How do architecture and landscape approaches reconnect water, vegetal and human systems while enhancing accessibility, open space, water and air quality, health and wellbeing?

This is the focus of a special blueprint presentation called Melbourne Cool Lines, presented by the CRCWSC, Monash Architecture, and the City of Melbourne, as part of Melbourne Design Week. Unfortunately, the exhibit is now closed, but you can still access parts of this important collaboration.

Opening night video

The exhibit takes the audience on a ‘cool line’ journey through models of a walkable urban landscape. It explores future scenarios for north-west Melbourne, using models of landscape design, architecture and urban design that combine green spaces and infrastructure with existing city infrastructure. These design interventions occupy and connect existing fragmented, green space and help to improve the urban climate, while a network of cooling innovations allow continuous and protected pedestrian access through public spaces.

The exhibition was officially launched on Thursday 12 March, with speakers from the collaborating organisations, demonstrating the multi-sector and multidisciplinary collaboration. Speakers included Shane Murray (Dean of Monash Art, Design and Architecture), Ben Furmage (CEO, CRC for Water Sensitive Cities/Water Sensitive Cities Institute), Candace Jordan (Sustainability Officer, City of Melbourne), and Markus Jung and Maud Cassaignau from (Research Project Leader, Monash Art, Design and Architecture).

Listen to a little of what they had to say on our video here.

VR display

Over 50 people from government agencies, universities, students, practitioners and community members attended the launch. The event generated great interest and stimulated discussion among attendees about how we can translate these ‘cool lines’ into urban development processes and projects. In particular, attendees discussed ways to adjust and apply the concepts in other locations through Victoria.

‘The array of floating physical models, complemented by virtual reality architectural renderings, really bring the exhibition to the next level, in terms of communicating ideas with the wider community,’ said Jianbin Wang (CRC for Water Sensitive Cities).

If you’d like to enjoy a sample of Melbourne Cool Lines, you can take a virtual tour through a sustainable, water sensitive vision for Melbourne below.

Simply click on the image, and then drag your cursor for a 360o look.

Last updated: 24th Mar 2020