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<p>Adding more green space within a city is often a challenge but with the Greenline project’s contractor being announced, the Yarra River’s northern riverbank edge will soon be transformed.</p><p>The City of Melbourne has announced the selection of Symal Infrastructure as the contractor for the first site in the Birrarung Marr precinct.</p><p>Symal will be part of a joint venture according to Symal Infrastructure executive general manager, Matthew Gurney.&nbsp;</p><p>“We're delighted to be building better together with the City of Melbourne on the Greenline Project and working in a joint venture with Aboriginal owned and operated civil contractor Wamarra on a culturally significant site such as Birrarung Marr,” Gurney said.&nbsp;</p><p>It is one of five interconnected precincts within the $300-million Greenline project stretching from Birrarung Marr to the Bolte Bridge over a distance of four kilometres.</p><p>Site 1 stretches from Batman Avenue to the eastern edge of Federation Square near ArtPlay.&nbsp;</p><p>It will cover 450 metres of boardwalks, green space and viewpoints.</p><p><span class="mce-preview-object mce-object-iframe" contenteditable="false" data-mce-object="iframe" data-mce-p-allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-p-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NvNrF-5N_5Q"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NvNrF-5N_5Q" width="560" height="314" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NvNrF-5N_5Q"></iframe><span class="mce-shim"></span></span></p><p><br>There will be three contemporary spaces created in the first stage of the project.</p><p>These include The River Edge, which is the entrance to the Greenline project with pathways, new wildlife habitats and play and recreation areas.&nbsp;</p><p>A second space, The Lookout, will be a gathering space for Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung cultural activities and celebrations with seating, planting and a lookout along the river.</p><p>The last space is the Fig Tree Boardwalk with a shaded space for art and storytelling, a suspended platform and new seating.&nbsp;</p><div id="carousel-root" data-reactroot=""><image-carousel-remove-button><div class="rm-carousel-wrapper"><button id="rm-carousel" class="rm-carousel-btn">Delete</button></div></image-carousel-remove-button><div class="slider-wrap"><image-carousel><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="01b_Entry_Render.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3AK7sHE04qOeM1vNxSR2z/0cc7be5d280413f646f5d1268ac1d1a8/01b_Entry_Render.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3AK7sHE04qOeM1vNxSR2z/0cc7be5d280413f646f5d1268ac1d1a8/01b_Entry_Render.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="02b_RiverEdge_Render.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7io1P0wQdb6NjjnUHlnx8T/b3633f1e216c3f9700d95de131d6baff/02b_RiverEdge_Render.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7io1P0wQdb6NjjnUHlnx8T/b3633f1e216c3f9700d95de131d6baff/02b_RiverEdge_Render.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="04b_Event_Render.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6flHAonhpyyQ0IKelKqky6/d2bbc7a28b384b9250fb56f4b6922c59/04b_Event_Render.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6flHAonhpyyQ0IKelKqky6/d2bbc7a28b384b9250fb56f4b6922c59/04b_Event_Render.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div></image-carousel></div></div><p><br>Design and early works for Site 1 will start in late 2023 with major construction scheduled for 2024.</p><p>Later stages of the project will include two additional sites to complete the Birrarung Marr precinct.&nbsp;</p><p>The site is also expected to contribute to the city’s economy according to City of Melbourne lord mayor Sally Capp.</p><p>“Greenline is an unequivocally transformational project that is set to inject $1 billion into Melbourne’s economy,” Capp said.&nbsp;</p><p>More than a million visitors are expected to use the area once it is completed according to City of Melbourne councillor Davydd Griffiths.</p><p>“Revitalising the north bank of the Yarra River – Birrarung starts here, and in years to come we can expect more than a million more visitors will enjoy new connected parks, cultural activations and riverfront dining spaces,” Griffiths said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Designs for the first stage were developed through a precinct concept plan created in consultation with the community in 2022.&nbsp;</p><p>The community was also consulted when <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/city-of-melbourne-greenline-project-designs" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/city-of-melbourne-greenline-project-designs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the draft master plan was released in August </a>this year.&nbsp;</p>

The project to redevelop and green the northern riverbank of the Yarra River can now get under way after a head contractor was awarded the job...


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<p>Aged care provider Pathways is working towards its next development with four buildings up to eight storeys on Sydney’s Lower North Shore.</p><p>The project hone in on the growing population of people over 65 which is expected to double in the next 40 years, according to the federal government’s latest Intergenerational Report.</p><p>Current retirement village stock is at capacity, leaving opportunities for developers.</p><p>The on-exhibition State Significant Development would contribute by amalgamating low-density residential properties to provide housing for older generations.</p><p>The Pathway Cremorne Seniors Housing project is proposed for a T-shaped, 7354sq m site at 50-88 Parraween Street and 59-67 Gerard Street, bordering the town centre.</p><p>It includes a five-storey residential care facility as well as an eight-storey and two four-storey independent living apartment blocks created by Morrison Design Partnership and Chrofi. There are also two basement levels of parking for 134 cars.</p><p>The buildings would all have rooftop communal open space as well as a public park and landscaping by Svalbe &amp; Co and television personality and landscaper Brendan Moar.</p><p>To maintain the character and scale of homes the area, nine homes on Parraween Street would be adaptively reused as semi-detached cottages, the developer said.&nbsp;</p><p>Retirement Living Council executive director Daniel Gannon said the focus needed to be on injecting supply into the market to meet growing demand.</p><p>“Retirement communities already play an important social and affordable role within the housing market, providing units that are on average 48 per cent cheaper than the median house price in the same postcode,” Gannon said.</p><p>“Encouraging and facilitating more seniors into retirement communities carries the added benefit of freeing up traditional housing stock for singles, couples, new and growing families.</p><p>“If more seniors are living in age-friendly communities, there is also significant economic upside for state and federal governments.</p><p>“Through reduced interaction with the health system and delayed entry to aged care, while more houses become available in the traditional real estate market.”</p><div id="5SrsxrvzwrNC8qhvGzyGPs"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1rAYLOv068DbIzNCAFSvoK/c09ce08d99e5f74a75246394c87230f2/Copy_of_Mid_article_resizes__39_.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1rAYLOv068DbIzNCAFSvoK/c09ce08d99e5f74a75246394c87230f2/Copy_of_Mid_article_resizes__39_.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ A render of the proposed independent living units building fronting Gerard Street.<br><br></span></div></div><p>While the Pathways development aims to cater for the luxury market it is still part of the bigger picture, according to the developer.<br>&nbsp;<br>“The project aims to deliver high-quality, purpose-built housing that will meet the changing needs and preferences of aging Australians,” the report by Gyde said.</p><p>“The proposal responds to the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and the impact of the Covid pandemic in aged care facilities, Which has cemented the shift in Australians of all ages wanting to be assisted to live independently [where possible] in their own home during their retirement years rather than having to go to an aged care facility.&nbsp;</p><p>“The project will contribute to the supply and diversity of housing stock within the North Sydney local government area.”</p><p>There were more than 260,000 senior Australians living in about 2500 retirement communities across the country.</p><p>Australia has about 4.4 million people aged over 65—this is expected to&nbsp; was estimated to grow to 6.6 million by 2041.</p>

