment to the materiality of the place as it used to be. I would also argue however that these people are a small group likely limited to the staff and very frequent patrons, rather than the community at large.

Even if I am wrong and the community at large does have a strong emotional attachment to the building that was, an assessment must be made to determine if there is sufficient documentation to reconstruct the Stokehouse. Further to that, decisions will need to be made as to what year it should be modelled off as the building experienced had many changes over its lifespan.

A worst case scenario would have a poor quality replica commissioned which included all the previous buildings shortcomings and none of qualities or spirit which trigger fond memories of time gone by.

If the building were on private property ultimately it would be substantially up to the owners to decide how they should rebuild. However on this case the land is owned by the State Government. This means that they rightly have a substantial say in what gets built. Clearly in exercising this control they must act in the best interest of the community they serve.

This brings us back to a new design which can take advantage of the unique site and provide maximum value to the community. The idea of an architectural design competition certainly has merit in generating dozens of possibilities for the site. The big question is could such a process capture the soul of the previous experience whilst also taking advantage of all the new opportunities a rebuild offers. I would think this would ultimately depend on how the competition was run and how the winner was selected.

<blockquote>
We do need to understand what was beautiful about it, and what we loved about it and start the design process from there.
<cite>David Brand, Former Councillor</cite>
</blockquote>

<dl>
<dt>
<a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/photo-21.jpg"><img alt="Another opportunity that a redesign would offer is the opportunity to simultaneously rebuild and possibly integrate the St Kilda Lifesaving Club which is currently housed in the ugly shed next door." height="224" src="http://theredandblackarchitect.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/photo-21.jpg?w=300&amp;h=224" width="300"></a>

	 
	</dt>
	<dd>Another opportunity that a redesign would offer is the opportunity to simultaneously rebuild and possibly integrate the St Kilda Lifesaving Club which is currently housed in the ugly shed next door.</dd>
</dl>
In situations like this where a building is replacing one lost unexpectedly, it is always tempting for the owner to desire a lightning fast approach. The problem with this is that it often leads to reduced quality which will remain long after the urgency of the initial situation is long forgotten. To prevent this, in this case, I would like to see a temporary structure commissioned to provide a continuance of the fine food experience in the idyllic beach setting. This temporary structure could be prefabricated and modular allowing its reuse elsewhere once a more permanent building was ready for construction. It would also enable the business to keep a presence on the site and the local council to receive some of its rent.

If a design competition is no longer an option, as seems to be the case, it is clear to me that a more conventional architectural design process should ensue. This would enable experienced and highly qualified architects the time to properly investigate the site, assess the requirements of the Stokehouse and the wider community and then provide the well-rounded and considered response that the site and the community deserves.

Architecture is for Everyone.

Michael Smith is Director of Melbourne architecture firm <a href="http://redblackarch.com.au/">Atelier Red + Black</a>, and this article originally appeared on <a href="http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/2014/01/22/what-to-do-about-the-stokehouse/" target="_blank">The Red and Black Architect's blog</a>.

Further reading: <a href="/expert-insights/buying/what-to-do-about-the-stokehouse">What to do about the Stokehouse (Part Two)</a>.
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