Architecture

International design teams have been invited to take part in an open design competition for a new museum in Helsinki’s South Harbour, anticipated to open in 2030.
The 10,000 square metre building will house a national museum of architecture and design, following the amalgamation of the Design Museum Helsinki and the Museum of Finnish Architecture in January 2024.
The museum’s collection will exceed 900,000 artefacts, comprising objects, correspondence, models and photographs documenting the work of internationally renowned design practitioners such as Aino and Alvar Aalto, Eero Aarnio, Maija Isola, Eliel and Eero Saarinen, Paavo Tynell, alongside design brands such as Marimekko, Nokia and Fiskars.
The Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design has secured €120 million (AU$197 million) in public funding for the building, half from the City of Helsinki and the other half from the State of Finland. This is supplemented by €30 million (AU$50 million) to be raised from private donors, with a €20 million (AU$33 million) donation secured from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation.

View gallery

The museum’s collection will exceed 900,000 artefacts, comprising objects, correspondence, models and photographs documenting the work of internationally renowned design practitioners. Image:

Sami Saastamoinen

The first phase of the two-stage competition has commenced with the deadline for stage one submissions scheduled for 29 August 2024. Three to five designs from stage one will then be selected to progress through to stage two of the competition. Each of the shortlisted teams will be notified in December 2024 and will receive an award of €50,000 (AU$83,000) each.
Stage two will be held over February to May 2025. An international jury comprised of architects, cultural experts and policymakers will judge the competition. The winner to be revealed in September 2025. At the end of the competition, the judging panel will award three prize positions and two purchases totalling €150,000 (AU$248,000).
The jury includes Gus Casely-Hayford (director of V&A East); Beatrice Galilee (co-founder of The World Around); Kaarina Gould (chief executive of the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design); Salla Hoppu (leading architect, City of Helsinki); Riitta Kaivosoja (director general, Ministry of Education and Culture); Beate Hølmebakk (partner, Manthey Kula Architects); Matti Kuittinen (Aalto University); Miklu Silvanto (AD Museum); Anni Sinnemäki (City of Helsinki); Sari Nieminen (Architectural Office Sari Nieminen), and Hannu Tikka (APRT Architects). Architect and vice chair of the board of Real Estate Company ADM Mikko Aho will chair the jury, with assistance from vice chair Juha Lemström (chair of Real Estate Company ADM board).
“Helsinki has an international reputation for architecture and design that reflects the strong belief in good design as a means for living well that is present in all Nordic societies. We’re delighted to launch this international open competition to find an architect for the new museum of architecture and design,” said jury chair Mikko Aho.
“The open competition is a strong component of the tradition of architecture in Finland that opens the commission up to exciting concepts from designers at any stage in their career – from undiscovered talent to established names.
“This new museum will enhance Helsinki’s global profile as a capital of design by placing the subject at the heart of the urban renewal of the South Harbour, one of the city’s most significant waterfront sites. We’re delighted to bring this project forward to create social benefits, provide new employment, attract international visitors and generate commerce in Helsinki.”

View gallery

The 10,000 square metre building is anticipated to open in 2030. Image:

Sami Saastamoinen

The competition has been arranged by the Real Estate Company ADM, owned by the City of Helsinki and the State of Finland and the Foundation for the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design, in collaboration with the City of Helsinki and the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA).
An online seminar outlining the project brief will be held on 24 April 2024. To find out more about the competition, visit the website. More