Aged care provider Pathways is planning to amalgamate 24 lots in Cremorne, Sydney’s Lower North Shore, adding supply to the at-capacity sector…

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<p>Central Element will restore historical Ballamac House, creating a boutique apartment development at Coogee.&nbsp;</p><p>The Sydney-based developer has been greenlit to create eight, three-bedroom apartments as part of the restoration of the building from the 1860s, as well as a new four-storey build, at 39 Arcadia Street.&nbsp;</p><p>This will be the latest incarnation of Ballamac House, which has beena private home, hotel, and infirmary, and was converted into a strata title about 50 years ago.&nbsp;</p><p>The heritage Victorian-era house will be converted into two residences, with a further six homes in the new build to the east, designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer.</p><p>There will also be a communal outdoor area on the 1500sq m site with a pool by Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture using original sandstone from the site in the design.</p><p>Central Element managing director Nathan Chivas said it was a hallmark project and would make a lasting impact.</p><p>“Ballamac House has been a permanent fixture on Coogee’s north headland for more than a century, so it was crucial to honour its great legacy and restore the property,” Chivas said.</p><p>“The conservation of the original house will see us retain the external and internal walls, fireplaces, mantel pieces, and decorative ceilings, while reconstructing the wraparound veranda, as an ode the luxury of estate living.”<br></p><div id="4o5PJySqZwg5D2802u1ZDo"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/hGkdA6DRiJS9Wa4ZHwf4N/01cc4507bfec47cff9e0e7d11ef1d29b/Copy_of_Mid_article_resizes__44_.jpg" alt="a black and white photo of Ballamac House, a two storey Victorian house in Coogee, Sydney." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/hGkdA6DRiJS9Wa4ZHwf4N/01cc4507bfec47cff9e0e7d11ef1d29b/Copy_of_Mid_article_resizes__44_.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ The property was established by Charles Moore and later owned by newspaper proprietor Sir James Joynton-Smith, whose guests included the Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII.<br><br></span></div></div><p>Construction on Ballamac House is expected to begin towards the end of 2023 and adds to multiple partnerships between the developer and architect including 25Hours Paddington and The Minerva Potts Point.</p><p>Central Element has a multibillion-dollar portfolio of residential, mixed-use and lifestyle precincts, having delivered over 500 apartments across Sydney metropolitan locations.</p>

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<p>Addenbrooke is continuing to put faith in the office sector, creating plans for a 12-storey office building and “vibrant laneway” next to Mecca Coffee at Alexandria.&nbsp;</p><p>The SJB-designed concept plan has been put to City of Sydney Council and the site has been listed as the developer looks divest the property for more than $30 million.&nbsp;</p><p>Addenbrooke managing director Ned O’Neil said Green Square was ripe with potential.&nbsp;</p><p>“We have amalgamated this site over the last 4 years and it is probably the best holding in Green Square,” O’Neil said. </p><p>“We recently lodged a development application for a beautifully designed building by SJB Architects. We believe that Green Square is well on its way to becoming the premium city fringe market with unrivalled amenity and public transport access. </p><p>“Addenbrooke is looking to divest as we continue to add value and enhance our existing pipeline of office, residential and marina assets in<br>Sydney.”</p><p>The building would replace the former Marlene’s Brothel site and motor repair businesses at 20-26 Bourke Road, Alexandria.</p><p>The concept plans for the 3307sq m site were on exhibition with the City of Sydney for the site between the CBD and airport, 5km south of the city centre.</p><p>The design by SJB architects was for a four-storey podium and tower above creating 12,123sq m of commercial office space as well as one level of basement.</p><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p><div id="52SIBGBU8zPmUreogJ6Aj4"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6E7QLozRsMslk7U2WBIssN/549d617d79edf12ce85a5bcdc6047a6d/Copy_of_Mid_article_resizes__35_.jpg" alt="Render of the laneway between a brick office tower and coffee shop in Sydney." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6E7QLozRsMslk7U2WBIssN/549d617d79edf12ce85a5bcdc6047a6d/Copy_of_Mid_article_resizes__35_.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ SJB architects said the side of Addenbrooke’s office building would connect to a future laneway at the eastern edge of the site. </span></div></div><p><br></p><p>The cafe and roastery would be retained in the development to create one side of the laneway with a lobby and a 992sq m end-trip facility on the opposite side.</p><p>Above the podium was a rooftop garden as well as planter boxes on the balconies designed by Dangar Barin Smith.</p><p>The building would become part of the emerging Green Square urban renewal, which would scale-up the light-industrial buildings to create an “enterprise and services precinct”.</p><p>“Green Square has experienced, and will continue to experience, major population growth during its renewal and gentrification,” the planning report by Ethos Urban said.</p><p>“Bourke Road is projected to become a new thoroughfare which links the surrounding community to serices and infrastructure.</p><p>“The North Alexandria Precinct seeks to retain the industrial character of the area, increase connectivity through site links and supports a range of business uses.”</p><p>The office plans were one of many in the Sydney-based developer’s portfolio, which included plans for <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/addenbrooke-super-ocean-list-333-kent-street" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/addenbrooke-super-ocean-list-333-kent-street">333 Kent Street, a project that went on the market</a> in 2022.</p><p>Colliers agents Michael Crombie and Trent Gallagher are marketing the site with the potential for an A-grade carbon netural office space alongside the cafe and roastery.</p><p>“Sites located within 200 metres from rail are certainly well received by the occupier market. Coupled with a DA lodged for commercial office use, this potential 13,724 square m of gross floor area should draw strong interest from occupiers and developers alike,” Crombie said.&nbsp;</p><p>Addenbrooke had also created Hollywood-worthy residential developments in the Starsky &amp; Hutch at Surry Hills and Como at Rose Bay, which were yet to be built.</p><p>Currently on-the-books for Addenbrooke were 85,125sq m of commercial space, 3582 residences and 520 accommodation keys, including The Shangri-La hotel in Cairns.&nbsp;</p>

