Swift Walk Arcade | Lian Architects with Hayball

Swift Walk Arcade | Lian Architects with Hayball | Photographer: Ben Moynihan

2026 National Architecture Awards Program

Swift Walk Arcade | Lian Architects with Hayball

Traditional Land Owners

The Woi-wurrung and Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation

Year
2026
Chapter

Victoria

Category
Small Project Architecture
Builder
Hacer Group Pty Ltd (Base Build and Overall Head Contractor), Standstruct (Mass Timber Install) and Bluline Projects (Interior Fit-out)
Photographer
Ben Moynihan
Media summary

This small project transforms a narrow leftover site within Assemble’s Swift Walk development into a welcoming arcade and shared amenity space. Located between two apartment buildings, it reimagines what was originally a servicing gap, as meaningful connective infrastructure, bringing light, shelter and movement through the heart of the precinct.  A simple timber structure defines the space, creating a clear and legible form that links the surrounding buildings. Prefabricated elements were assembled within the constrained site, allowing construction to proceed efficiently alongside neighbouring works while supporting flexibility over time. Inside, daylight-filled spaces support a mix of everyday uses: a shared coworking area for residents, facilities for on-site staff, a leasing desk, parcel room, and a sheltered passage used throughout day. Through modest means and careful coordination, the project shows how overlooked urban spaces can be turned into valuable shared infrastructure, strengthening daily life and social connection within a dense residential community.

The Swift Walk Arcade is the operational heart of the precinct and central to how residents experience daily life. It is the primary touchpoint between residents and the on-site asset management team, supporting accessibility, trust and effective operations. Housing a light-filled, organically planned co-working space and functioning as a key thoroughfare between buildings and the newly created pedestrian link, the arcade is naturally activated throughout the day. As an architectural anchor within a rental community of people from all walks of life, it fosters connection, inclusion and everyday social exchange.

Project Practice Team

Lisa Garner, Lian Architects, Project Architect
Cameron Gordon, Lian Architects, Architect
Thomas Gilbert, Hayball, Project Principal – Collaborating Architect
Robert Mosca, Hayball, Project Architect – Collaborating Architect
Kedar Gadgil, Hayball, Architect – Collaborating Architect

Project Consultant and Construction Team

WRAP Engineering, Hydraulic Consultant
WRAP Engineering, Services Consultant
WRAP Engineering, Electrical Consultant
Hacer Group Pty Ltd, Construction Manager
Floreancig Smith Building Surveyors, Building Surveyor
Red Fire Engineers, Fire Engineer
Architecture and Access, Access Consultant
Hip v. Hype, ESD Consultant
Bluline Projects, Construction Manager – Fit Out
Wildflower, Loose FFE Procurement and Selection
SBLA, Landscape Consultant
DKO, Landscape Consultant

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