Construction has begun on a new public waterfront park on the north bank of Birrarung/Yarra river, designed by Oculus.
The park is located between the Mission to Seafarers heritage building and Seafarers bridge, which connects to South Wharf. When complete, it will form part of the Maritime precinct of the City of Melbourne’s Greenline project.
“We cannot underestimate the value of access to high-quality public space to connect people to each other and their environment, particularly in dense urban areas,” said Oculus associate director Claire Martin. “Birrarung is a place of great importance and connection and it carries a lifetime of maritime stories too. We are thrilled to see this brought to life through this truly considered park design.”
The design acknowledges both the Indigenous cultural heritage and maritime history of the area. It will include expansive lawn areas that will connect the river promenade to new pathways, with dog-friendly access, an events deck, seating for various activities, as well as rope swings, and a curated collection of local maritime artefacts.
The design also prioritises biodiversity, habitat, urban resilience with intelligent landscaping, green infrastructure and water management.
The park is a collaboration between developer Riverlee, City of Melbourne, 1 Hotel and Oculus.
It is part of Riverlee’s Seafarers precinct redevelopment which transforms the heritage-listed Goods Shed No. 5 into a mixed-use precinct with a hotel and hotel-branded residences, designed by Fender Katsalidis.
The waterfront park, to be known as Seafarers Rest, is due to be complete in late 2024 and upon completion, it will be transferred back to the City of Melbourne.
“Seafarers Rest and the broader precinct marks a transformative milestone in the rejuvenation of Melbourne’s Northbank,” said Riverlee development director David Lee. “Together with the City of Melbourne, we’re revitalising this underutilised and forgotten urban space, reclaiming it as a safe and vibrant green haven for all Melbournians and visitors to enjoy.” More

A development application has been filed for the Wiradjuri Tourism Centre in Dubbo, New South Wales, with plans featuring a Yarning Circle building, a bush food garden and an outdoor performance space.
The $14 million proposal has been lodged with Dubbo Regional Council. The Wiradjuri Tourism Centre would be sited at 2 Coronation Drive, within Elizabeth Park. The main architectural feature of the proposal is a central building called the Yarning Circle, which comprises a museum, and educational and event spaces.
As the name suggests, the Yarning Circle building is circular in form. Designed by Peter Stutchbury Architecture with Yerrabingin, the facility aims to provide a space for healing, storytelling, communication, visitation and respect. The circularity of the building symbolises “occupation and infinity” in reference to First Nations culture and history.
“The budget drives our elemental approach to the architecture – the desire to create a place to celebrate establishes our methodology,” said Peter Stutchbury Architecture in a design statement. “We consider the building as a collection of rooms, subdivided by occupations. The room is a place on the land, it protects and allows culture to regroup, to rekindle what is real.
“Communication around the room is efficient, branching off the central veranda. The opening to the sky is like a sundial, shifting light and shade around the internal face of the building. Planning is direct and coherent, accessible to external servicing as required or orientated to courtyards; weather is considered as a partner to the building’s energy. This project goes beyond a brief, it is a story of culture, respect and healing. An ancient footprint with a beating heart.”

View gallery

A courtyard called the Hearth lies at the centre of the ring-shaped Yarning Circle building. Features of the Hearth include a fire pit and seating. Image:

Peter Stutchbury Architecture

In its current condition, the site consists of turf with some exotic tree species. A recently completed adventure play space and upgraded landscape space with yarning circle is located adjacent. Under the plans, endemic plant species will be re-introduced to encompass and weave throughout the building, including a central courtyard. Where possible, natural stone materials sourced locally will be used for the outdoor environment.
A courtyard called the Hearth will lie at the centre of the ring-shaped Yarning Circle building. Features of the Hearth include a fire pit, a reflective water feature, a rock crossing and seating.
External to the Yarning Circle building, outdoor rooms have been proposed to serve as performance, reflection and ceremonial spaces. Among these outdoor rooms is the Holding Place building, a shaded building with seating for private contemplation and cultural gatherings. Another of these rooms, the Outdoor Gallery and Performance space, is open to the elements and less formal than the Holding Place.
A bush food garden accommodating edible and medicinal plants would also be established within the landscape.
Peter Stutchbury Architecture was awarded the project in 2021. The development application is on exhibition until 9 May 2024. More

Fusing fine craftsmanship with irresistible textures, this collection of objects for the home is anything but ordinary.
Pioneer stool from Fredericia

View gallery

Pioneer stool from Fredericia. Image: Supplied

Exuding sculptural simplicity, Pioneer is Fredericia’s new seating collection by Danish designer Maria Bruun. Understated and distinctly Scandinavian, the stools have four timber legs that scoop up to support ovoid seats, and are available in three heights. Visit website
Kairos glassware from Saardé