The prominent O’Neil family is putting its faith in the office sector, lodging concept plans for a 12-storey commercial tower and putting it to market…

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<p>There were two main ideas Architectus used to dictate the design process&nbsp; for client Homes Victoria that led to ideal outcomes.</p><p>“It<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">’</span>s fundamentally rooted in the idea of equitable amenity and being tenure blind,” Architectus national sector leader for living Oliver Mayger said of the Markham Avenue project.</p><p>Equitable amenity is what it says on the tin—equal access to all amenities in and surrounding the project.</p><p>“Equitable amenity means that you’re not compromised, because you<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">’</span>re in a certain space on your financial or social economic journey,” Mayger said.</p><p>“You<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">’</span>re not penalised with a lesser view or a lesser outcome or a lesser quality environment.”</p><p>Being tenure blind refers to residents not being identifiable by their housing design or location; a move designed to integrate social housing into communities rather than create the ostracisation of, and discrimination against, residents.</p><p>“It is the acknowledgement that we<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">’</span>re designing homes, not social housing, dwellings, and the desire that these are indistinguishable from any variances such as if it<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">’</span>s a social affordable, market rent or an apartment you<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">’</span>re buying,” Mayger said.</p><p>“These are indistinguishable, these are high-quality homes.&nbsp;<br></p><p>“And that<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">’</span>s achieved through design.”</p><p>Mayger will be discussing both concepts and how they were applied in greater detail at the upcoming <a data-mce-href="https://web.cvent.com/event/b56cc35d-c33d-410c-8ca9-b3dceea6aae1/regProcessStep1:4db2eead-ad02-4cc7-9617-fa719af4099d?RefId=TUD%2B%20Member%20%7C%20Registration&amp;rp=0a856321-596f-4676-a05a-50dc312c30a1" href="https://web.cvent.com/event/b56cc35d-c33d-410c-8ca9-b3dceea6aae1/regProcessStep1:4db2eead-ad02-4cc7-9617-fa719af4099d?RefId=TUD%2B%20Member%20%7C%20Registration&amp;rp=0a856321-596f-4676-a05a-50dc312c30a1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Urban Developer</em>’s Affordable Housing Vsummit on Thursday, August 24</a>.</p><div id="5DRRpPWAt8qDRnXFU8wZa1"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3aTWxyqLjBBSam6wrMaCi0/a4733ab917b0a73364f87e4e9996d372/ma-Oliver_Mayger-01_CV.jpg" alt="Architectus' National Senior Lead for Living, Oliver Maygher will be speaking at the upcoming The Urban Developer's Affordable Housing Vsummit on August 24." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3aTWxyqLjBBSam6wrMaCi0/a4733ab917b0a73364f87e4e9996d372/ma-Oliver_Mayger-01_CV.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ Architectus national sector lead for living Oliver Mayger will present at the upcoming <em>The Urban Developer’</em>s Affordable Housing vSummit on August 24.<br><br></span></div></div><p>Homes Victoria needed Architectus to design a project for 178 homes that maintained the dignity of the residents and provided stability in a sustainable and universally accessible manner.</p><p>That brief and the landscape context of the site determined how Architectus went about designing Markham Avenue to meet not just those two concepts but also ensuring that the entire project was sustainable.</p><p>It meant creating courtyards for better solar cooling and movement, removing non-native vegetation and replanting native species throughout, creating full access to all common areas and pathways through the site which has a slope.</p><p>On top of that, arrangements for zero gas, solar-power panels and an embedded network mean that not only are communal areas powered but each household could potentially reduce their power bills by tapping into the embedded network.</p><p>This further reduces financial burdens for future residents helping them achieve more stability.</p><p>The outcomes have been fantastic for Architectus and their client, subverting people’s expectations of what can and should be provided in such a context.</p><p>“There<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">’</span>s a couple of key phrases that I keep hearing: one is that it doesn<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">’</span>t look like social housing,” Mayger said.</p><p>“The other one is that people struggled to find a bad apartment.</p><p>“That<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;" data-mce-style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;">’</span>s an odd statement: why would we provide bad ones?” &nbsp;<br><br></p><hr><p style="text-align: center;" data-mce-style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><br>The Urban Developer</em>&nbsp;Affordable Housing Developer vSummit will be held virtually on Thursday, August 24.&nbsp;</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;" data-mce-style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://web.cvent.com/event/b56cc35d-c33d-410c-8ca9-b3dceea6aae1/regProcessStep1:4db2eead-ad02-4cc7-9617-fa719af4099d?RefId=TUD%2B%20Member%20%7C%20Registration&amp;rp=0a856321-596f-4676-a05a-50dc312c30a1" data-mce-href="https://web.cvent.com/event/b56cc35d-c33d-410c-8ca9-b3dceea6aae1/regProcessStep1:4db2eead-ad02-4cc7-9617-fa719af4099d?RefId=TUD%2B%20Member%20%7C%20Registration&amp;rp=0a856321-596f-4676-a05a-50dc312c30a1">Click here to register and learn more.&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

Architectus knocked it out of the park when their client asked them to design with not just sustainability and accessibility in mind but also safety and dignity…


