Wadawurrung
Victoria
The Victorian State Government and the City of Greater Geelong are working to surgically repurpose selected properties in central Geelong as public arcade gardens, developing a new pedestrian network that interlinks with existing laneways. Malop Arcade and Dennys Place are the first pieces of this larger urban project. A two storey shop in Malop St was spot-purchased and the interior selectively demolished to turn private commercial space into public connective space. A building becomes a garden and relaxed public pathway.
Civil engineering requirements with regards to the upper catchment to the south of the project were combined with landscape principles of collecting rainwater and expressing its movement across the site with garden beds and climbing plants. New street planters are placed underneath existing private downpipes along Denny’s Place, greening and adding life to the public path connecting these two important streets.
The laneway project, Malop street Geelong, is such a refreshing public space. Walking through there in the evenings and weekends I was drawn to the openness and materials, which felt calm and warm. I think the highlight of the space was the area where men who were sleeping rough would be sitting talking to each other in a warmly lit area surrounded by nature. This space never felt unsafe as a pedestrian. I am a mental health clinician and it always struck me that this space fostered safety, not fear, which is unusual for many public spaces in cities now.
Marika Neustupny, Design Architect
Nigel Bertram, Design Architect
Lucinda McLean, Design Architect
Jonathon Yeo, Project Architect
Fiona Robertson, Graduate of Architecture
Laura Bruscia, Student of Architecture
Matthew Mackay, ASPECT Studios
Terence Stapleton, ASPECT Studios
Xiao Lin, ASPECT Studios
Akt. Project Management, Project Manager
FMG Engineering, Structural Engineer
WSP, Civil Consultant
WSP, Electrical Consultant
ZINC Cost Management, Quantity Surveyor
BSA Building Surveyors, Building Surveyor
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