View gallery

Kairos glassware from Saardé. Image: Supplied

Subtle fluting, tapered silhouettes and striking colours ensure this range of carafes and wine, coffee and water glasses is both sophisticated and memorable. The name Kairos – a Greek word that describes “an opportune time” – is a reminder to relish everyday rituals. Visit website
Slimline desk from Made by Morgen

View gallery

Slimline Desk from Made by Morgen. Image: Supplied

An appealing combination of minimalism and functionalism makes the Slimline desk an elegant option for a composed work-fromhome space. Designed and made in Melbourne by Made by Morgen, it features solid timber construction and soft-close pencil drawers. Visit website
Port light from Rakumba

View gallery

Port light from Rakumba – designed by Tom Fereday. Image: Supplied

Port, designed by Tom Fereday, is a refined lighting design that celebrates the refractive properties of crystal glass. The stepped, pyramidal form can be reversed for two distinct sculptural effects. Port is available as a round and stadium profile, and as a wall or table lamp. Visit website
The Duchess from Von Steel

View gallery

The Duchess from Von Steel. Stylist: Bridget Wald. Image:

Kristoffer Paulsen

Slender profiles and rippling undulations lend intrigue to the crisp metal of The Duchess dining, side and console tables from Geelong-based Von Steel. They are available in brass or stainless or powdercoated steel. Visit website
Dining collection from King Living

View gallery

Heritage dining table and Heirloom chair from King Living. Image: Supplied

King Living’s dining collection is both functional and elegant. The Heritage dining table effortlessly extends to accommodate larger family gatherings. The Heirloom chair’s open back and low profile offer comfort, while removable leather or fabric covers ensure practicality. Visit website More

A 38-storey mixed-use tower has been proposed for Festival Plaza in Adelaide in lieu of an earlier approved proposal for a three-storey retail building.
The property developer behind both the abandoned and new proposal, Walker Corporation, states on its website that the new plans deliver “an improved heritage outcome” as “the previously approved three-storey option would have obscured views of Parliament’s heritage facade and balcony entirely.”
Walker Corporation collaborated with architecture practice Johnson Pilton Walker on the proposal.
The slender high-rise would be sited alongside Walker Corporation’s recently completed 29-storey One Festival Tower, also a collaboration with Johnson Pilton Walker. Under the plans, public space would be introduced between the two buildings, supporting a range of outdoor dining activations.

View gallery

A 38-storey mixed-use tower has been proposed for Festival Plaza in Adelaide in lieu of an earlier approved proposal for a three-storey retail building. Image: Supplied

The proposed tower comprises 36 floors of commercial office space; approximately 3,000 square metres of public civic space across four podium levels; a glass foyer providing views of the plaza and Parliament House; two levels designated to food and beverage offerings including a terrace level dining option overlooking the plaza, and public artworks.
The proposed building form includes a tower with a curved glass facade situated atop a podium.

View gallery

The proposed tower comprises 36 floors of commercial office space and two levels of food and beverage offerings including a terrace level dining option overlooking the plaza. Image: Supplied

Minister for Planning Nick Champion said the creation of a second tower would assist with activating an “underutilised” area in the Riverbank Precinct. “The community space will add much needed retail, food and beverage options in an area that will be bustling with close to 10,000 daily workers,” he said.
“The new tower will be an important feature in the ongoing transformation of Festival Plaza, which also includes upgrades to the neighbouring Railway Station, Festival Theatre, SkyCity and Elder Park.”
Development approval will now be sought for the project. If approved, project construction is expected to commence in 2025, with the tower anticipated to be complete in mid-2027. More

The National Gallery of Australia in Kamberri/Canberra has launched an open, international design competition for the $60 million revitalisation of its three-hectare sculpture garden.
The competition is open to multidisciplinary teams from Australia and overseas, and teams are encouraged to include a landscape architect, an Australian First Nations practitioner, an artist, architect, and botanist or horticulturalist.
Conducted in two-stages, with the first stage anonymous, the competition seeks innovative and imaginative conceptual designs that incorporate a public place to experience art, education, cultural and social events and would be responsive and resilient to mitigate climate change, enhance mature trees, and embedded with sustainability, accessibility and First Nations principles.
It also seeks a design that would reflect the garden’s original design intent and heritage values. Originally established in 1981 and designed by Harry Howard and Associates, the garden was designed to respond to and extend the geometry of the gallery building by Col Madigan and his team. Spanning three-hectares surrounding the NGA building, the garden currently features a range of native plants that suit the sometimes severe weather of Kamberri/Canberra. More