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<p>The University of Melbourne has revealed the masterplan for its Parkville campus.&nbsp;</p><p>Hassell was the principal design consultant for the Estate Master Plan, a blueprint for the University of Melbourne’s precincts and campuses.</p><p>Under the masterplan, more than 22,000sq m of new open green space will be created for students and the community to share at <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/australian-institute-for-infectious-disease-parkville-melbourne" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/australian-institute-for-infectious-disease-parkville-melbourne" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Parkville campus</a>.</p><p>Grattan Street will become an expanded green corridor connecting the historic northern precinct and a contemporary southern precinct.&nbsp;</p><p>Accessibility will be improved with more pedestrian-friendly thoroughfares to create <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/life-science-investors-boom-1bn" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/life-science-investors-boom-1bn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a safer space for students, staff and community of the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct </a>to move through.&nbsp;</p><p>“The university will also enhance its contribution to the city with easier ways to navigate through the University precinct and exciting new green space,” Hassell principal Mark Roehrs said.</p><p>The University of Melbourne’s Estate Master Plan aims to improve the campus experience by creating diverse communal settings and to enhance efficiency by focusing on affordability.”</p><p>Other aims include regenerating ageing properties, creating world-class contemporary academic and research spaces and creating partnerships with industry and government.&nbsp;<br></p><div id="carousel-root" data-reactroot=""><image-carousel-remove-button><div class="rm-carousel-wrapper"><button id="rm-carousel" class="rm-carousel-btn">Delete</button></div></image-carousel-remove-button><div class="slider-wrap"><image-carousel><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Hassell parkville uni melb design mid article image 01.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4OMqDubAmJdonTfY8Nwxh9/a7b99379e5c59a3192d7e1db6761f102/Hassell_parkville_uni_melb_design_mid_article_image_01.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4OMqDubAmJdonTfY8Nwxh9/a7b99379e5c59a3192d7e1db6761f102/Hassell_parkville_uni_melb_design_mid_article_image_01.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Hassell parkville uni melb design mid article image 02.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5o467xyUiEL2vNHiCXWoX2/96889d59be6d1b8f57f2ede162a806a1/Hassell_parkville_uni_melb_design_mid_article_image_02.jpg" 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data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3MmPe3D3Je8PZQRB18lVIn/5364b3cf58a380db997e2e9840f74ffa/Hassell_parkville_uni_melb_design_mid_article_image_06.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Hassell parkville uni melb design mid article image 05.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4YLGTnvF14fS4Tof9b1JT3/e79830de576f49a0f9e18a44dadb8e49/Hassell_parkville_uni_melb_design_mid_article_image_05.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4YLGTnvF14fS4Tof9b1JT3/e79830de576f49a0f9e18a44dadb8e49/Hassell_parkville_uni_melb_design_mid_article_image_05.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="Hassell parkville uni melb design mid article image 04.jpg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1EX9zK4sOOCkDR8DSDRCA9/92e2674022693827bcafafb124284078/Hassell_parkville_uni_melb_design_mid_article_image_04.jpg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1EX9zK4sOOCkDR8DSDRCA9/92e2674022693827bcafafb124284078/Hassell_parkville_uni_melb_design_mid_article_image_04.jpg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div></image-carousel></div></div><p><br>“At a time when many universities and their communities are reconsidering the role of the campus in a post-Covid world, the University of Melbourne Estate Master Plan represents a future-focused framework for improving student and staff well-being, creating exemplary teaching, learning and research environments, and delivering sustainable outcomes,” Hassell associate Matt Watson said.</p><p>Hassell is also designing two new underground rail stations within the precinct: the Parkville and Arden stations.&nbsp;</p><p><a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/melbourne-metro-tunnel" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/melbourne-metro-tunnel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Both are part of the Metro Tunnel Project</a> as part of a collaboration, the Cross Yarra Partnership joint venture with Hassell, Weston Williamson + Partners and RSHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The Metro Tunnel Project is scheduled for completion in 2025.</p>

The Parkville campus for the University of Melbourne will undergo a transformation designed by Hassell…


Beulah Goes behind-the-scenes on the World's Tallest Vertical Garden in Southbank Melbourne. 

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Developer Beulah is in the process of creating the world’s tallest vertical garden on its $2 billion Southbank tower in Melbourne.</p><p>The images and design details show more than 15,500 square metres of landscaping including the twisting “green spine” on Australia’s <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/beulah-moves-ahead-on-2bn-southbank-project">tallest </a>tower.</p><p>The 365 metre-high design by Dutch firm UNStudio and Melbourne-based Cox Architecture was <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/victoria-green-lights-mega-projects-to-boost-economy">fast-tracked </a>by the Victorian government with construction expected to start early 2022 and take five years to complete.</p><p>The landscaped design continues the global push for greener-skyscrapers including the Aria Property Group’s <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/aria-cultivates-urban-forest-tower-plans">urban forest</a> in Brisbane and Amazon’s “helix” <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/amazon-unveils-hq2-helix-at-25bn-headquarters">headquarters </a>in Virginia. </p><p>Beulah’s twisting spines include a series of outdoor spaces and green elements along the façades of the two towers.</p><p>However, building the world’s tallest vertical garden has come with its challenges.</p><p></p><p></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/4188f4cf-a9d4-4044-8087-6c6e59238436.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Southbank by Beulah will use plants from mountainous and coastal regions with placement based on sunlight, wind and elevation characteristics on each part of the towers. </span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p></p><p>The developer is working with a research and engineer team to create the towering feat and is also is in the process of appointing a landscape designer.</p><p>Water collected on the building terraces will be stored underground for reuse as irrigation while water stored by plants will help cool the surrounding building area in summer and warm it during winter.</p><p>Also taken into consideration is eliminating the risk of falling green material, with planting systems locking plants into planter beds and allowing for full abseiling maintenance.</p><p>The chosen plant species will be grown in a dedicated nursery in Victoria, which will mature in the landscape beds in the years preceding installation, grown within similar environmental conditions to ensure they thrive in their new, permanent locations.</p><p>This includes mountain and coastal plants being placed at higher levels in northern sunlight and morning breeze, with large-leaf breeds placed at lower heights like that of their natural rainforest conditions. </p><p>Related: <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/developing-australias-tallest-skyscraper-covid-19">Developing Australia’s Tallest Skyscraper During Covid-19</a></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/fcaad74e-1c66-4b56-8220-4d7b630a3f5a.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Australia&#x27;s tallest tower will also become home to the world&#x27;s tallest vertical garden in Southbank, Melbourne. </span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p></p><p>Beulah executive director Adelene Teh said the project will provide individuals with the opportunity to connect with nature across every level of the two towers.</p><p>“With recent events highlighting the importance of a close connection to nature, beautiful, biophilic design is more important now than ever, particularly as Melburnians become more aware of the need for health and wellbeing,” Teh said.</p><p>“We know that the inclusion of greenery, water, light and other natural elements within a built environment positively affects how people interact with the space and how they feel in the space, both mentally and physically.”</p><p>Envisioned as a vertical mini-metropolis, Southbank by Beulah will comprise four distinct collections of private residences, public and green spaces, a rooftop sky garden, town hall and commercial offices.</p><p>There will also be a five-star urban resort, childcare centre, a health and wellness precinct, arts and culture spaces and programs, as well as experiential retail, all within two twisting terraced forms.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

The world’s tallest vertical garden will be built on Beulah International’s $2 billion Southbank tower in Melbourne...

