The waterfront shopping promenade on the edge of the CBD draws inspiration from Melbourne’s iconic outdoor laneways. The all-weather roofing covering Star Crescent and Wharf Street was installed to activate the shopping, entertainment and dining destination all year round.
Buchan’s design for the unique canopy presented the challenge of proposing a concept that enhances the existing centre through complementing the outdoor user experience, whilst expressing it in a contemporary architectural form.
The team explored a number of concepts with the overriding design imperative to touch as lightly and unobtrusively as possible on the ‘open’ sense of the existing centre. The result is additional protection from the elements borne from a simple and elegant ‘floating’ canopy that allows natural light to penetrate.
In addition to the expansive roof canopy, redevelopment of mall facades and shopping amenities have provided a significant boost to the overall shopping and leisure experience of the centre.
Buchan was also involved in the initial concept masterplan for the development.