Western Australia’s Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) have been revised in an effort to streamline the planning approval process and supply more housing diversity across the state. Under the amended codes, the minimum lot size requirement of 350 square metres for ancillary dwellings will be scrapped. Planning approval will no longer be required for compliant granny […] More

Tadao Ando’s MPavilion is set to remain in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens until June 2025, after City of Melbourne approved a request from the Naomi Milgrom Foundation to extend the temporary structure.
Each year the MPavilion installations are dismantled after a summer season of programming and relocated elsewhere in Melbourne.
Ando’s pavilion comprises two right-angled concrete walls, offset from each other to form a square with two entrances, and an interior reminiscent of a Japanese walled garden with a reflection pool. A 14.4-metre-wide aluminium-clad parasol supported by a circular concrete column partially shelters enclosure.
“It’s the only piece of [Ando’s] architecture that’s in Australia, so that in itself is remarkable and deserving of extension of its presence in our city,” said lord mayor Sally Capp, who moved the motion to support the extension at a meeting of the Future Melbourne Committee on 9 April.
“[The pavilion] has had so many challenges to it being built and to it being dismantled. In fact, in its current form, it will never, ever appear again. So giving Melburnians and this city and our community an opportunity to continue to value and utilise this extraordinary space is important and deserving of support.”

View gallery

A large-spanning parasol supported a concrete circular concrete column partially shelters the enclosure. Image:

Rory Gardiner

Deputy lord mayor Nicholas Reece also commented on the “extraordinary design,” and added that “the build quality is absolutely world class.”
In its request to the council, Naomi Milgrom Foundation include several testimonials of support from Melbourne’s architecture and design elite, include the Victorian government architect Jill Garner, Australian Institute of Architects CEO Cameron Bruhn, architect Peter Maddison, garden designer Paul Bangay and architectural photographer John Gollings.
Jill Garner wrote, “I consider [Ando’s’ pavilion to be an extraordinary work of architecture that works as a ‘place’ both with and without programming. The renowned qualities of his architecture – simplicity, beauty and spatial experience, are all quietly present in this year’s MPavilion.”
Cameron Bruhn also expressed the Institute’s interest in partnering with the Naomi Milgrom Foundation in activating the pavilion during the upcoming Australian Architecture Conference.

View gallery

The interior of the pavilion is reminiscent of a Japanese walled garden with a reflection pool. Image:

Rory Gardiner

While support for the extension was recommended by City of Melbourne’s General Manager Infrastructure and Amenity, Rick Kwasek, his report to the Future Melbourne Committee also expressed some concerns, including that the design community is divided on the retention of the pavilion and that the design is not consistent with best practice gender equity place principles.
It also raised concerns about the ongoing safety and security of the structure, including that “design precludes through views and movements across the site. This presents potential risks to the structure, public safety and City of Melbourne’s reputation.” The report also stated that the concrete walls are climbable and susceptible to tagging and graffiti.
The Naomi Milgrom Foundation will be responsible for the safety, security and maintenance of the pavilion during the one-year extension at no cost to council, as well as the dismantling and repurposing of the pavilion when the extension ends.
The report also pointed out that retention of the pavilion “could invite public scrutiny on heritage impact and suitability of this arrangement for the site” and that “supporting the extension could be viewed as opening the door for further advocacy on permanent retention.”
Queen Victoria Gardens is both listed on both the state and national heritage registers as an ornamental garden and a fragile environment that does not support permanent structures or regular large events.
Councillor Rohan Leppert, who “wholeheartedly” supported the one-year extension stressed that it did not equate to wholehearted support for a permanent extension.
The Naomi Milgrom Foundation’s extension request only applies to one year.
While City of Melbourne councillors voted unanimously to support the extension, it is subject to further approval from Heritage Victoria and the Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action. More