Greenline images update story edm hero.jpg

<p>Melbourne is one step closer to lush parkland and spaces flourishing along the Yarra River banks with City of Melbourne revealing the final designs for its Greenline Project. <br></p><p>A consortium led by landscape architects and design experts Aspect Studios and T.C.L was chosen by the city to design the project. <br></p><p>The draft of the Greenline Project Masterplan will be finalised in the next few months and the Future Melbourne Committee is expected to approve the community consultation process at its April 4 meeting.&nbsp;</p><p>“We want to hear what the community thinks to best inform the masterplan and deliver maximum value for Melburnians,” City of Melbourne lord mayor Sally Capp said.<br></p><p>Birrarung Marr, the northern bank of the Yarra River, is the focus of the Greenline project.&nbsp;</p><p>It will span 4km through five precincts from between Federation Square and Melbourne Park to the Bolte Bridge. <br></p><p>Promenades, parks, open spaces, cultural spaces, native planting and environment renewal are included in the project. <br></p><p>Under the masterplan, the Birrarung Marr Precinct, which includes Birrarung Marr, the Federation Vaults and Flinders Walk, will have performance spaces, seasonal cultural events, terraced steps to the river and an expansion of the riverside promenade. <br></p><p>The Falls Precinct includes Sandridge Bridge, the Banana Alley Vaults, Turning Basin and Enterprize Park.<br></p><p>There will be a new linear park next to the Sandridge Bridge, an ecological river edge with floating pontoons, a new wetland habitat and upgrades to Enterprize Park. <br></p><p>Ground floor artistic and cultural institutions and rooftops restaurants and cafes will be developed at the Banana Alley Vaults.</p><div id="2BDDSs8i0bwoWShssMHJ30"><div id="carousel-root" data-reactroot=""><image-carousel-remove-button><div class="rm-carousel-wrapper"><button id="rm-carousel" class="rm-carousel-btn">Delete</button></div></image-carousel-remove-button><div class="slider-wrap"><image-carousel><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="3e100c9f796f878e64887fd011cdfbf8.jpeg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/GAR5UYOG97lMz3dUWh6gg/9eb092b6bc2d7819d1f97b26810fd567/3e100c9f796f878e64887fd011cdfbf8.jpeg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/GAR5UYOG97lMz3dUWh6gg/9eb092b6bc2d7819d1f97b26810fd567/3e100c9f796f878e64887fd011cdfbf8.jpeg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="85e0489840c52be62394d7c65831218a.jpeg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4d9TPfwh2gdeNugNliXz4w/a18332b261b9d0fe12fb4f658edc7027/85e0489840c52be62394d7c65831218a.jpeg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4d9TPfwh2gdeNugNliXz4w/a18332b261b9d0fe12fb4f658edc7027/85e0489840c52be62394d7c65831218a.jpeg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="638b335803e990d37a0785df315fa40f.jpeg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1EGnf9u7hRdMLbnyxuef4v/8ce1a5f2f31e51735bea0d2272ecaf82/638b335803e990d37a0785df315fa40f.jpeg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/1EGnf9u7hRdMLbnyxuef4v/8ce1a5f2f31e51735bea0d2272ecaf82/638b335803e990d37a0785df315fa40f.jpeg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="60d045d53c1a72f510dff67323282f15.jpeg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3KHIKMu8RTDbFjhW8OyzOB/9ad7489ae3e17239c621891931ad523a/60d045d53c1a72f510dff67323282f15.jpeg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/3KHIKMu8RTDbFjhW8OyzOB/9ad7489ae3e17239c621891931ad523a/60d045d53c1a72f510dff67323282f15.jpeg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div><div class="slider-el"><img style="height: 100%;" title="1ff2f152d5c56f58584851442c302224.jpeg" src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/30LnPxwlCLMGmxkevRmF87/95beb5bc343763ac5290a00b26d1cc84/1ff2f152d5c56f58584851442c302224.jpeg" data-mce-src="http://images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/30LnPxwlCLMGmxkevRmF87/95beb5bc343763ac5290a00b26d1cc84/1ff2f152d5c56f58584851442c302224.jpeg" data-mce-style="height: 100%;"></div></image-carousel></div></div><br data-reactroot=""></div><p>A new park is earmarked for the Saltwater Wharf Precinct, which includes Collins Wharf Park, Collins Street and the North Wharf Road river frontage.<br></p><p>The promenade will be expanded and raised waterfront platforms installed as well as improved boating, fishing access and amenities. <br></p><p>River Park Precinct, which incorporates Batman Park, will have expanded space and lawns, new activities under the Flinders Street viaduct, a wetland and neighbourhood nature play destination.<br></p><div id="7tFardgs458GUWoi5VD8Jn"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/luKlyTYY9QayWC3MUaBxr/40798981a07e94e2edf16b64049fb80a/GL_River_Park_-_Batman_Park_mid.jpg" alt="There will be expanded space and lawns for the River Park Precinct which incorporates Batman Park." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/luKlyTYY9QayWC3MUaBxr/40798981a07e94e2edf16b64049fb80a/GL_River_Park_-_Batman_Park_mid.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ There will be expanded space and lawns for the River Park Precinct which incorporates Batman Park.<br><br></span></div></div><p>There will be improved boating access and amenities at the Maritime Precinct, which includes the Crowne Plaza and Seafarers river frontage.<br></p><p>The ground floor of the Crowne Plaza riverfront will have more activation with art about the area’s maritime heritage at the Seafarers Shed.<br></p><p><a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/melbourne-greenline-designers-appointed" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/melbourne-greenline-designers-appointed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The council endorsed the business case for the project last year </a>when Ernst and Young estimating the benefit-to -ost ration at $3.29 for every dollar spent.<br></p><p>An additional $1.9 billion in private sector investment is expected for the project.<br></p><p>It is also tipped to create more than 3400 jobs during construction, more than 6400 ongoing jobs by 2042 and attract more than 1.1 million additional visitors to the city each year.&nbsp;</p><p>“The Greenline Project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a new internationally recognisable destination in the heart of our city,” Cr Davydd Griffiths said. <br></p><p>The council has committed $70 million towards the project with its four year budget for 2022-26 including $140 million for it. <br></p><p>The total project value is estimated to be $300 million with council exploring grant funding. </p>

