Evelyn Reynolds

Construction is underway on a new National Herbarium of NSW facility in Western Sydney.
Currently housed in the Robert Brown Building at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, the herbarium will be relocated to the new facility to protect and preserve its collection of 1.4 million plant specimens.
The facility is designed by Architectus with 1999 Gold Medallist Richard Leplastrier and architect and landscape architect Craig Burton. Inspired by the seed pod of the Waratah – the floral emblem of NSW – the building will be made up of six multi-layered vaults that will protect the plants from bushfires and extreme weather events.

The vaults will have a sterile internal box and an external wall of rammed earth. A winged fly-roof will hover over the structure to further protect the vaults from heat and provide shading to the external terraces. The large roof will be used for solar power generation and rain water collection to irrigate the plant specimens.

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The proposed National Herbarium of NSW by Architectus, Richard Leplastrier and Craig Burton will have a large spanning fly roof that will generate solar energy and collect rain water.
Image: Courtesy Architectus
Architectus principal Luke Johnson said: “It’s a privilege to work with the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust on this environmentally significant project. Plants are central to our planet’s habitability and sustainability, and the research and visitor interaction with the new Herbarium’s extensive plant collection will facilitate positive environmental and societal outcomes for generations to come.”
The new building will be co-located with the Australian Plank Bank, designed by BVN Donovan Hill (now BVN) at Mount Annan. The NSW government committed $60 million for a herbarium in Western Sydney as part of Western Sydney City Deal in 2018.

The new herbarium will form part of the Australian Institute of Botanical Science, which will bring together science facilities, research and living collections at botanic gardens across Sydney.
“In this challenging era of climate change, the new Institute and Herbarium will put NSW and Australia at the forefront of plant conservation and management for generations to come,” said Denise Ora, chief executive of Botanic Gardens Greater Sydney. “And this is just the beginning of super-charging NSW as a botanical science powerhouse and protecting plant life.”
The new herbarium is expected to be completed by late 2021.

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A number of education facilities and a planning policy for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis are among the $3 billion worth of projects in the NSW government’s latest tranche of fast-tracked projects.
Tranche five of the Planning System Acceleration Program includes 10 projects, with decisions on their assessments to be made by 11 September.
One project on the list is the $137 million Multi-Trades and Digital Technology Hub at the Meadowbank TAFE campus. Designed by Gray Puksand with landscape architecture by Tract, the hub will combine a Construction and Building Trades facility with an Information and Communications Technology/Cyber Security facility.

Gray Puksand describes its design for the hub as a “true building in the round,” in which each of the four facades actively respond to their context.
Also getting fast-tracked is the East Leppington Primary School, a new $50 million public school for up to 940 students from Kindergarten to Year 6 designed by Perumal Pedavoli Architects with landscape by Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects.

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East Leppington Primary School by Perumal Pedavoli Architects with landscape by Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects.

The school will be built within the Willowdale development on the traditional land of the D’harawal people and falls within the Raby Road Primary School cluster. The proposed design balances the built form and landscape design to create a harmonious streetscape with the built form broken down and articulated to reduce the bulk and scale, opening up key view lines, daylight and breeze paths across the site. The architects said these design concepts align with the input received from D’harawal elder Uncle Ivan who suggested they provide gaps between building to allow the sunlight and breezes to pass in between the built forms.

Another school project to be fast-tracked is Richard Gill School in Muswellbrook, on the lands of the Wanaruah and Kamilaroi peoples. Designed by Stanton Dahl Architects, with landscape by Moir Landscape Architecture, the project will involve the adaptive reuse of an existing council office building for a new primary school for 50 students from kindergarten to year 2.

The State Environmental Planning Policy for the new Aerotropolis to be fast-tracked will unlock rezonings for five new employment and environmental precincts around the new Western Sydney Airport including the Aerotropolis Core, Badgerys Creek, Northern Gateway and Agribusiness and Wianamatta-South Creek.

“The Aerotropolis SEPP is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lay the foundations for a brand-new state-shaping precinct, with the Aerotropolis set to support more than 200,000 jobs over 20 years in industries of the future,” said NSW planning minister Rob Stokes.
Other projects to be fast-tracked include a major highway, and industrial business hub worth $213 million and a facility for hand sanitizer production.
Only one more tranche of fast-tracked projects to be announced under the current program, and the government will reveal details on a new ‘‘recovery’’ focused acceleration program in the coming weeks.
“Our focus so far has been on fast-tracking shovel-ready projects that were already in the planning system,’ said Stokes.Now it is time to shift from urgent response to lasting reform by applying the same accelerated momentum to determine new projects with potential to create significant jobs, economic investment and wider public benefits.” More

Monash University has appointed Mel Dodd as its new head of architecture.
Originally from Australia, Dodd has led the school of architecture at London’s Central Saint Martin’s since 2013 and is currently Associate Dean of Knowledge Exchange. In her time at the school she established the Master of Architecture and MA Cities programs and created an educational environment that “allowed for constant engagement with the ‘real world’ of external projects and professional networks, and an ethical engagement in societal challenges.”

