Subterms
Catherine Townsend has been appointed for another term as the government architect for the Australian Capital Territory. Townsend was first appointed to the position in 2016 to provide independent design advice to the ACT government on architecture, urban design, planning and procurement for government projects and private proposals. ACT planning minster Mick Gentleman said the […] More
Federal, state and territory building ministers have agreed on a series of national reforms to ensure the quality, liveability and effficiency of new Australian homes. From October 2023, all new homes will need to meet new minimum standards of accessibility and energy efficiency in many parts of the country. Changes to the Building Code Board’s […] More
Rockhampton and Perth zoos are undergoing multimillion-dollar redevelopments to improve their operational requirements for visitor and animal welfare. Renovations are expected to increase the zoos’ annual visitors, drawing in more revenue to support their conservation missions.
Construction has begun on a $16.5-million function centre and cafe at Perth Zoo, a “central meeting place” for visitors, and the first stage in the zoo’s $180 million transformation, designed by Christou Design Group.
The practice said the design will “embody the zoo landscape and vernacular”, and biophilic design principles have played a “vital role” in the architectural expression. The buildings have both been designed to be contemporary and timeless, and embrace their unique environment.
“Similarities win the material palettes between the cafe and function centre provide continuity in language,” Christou said, “However, the facilities are ultimately treated as independent buildings with their own identities.”
The function centre is designed with a “dynamic public facade” to create dialogue with the street, where the cafe is immersed within its public botanical setting as a “subservient” element against the landscape, creating a new alfresco dining area adjacent to the zoo’s main lawn.
Christou Design Group said the project aspires to connect visitors with the wildlife through immersive spaces, to inspire conservation and welfare efforts among patrons.
Perth Zoo received an initial $13.5 million investment from state government for the project, but has been allocated a total $51 million in government funding as part of the overall redevelopment of the zoo. Additional funds will be raised thorough the year with donations sought from benefactors, philanthropy and businesses around the state.
The cafe and function centre is expected to be completed for mid-2023. The next stages of the master plan will include an expansion of the African Savannah section, an Orangatang jungle, and a conservation and science tree-top facility.
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Concept designs by Cox Architecture of the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo Visitor Hub and Animal Operations Centre redevelopment. Image:
Cox Architecture
Meanwhile in Central Queensland, concept designs for the Rockhampton Zoo and Botanic Gardens designed by Cox Architecture have been revealed.
The Zoo said the vision of the redevelopment is to “revitalize, develop and integrate the facilities, infrastructure and operational”, and will include updating the Zoo Visitor Hub, the Animal Operations Centre, and the Botanic Gardens carpark.
The lack of public toilets on the premises has reportedly been a regular complaint among zoo visitors, and the project includes detailed designs for the creation of a Central Visitor Hub featuring more public amenities for the site.
The current Operations Centre, which is nearing the end of its operational life, will also be updated to provide capacity to expand and diversify the animal collection in future.
The architect said its scheme focuses on four key principles: creating memories, increasing accessibility, bringing heritage to life, and championing excellence. The upgrades are expected to draw additional revenue to the park and create regional prominence for Rockhampton.
The full cost of the project is yet to be finalised due to current building market uncertainty, but it is estimated to cost between $9.5 million and $10.5 million.
Local council has received a $1.5 million grant from the federal government towards the construction of the Visitor Hub, while $1.4 million has been supplied from the Works for Queensland state government program to fund the Botanic Garden Playground Renewal.
Council has submitted further applications for funding. Construction tender is due to be released 7 September with a contract expected to be awarded in late November. More
Northern Beaches Council has appointed Terroir to develop concept plans for a new Manly Surf Lifesaving Club and public amenities. Founded in 1911, the Manly Surf Lifesaving Club is one of Australia’s oldest. According to Northern Beaches mayor Michael Regan, the club no longer caters for its growing number of volunteers, nippers, surf craft and […] More
Mexican architect Tatiana Bilbao will create a large-scale installation at the National Gallery of Victoria inspired by an 18th century communal laundry. The installation is the inaugural commission in the Mecca x NGV Women in Design series aimed at showcasing the work of internationally renowned female designers and architects. Bilbao’s installation, titled La ropa sucia […] More
AFL team the Adelaide Crows have revealed plans to redevelop Thebarton Oval in the western suburbs of Adelaide, designed by urban design and architecture practice City Collective. The club announced it has selected the site as the location of their new headquarters, following a previous attempt to secure the former Brompton Gasworks site, which was […] More
The City of Sydney has unanimously endorsed controls that require new buildings and major developments to be net-zero in energy use by 2026. Effective from January 2023, the controls will require new developments to reduce emissions through increased energy efficiency, onsite renewable energy production, and offsite renewable energy procurement. New hotels, offices, shopping centres and […] More
The Australian Institute of Architects has launched a new graduate research scholarship in recognition of individuals whose research aims to enhances the value of the profession. The Robert Caulfield Graduate Research Scholarship will be awarded annually by the Victorian chapter of the Institute to the most compelling proposal that seeks to critically investigate a subject […] More