With architects confirmed for the project to create community and green space along the Yarra River, the City of Melbourne has announced the final project designs…


aria south bne hero.jpg

<p>South-east Queensland developer Aria is stepping up its commitment to the South Brisbane area with a masterplanned office precinct that would take&nbsp; up most of a suburban block.&nbsp;</p><p>The mixed-use development would comprise <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/aria-files-plans-for-17-storey-south-brisbane-tower" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/aria-files-plans-for-17-storey-south-brisbane-tower" target="_blank" rel="noopener">three 12-storey commercial towers</a> over two and three-storey podiums with raised ground planes focused on the central courtyard.</p><p>After 18 months of negotiations Aria amalgamated a 4562sq m site with two street frontages in South Brisbane, which incorporates two heritage buildings, a cottage and the Bonds sweets factory at 23-29 Manning Street and 164-190 Melbourne Street.</p><p>Bates Smart, and Richards and Spence were engaged to design the blockbusting commercial precinct, which development director Brent Liddell said was slightly out of their wheelhouse.&nbsp;</p><p>“It’s been a bit of a labour of love,” Liddell said.</p><p>“We had to amalgamate the site, but it was a key focus for us.</p><p>“We’re really excited to explore commercial offices, it’s not something we have done a lot of.</p><p>“We can’t just keep doing residential, it sort of made sense to expand our offerings in the area and it will bring more foot traffic to South Brisbane and West End.”</p><div id="4oJOPL49LsZFYoMrLDfkwu"><div id="4oJOPL49LsZFYoMrLDfkwu"><div id="4oJOPL49LsZFYoMrLDfkwu"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/TymBxNvVg3L6Qp9PWSG6J/d4cb43518f8cfcfa9c319928c41eef29/AriaCommercialMID.jpg" alt="A render of two of the proposed buildings for the site at South Brisbane. " data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/TymBxNvVg3L6Qp9PWSG6J/d4cb43518f8cfcfa9c319928c41eef29/AriaCommercialMID.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ The three towers are distinct from each other, but all three sit atop podiums that complement the existing heritage fabric of the area.<br><br></span></div></div></div><p>Liddell said the design consortium had focused on creating a sense of place for the commercial precinct, which he believes could accommodate big corporate businesses as well as boutique office requirements.<br></p></div><p>“There are some beautiful Victorian-era terraces diagonally opposite the site and that informed the materiality. Like Fish Lane Town Square the use of bricks really brings the local response to the history and heritage of the area,” he said.&nbsp;</p><p>“We’re very heavily invested in this area, and Fish Lane is a key link connecting our projects.</p><p>“The plan is for three commercial towers on the site but the big opportunity for this site was the ground plane.</p><p>“The ground plane is going to be the really exciting part of this project.</p><p>Liddell said the buildings would centre around an open court yard as the focal point of the masterplanned project, while also addressing the flood risks to the site with a raised ground plane.&nbsp;</p><p>The heritage-signficant Malouf’s Fruit Shop and residence, and Bond’s sweet factory were not included in the masterplan, but Liddell said there would be some planning done around how to incorporate them into the development of the precinct.</p><p>Following the <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/fish-lane-landscape-award" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/fish-lane-landscape-award" target="_blank" rel="noopener">successes of Fish Lane Town Square</a>, Richards and Spence and RPS Landscape Architects will team up again to transform the 500sq m pocket park between the buildings. It draws on inspiration from New York’s Paley Park and according to design reports it will include recreation spaces, detailed urban design and access to natural light and air circulation.</p><div id="272pzBZCwPriuA77inVAle"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5hCStep3nPbDQH4B7tmN1i/e4f936626325b1b9ebc2cae2f23bdb89/Fish_Lane_Town_Square.jpg" alt="null" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5hCStep3nPbDQH4B7tmN1i/e4f936626325b1b9ebc2cae2f23bdb89/Fish_Lane_Town_Square.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ Richards and Spence and RPS Landscape Architects will collaborate again on this project following the success of the Fish Lane Town Square development.<br><br> </span></div></div><p>“The place we create should feel like part of the neighbourhood and be full of life. It draws from the characteristics that define and distinguish South Brisbane from other places. In doing so, it gives us the best chance of creating a new place that is equally welcomed by existing and emerging communities of South Brisbane,” the design report said.&nbsp;</p><p>“The existing heritage Bonds Sweet Factory building is a true feature of the podium. Towers 1 and 2 are designed at the same height and scale to better integrate it into the design.&nbsp;</p><p>“The existing heritage and former Maloufs fruit shop and residence at 164 Melbourne Street, is more discrete and difficult to integrate architecturally and so the focus was on bringing it into the active ground floor through the continuation of the awning.”</p><p>Tower 1 will include a brickwork podium and pigmented concrete tower with an articulated facade and terraces at each level. Tower 2 features a more dynamic facade with shade fins and a vertical green wall taht rises to the rooftop garden. Tower 3 will be a CLT-hybrid structure with a bronze metal facade that complements the brick and terracotta podium facades of the other two towers.&nbsp;</p><p>The precinct will comprise almost 23,000sq m of commercial space, 3224sq m of gym and recreational amenities and 788sq m of food and beverage space. It will also provide 433 car parking spaces in the basement of one of the towers, and 201 bicycle parking spaces.&nbsp;</p><p>Liddell said they hoped to break ground on the project in the third quarter of 2023 while they scoped out cafes and high street retail offerings for the development.&nbsp;</p><p>He said it was unclear whether Aria would continue its Riviere construction arm beyond completion of the project, following the collapse of Condev earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

After 18 months of negotiations to amalgamate a significant inner-city site, Aria has filed plans for its first master-planned commercial precinct...

Gurner Group's La Pelago development between Budds Beach and Surfers Paradise Beach will have four towers.