At Monash, Dodd will be tasked with aligning the department of architecture with the university’s research pillars.
“I am committed to transformative architectural education and research, embedded in urban contexts,” she said, “and I know that my ambitions to widen participation with broader audiences, civil society, government and industry is in strong alignment and synergy with the department’s own mission. Given the unprecedented challenges facing society, a more radical engagement and interaction with cities, their systems and people, is now a compelling necessity.”

Shane Murray, dean of Monash Art, Design and Architecture, said, “We could not have made a better appointment. Mel is in the unique position of having led architecture schools in both Australia, at RMIT, and the UK at Central St Martin’s. She has a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing architecture in both locations that will drive architecture at Monash to prepare students for the changing realities of practice.”
Dodd will join Monash Art, Design and Architecture in January 2021, taking over the role from Naomi Stead, who will conclude her three-year term at the end of 2020.
“Naomi is a natural leader and I’m sure she will maintain her interest in the department and faculty as she returns to her role as research professor, and projects including her recent ARC Linkage on the work-related wellbeing of architects and architecture students,” Murray said. More

The Victorian government has pledged $20 million to rejuvenate Federation Square, with better connection to Birrarung (Yarra River) and Melbourne’s green spaces a key focus.
The funding announcement on 22 August coincided with the release of a review into Federation Square’s built environment, governance and operational arrangements launched in 2019.
Among the review’s recommendations, accepted by the government, are greater recognition of First Peoples culture and connection to the site and adoption of design principles that ensure future physical changes “must aspire to match the quality of the original,” with a design advisory board overseeing any changes.

Victorian government architect Jill Garner, who co-chaired the review, said the design principles “both acknowledge the heritage status on the place and inform future enhancement.”
Federation Square was added to the Victorian heritage register in 2019 following public outcry over a proposal to raze the Yarra Building to make way for a Foster and Partners-designed Apple shop.

The $20 million upgrade will go towards delivering a new immersive regional experience centre to showcase the state’s food and wine, music and culture, as well as new lighting to improve safety and highlight the architecture at night and new ramps and staircases leading to Birrarung. The Deakin Edge theatre will be upgraded to better support events and improvements will also be made to signage and accessibility at the site.

Donald Bates, whose practice Lab Architecture Studio originally designed Federation Square, told The Age that the ramps and staircases between the square and the river would be valuable but that there should be a more immediate focus on activating the riverfront.
“We designed Federation Square to be a place you can pass through or participate in, before or after your way to the MCG or to the tennis or the rectangular stadium, among many other things,” he told the paper.
“There’s this huge public domain on the south side of Federation Square but no place to stop and get a drink, a coffee or a sandwich, and I think it really needs it.”

Another key outcome of the review is that the management of the square will be transferred to the portfolio of the Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley.

Tania Davidge, the convener of the Our City, Our Square campaign, praised the move on social media, noting that the creative industries portfolio was “where it belongs — putting civic, cultural and community front and centre.”
Davidge has previously criticised the governance of the square by the public non-financial corporation Fed Square Pty ltd, writing that “ In recent years the square’s cultural and civic objectives have been marginalized as the focus at the square has shifted. Propelled by the narrative that the square is losing money, more and more “revenue-generating initiatives”3 and promotions have been taking place at the site…”
The review of Federation Square was co-chaired by Jill Garner and governance and financial expert Tim Eddy and including concultation with “community, cultural, tourism, design, planning, hospitality and government stakeholders,” as well as local, interstate and international visitors. More

The City of Sydney has released concept designs of a multi-purpose recreation centre in Alexandria by Collins and Turner Architects.
Sitting beside Sheas Creek, on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the project will see the adaptive reuse of an industrial warehouse, which consists of a large volume space which will be converted into indoor courts, along with a low-rise two-storey showroom space to the street frontage.
The wareshouse will be transformed to house four indoor multi-purpose courts, fitness, recreation and community spaces. The project will also include public domain upgrades and increased green space.

Council bought the building in 2018, having identified a need for more sporting facilities in the area, and engaged Collins and Turner Architects to design the warehouse’s transformation in December through a competitive tender process.

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Huntley Street Recreation Centre concept design by Collins and Turner Architects.

The design will prioritize transparency, with strong visual and spatial connection between internal and external spaces and increased access to natural ventilation and light.
Early concept renders show a sculptural frontage and verandah formed of multi-coloured battens, creating a “vibrant and welcoming” facility that will promote active recreation.
The concept design was presented to the Design Advisory Panel in April and received positive endorsement. The concept design goes before the council on 24 August, with the council report recommending that councillors endorse the proposed works for the purpose of proceeding with design development and the lodgement of a development application.

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Western Australia has appointed Rebecca Moore as the state’s new government architect.
The state’s planning minister Rita Saffioti announced the appointment on 19 August, noting that Moore was a highly qualified architect and a nationally accredited mediator with experience working in architectural practices in both Perth and London.
“I am very pleased to appoint Rebecca Moore as the new government architect, and chair of the State Design Review Panel, for Western Australia,” said Saffioti.

“With qualifications in architecture, planning and cultural heritage, and construction of the built environment, Ms Moore will bring a wealth of knowledge to guide delivery of the pipeline of projects that will support Western Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
“Ms Moore’s experience as a mediator and member of the State Administrative Tribunal will also enable her to provide clear guidance and design advice, early in the planning of major projects to ensure a high quality of built outcomes.”

In her role as government architect and chair of the State Design Review Panel, she will play a key role in the design review and assessment of the state’s Metronet plans, along with a number of other significant development proposals in the pipelines.
She will also provide expert and independent advice to the planning minister and premier on key projects and strategic planning and development matters.
“We anticipate over the next 18-months up to 90 development proposals will require design review as part of the new approvals pathway for significant developments in addition to the continued rollout of Metronet and major transport infrastructure projects,” said Saffioti.
“I welcome Moore to the role and look forward to working with her to ensure good design remains at the forefront of all planning and development.”

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A major Aboriginal cultural centre planned for the Darwin waterfront is a step closer, with an EOI call put out for architects to complete the detailed design.
The centre is the result of a 20-year vision for the Larrakia, the Traditional Owners of Darwin to have their own place to showcase their art, history and culture.
“The location and footprint of the Cultural Centre is found in a Native Title related agreement, dating back to 1998,” said Nigel Browne, CEO of Larrakia Development Corporation. “That agreement related to the extinguishment of some of our rights.This development will allow us to protect our future, preserve our past and help build our Territory economy.”

The centre will operate near Stokes Hill Wharf and will include a variety of educational facilities, a museum and art gallery, an outdoor auditorium, a café/restaurant, art studios, artefact storage, retail shops and dedicated interpretive centre.

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A concept image for Larrakia cultural centre.
Image: LDC
As part of the Darwin City Deal, the federal government has committed $2 million over two years for the Larrakia Development Corporation to undertake detailed design and planning for centre
“The Larrakia Cultural Centre will protect and promote Larrakia language and history and will be a key element in the Darwin City Deal to revitalize the city centre and to make it an attractive place to live, work, study and do business,” said Indigenous minister Ken Wyatt.

“Schools and tourists will have the opportunity to learn and interact with the Traditional Owners and the Centre will serve as hub for Indigenous businesses such as tourist operators.”
Architecture and engineering design teams from the Northern Territory, Australia and internationally can submit expressions of interest before 30 August. The successful EOI applicants will progress to a formal request for tender, with the detailed design to commence before December 2020. More

Sydney’s Waverley Council has released concept designs for the redevelopment of the home of the world’s first surf lifesaving club.
Bondi Surf Bathers and Life Saving Club was formed in 1907. Its clubhouse was originally built in 1934 and designed by Ross and Rowe, who also designed the Government Savings Bank of NSW building at 50 Martin Place, now headquarters of Macquarie Bank. The clubhouse is located on the land of the Bidjigal and Gadigal people.
The redevelopment project, designed by Lockhart-Krause Architects, will address functional deficiencies of the existing building, by increasing spaces for training and educational programs, and storage spaces for contemporary life saving equipment, as well as facilities for the club’s female members, who now make up 40 percent. The women’s facilities will double in size and be equal to the men’s.

The concept design proposes to remove “mock heritage” and intrusive additions to the original building, while simultaneous preserving and restoring the original club house. New lightweight additions are intended to highlight the building’s heritage.

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A new publicly accessible courtyard will be created in the proposed redevelopment of the Bondi Surf Bathers and Life Saving Club by Lockhart-Krause Architects.
Image: Courtesy Lockhart-Krause Architects
The addition to the north (rear) of the original building will be removed and replaced with a new addition connected via a courtyard space. The architects say the courtyard references “Bondi’s unique pattern of courtyard buildings including the Bondi Beach Public School, and the Bondi Pavilion” immediately adjacent to the club building.
The courtyard space will create visual separation between the clubhouse and historic Bondi Pavilion, which will allow each to be experienced in the round, and improve access to the beach. Bondi Pavilion itself is also undergoing restoration and redevelopment to a design by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer.

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The existing hall of the Bondi Surf Bathers and Life Saving Club will be transformed into a surf museum dedicated to the birthplace of surf life saving.
Image: Courtesy Lockhart-Krause Architects
The main hall of the clubhouse will become a publicly accessible surf history museum dedicated to the birthplace of the surf lifesaving movement.
The design will also open up the clubhouse to the public, encouraging greater interaction and allowing the club to expand its community programs.
Waverley Council is seeking feedback on the concept designs until 17 September. More