<div class="row" data-reactroot=""><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p>Gurner Group is planning to build four towers up to 57 storeys on the Gold Coast in a $1.25-billion joint-venture with investment house Wingate. </p><p>The La Pelago development would have  889 apartments, a 200-key hotel in tower three, 2000sq m wellness club and 5500sq m of restaurants, retail and conferencing amenity on the 112 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise, site.</p><p>The Victorian-based developer <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/failed-ralan-development-site-in-surfers-paradise-hits-market">picked up</a> the entire block from the Ralan Group in 2019, which was already approved for 1000 apartments.  </p><p>The new “private island” themed plans for the 13,000sq m site were designed by Warren and Mahoney along with landscape architecture firm SWA.</p><p>Less than 100m away, SPG Land and Gordon Corp are <a href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/triple-towers-800m-surfers-putt-putt-site-plans">planning </a>an $800-million, triple-tower development on the King Tutt’s Putt Putt site, lodged in July.</p><p></p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/de05c5e1-4573-40fe-bd5f-2461370339c5.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ The towers are 30-, 25-, 55-, and 34-storeys high with consolidated three-storey podiums with a total of 889 dwellings and 1257 car parking spaces.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Gurner chief executive Tim Gurner said they were looking for an international hotel name that would be a new entrant to the Australian market for the development.</p><p>“We are well progressed with an international EOI process with some of the world’s best five-star hotel brands, and we are very excited to announce more details in months to come,” Gurner said.</p><p>“La Pelago will allow us to draw on our unique experience in the retail, signature amenity and urban regeneration space, and apply it on a grand scale.</p><p>“When designing the project it was really about me dreaming about where we all want to be right now and for me that is a hot and sunny luxury private island.”</p><p>The first stage of the development, between Budds Beach and Surfers Paradise Beach, is expected to launch later this year.</p></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><div><picture><img src="https://tud-prod-tudmedia-oj9w2zshuo0o.s3.amazonaws.com/raw/images/153eb89f-02ca-4ab9-896d-bd185be78e29.jpg" width="800"/></picture><div><span style="align-content:center;opacity:0.8">▲ Gurner said he enlisted the services of SWA after “staying at my two favourite hotels in the world, the Beverly Hills Hotel and Los Vantanas in Cabo”.</span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="row ci"><div class="cell cs12 cx12"><div class="ci cl"><p><br>Warren and Mahoney design principal Barrington Gohns said after the success of a number of collaborations in Melbourne and Sydney, they were thrilled to be working with the group on a Queensland project.</p><p>“The foundation of La Pelago is steeped in context and identity, acknowledging the tension between river and coastline, and the design only takes what it can give back,” Gohns said.</p><p>“A strong focus on health wellness resonates throughout, along with a carbon neutral manifesto we continue to drive with Gurner.”</p><p>Gurner controls a $7-billion pipeline across more than 7000 apartments along the eastern seaboard of Australia.</p><p>Among the group’s projects is St Moritz in St Kilda, FV in Fortitude Valley, and Victoria and Vine in Collingwood.</p></div></div></div></div></div>

Gurner Group is planning to build four towers up to 57-storeys on the Gold Coast in a $1.25 billion development in a joint-venture with investment

bioarchitecture hero.jpg

<p>Almost all buildings today are built using similar conventional technologies and manufacturing and construction processes. These processes use a lot of energy and produce huge carbon emissions.</p><p>This is hardly sustainable. Perhaps the only way to truly construct sustainable buildings is by connecting them with nature, not isolating them from it. This is where the field of bioarchitecture emerges. It draws on principles from nature to help solve technological questions and address global challenges.</p><p>Take desert organisms, for example. How do they survive and thrive under extreme conditions?</p><p>One such desert species is the Saharan silver ant, named for its shiny mirror-like body. Its reflective body reflects and dissipates heat. It’s an adaptation we can apply in buildings as reflective walls, or to pavements that don’t heat up.</p><div id="HJ9RGK0tp95qaGXvC1SBS"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6VnY7i5VUqp021IrnICVw3/a2581e38991f58ea7d7a6d822f8d18f5/2.jpg" alt="Saharan desert ants have highly developed adaptations to stay cool in the desert heat, which can inspire better building design." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/6VnY7i5VUqp021IrnICVw3/a2581e38991f58ea7d7a6d822f8d18f5/2.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ Saharan desert ants have highly developed adaptations to stay cool in the desert heat. Image: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, Wikimedia Commons <br><br></span></div></div><p>There are so many aspects of nature we can draw on. Picture cities with shopping centres based on water lilies, stadiums resembling seashells, and lightweight bridges inspired by cells.</p><p>Water lilies can teach us how to design large buildings efficiently with smooth pedestrian circulation. Seashells can inspire the walls of large-span buildings without the need for columns. Cells can show us how to develop lightweight suspending structures.</p><h2>Bioarchitecture works with nature, not against it</h2><p><br>Bioarchitecture can reinvent the natural environment in the form of our built environment, to provide the ultimate and somehow obvious solutions for the threats Earth is facing.</p><p>Most industry-led and research-based approaches focus on the “technology to save us” from climate change. In contrast, bioarchitecture offers a more sustainable approach that aims to develop a positive relationship between buildings and nature.</p><p>Living organisms constantly communicate with the natural world. They move around their environment, employ chemical processes and undergo complex reactions, patterning their habitat. This means living systems constantly model and organise the environment around them. They are able to adapt and, in doing so, they change their environment too.</p><p>Can buildings do the same in cities? If buildings could grow, self-repair and adapt to climate, they might ultimately become truly sustainable.</p><p>Early examples of bioarchitecture can be found in traditional and early modern buildings. Their architects observed nature to copy its principles and design more habitable, locally made and environmentally friendly buildings. For example, Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, is inspired by natural shapes that give the church its organic form.</p><div id="4aHVncazVX801Niieo10Oy"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5MIjQ2NWEFEAK5VXKhQNws/c13f76ab1a88679cd5467ff1956f6ce1/3.jpg" alt="Gaudi's Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona is an early example of Bioarchitecture." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5MIjQ2NWEFEAK5VXKhQNws/c13f76ab1a88679cd5467ff1956f6ce1/3.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is an early modern example of bioarchitecture. Image: Sung Jin Cho, Unsplash <br><br></span></div></div><p>More recent works showcase bioarchitecture that learnt from nature coupled with technology and innovation. Examples include using bio-based materials such as wood, hemp and bamboo, applying biophilia through using greenery on external walls and plants indoors to boost our connection with nature, and restoring the environment by making buildings part of it.</p><p>Considering the climate emergency, we should strengthen buildings’ coherence with nature. Bioarchitecture can do this.</p><h2>What can a butterfly teach us?</h2><p><br>The blue Menelaus butterfly offers another striking example of design solutions from nature. Despite its radiant blue colour, it is not actually blue and does not have any pigments. Producing and maintaining pigments is expensive in nature, as it requires a lot of energy.</p><p>The Menelaus butterfly has an ingenious way to achieve its unique colour without pigments. Its brilliant blue shine comes from scattering light, similar to soap bubbles glimmering in rainbow colours under the sun, despite being completely transparent. The light is scattered by micro-grooves on the butterfly’s wings—so small that they can only be seen with an ultra-high-resolution microscope.</p><div id="3BoHkxhnORxOEnwfoiHd5R"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4FRa8I0mwy3QqDmBRKPjCu/04aa984c721142c9b049ef542d061ddb/4.jpg" alt="The Menelaus blue butterfly on a big green leaf inspires bioarchitecture." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4FRa8I0mwy3QqDmBRKPjCu/04aa984c721142c9b049ef542d061ddb/4.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ The Menelaus blue butterfly has lessons to teach in bioarchitecture. <br><br></span></div></div><p>This is nature’s way to achieve high performance with cheap forms instead of costly materials. Learning from the Menelaus butterfly, we can have windows with climate-adaptable properties—changing their colour and scattering light according to the position of the sun. Butterfly wings have already inspired the development of new materials, and the next step is to use these on buildings.</p><p>In this way, we can design biobuildings that reflect excessive radiation and reduce cooling needs and glare. And the beautiful part is that this may all be done without obstructing views and without the need for shading devices or tinted windows.</p><h2>What does a pot plant have to do with buildings?</h2><p><br>Then there is Monstera, a sought-after indoor plant that climbs up the walls. It’s also called the “Swiss cheese plant” for the holes on its leaves. Have you ever thought about how it thrives and grows like no other plant indoors?</p><div id="3SIyeUSbpQUnJhiGPyPRh7"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7sq2DBi9iX1LBy7iFsCEl9/ae208171128cb792e54567af34c7c461/1.jpg" alt="The popular indoor plant Monstera has lessons for architectural design." data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7sq2DBi9iX1LBy7iFsCEl9/ae208171128cb792e54567af34c7c461/1.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ The popular indoor plant Monstera has lessons for architectural design.<br><br> </span></div></div><p>Monstera simply needs to sustain fewer cells to maintain extra large leaves because of their holes. This enables it to capture more of the sunlight it needs to grow and spread out over a bigger area.</p><p>Now imagine if we designed hollow building structures such as columns and beams. This could help minimise the need for materials and cut carbon emissions by reducing the embodied energy that goes into making these materials.</p><h2>Nature offers a vast design catalogue</h2><p><br>We can look at nature as a catalogue of designs and solutions to be reimagined as bioarchitecture. So, we could have shiny silver pavements like the silver ant, metallic-coloured but transparent windows like the Menelaus butterfly, and buildings that use the minimum of materials like Monstera’s leaves.</p><p>Nature is wealthy, nature is generous. Through bioarchitecture, buildings can dive into that wealth and become a part of the generosity. Truly sustainable biobuildings can be constructed that work with nature and reverse the harm our conventional building technologies have done to the planet.<br><br></p><hr><p><br><strong>Author</strong><br><br>Aysu Kuru<br>Lecturer in Architecture and Construction, University of Sydney<br><br>This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the&nbsp;<a href="https://theconversation.com/what-mirrored-ants-vivid-blue-butterflies-and-monstera-house-plants-can-teach-us-about-designing-buildings-194636" data-mce-href="https://theconversation.com/what-mirrored-ants-vivid-blue-butterflies-and-monstera-house-plants-can-teach-us-about-designing-buildings-194636" target="_blank">original article</a>. </p>

By strengthening buildings’ coherence with nature, bioarchitecture can provide truly sustainable solutions…

Greenline Birrarung Marr.jpg

<p>The City of Melbourne’s Greenline Project is making strides after landscape designers were appointed and its first concept designs were put to the public.&nbsp;</p><p>A design consortium led by TCL and Aspect Studios was appointed to design all five precincts and deliver the Greenline Project Masterplan.</p><p>Councillors endorsed the team to design the five inter-connected precincts—Birrarung Marr, The Falls, River Park, Maritime and Saltwater Wharf.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition to rejuvenating the area for events, they have also been tasked with ensuring that the area’s Aboriginal heritage is included in future plans.&nbsp;</p><p>TCL has worked on Elizabeth Quay redevelopment in Perth and the National Arboretum in Canberra, while Aspect designed the Bondi-to-Bronte coastal walk in Sydney and the Caulfield-to-Dandenong skyrail linear park.</p><p>The City of Melbourne’s Future Melbourne Committee (FMC) last night also were told the outcomes of stakeholder engagement into the concept designs for Site 1 of the project at Birrarung Marr.&nbsp;</p><p>The first stage will create 450m of boardwalk and a 6m-wide promenade, connecting native habitats along the Yarra River.&nbsp;</p><p>According to the report presented to the FMC, the stakeholder engagement process raised issues around transport, safety, park furniture and litter maintenance, and the importance of an increased visibility of Aboriginal culture.&nbsp;</p><div id="1EKSYl7171ROMPZ5McMcEA"><picture><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7hyeFUxZvv3UlYxfUZja8A/b90df8e376331ca28362097a46bf877d/Greenline_site_1_concept_designs_2.jpg" alt="Mid-article Greenline Birrarung Site 1 Concept Designs" data-mce-src="//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/7hyeFUxZvv3UlYxfUZja8A/b90df8e376331ca28362097a46bf877d/Greenline_site_1_concept_designs_2.jpg"></picture><div><span style="opacity: 0.8;" data-mce-style="opacity: 0.8;">▲ Site 1—Birrarung Marr Concept Designs have been part of a stakeholder engagement process.<br><br></span></div></div><p>It said the findings were “generally favourable” although there were concerns about the impacts of major events and the proposed billabong on event operations themselves.</p><p>The original plans included a billabong on the lower terrace, but in addition to the stakeholder response, further technical investigations were undertaken and it was not recommended.</p><p>Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp,said that the Greenline Project would help revitalise the north bank of the Yarra River.&nbsp;</p><p>“The Greenline Project is a transformative vision for our city and we’re thrilled to have two of Australia’s leading landscape architecture firms on board to help us make this vision a reality,” she said.&nbsp;</p><p>“It’s a significant vote of confidence that traders and residents strongly endorsed our concept for Birrarung Marr, enabling us to move forward with our plans for the rest of the project.”</p><p>The Greenline Project plans to develop five precincts covering 4km between Birrarung Marr and the Bolte Bridge along the Yarra riverfront and is expected to cost $315 million over its seven-year development. &nbsp;It was endorsed by the FMC <a data-mce-href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/melbourne-council-endorses-cbd-greenline-project" href="https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/melbourne-council-endorses-cbd-greenline-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earlier this year</a>.</p>

Designers have been appointed to Melbourne’s Greenline Project and Site 1 concept designs have been put before stakeholders as the $315 million plans progress…

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE