Federation Square

[skilts]

Has anyone been there?

Went there today, prepared to be impressed. Was completely knocked over by the genius of the concept and its execution. To me, it's the City Square we've been seeking for fifty years.

This is the most important and impressive series of public buildings erected in my lifetime, in Melbourne, IMO. I understand there are those who find the design less than satisfactory. I found it challenging and a wonderful use of a very public space.

Most of the so-called modern architecture in Melbourne has been satisfied to have add-ons to an oblong or square shed, as an afterthought. To me, most of it looks like a carbuncle has been added, in search of a reason for the building to exist. This complex actually looks as though it has been designed with a wholistic concept in mind.

Must declare my interest here. I have worked in quarries for many years and I found the use of the stone from the Kimberleys to be magical. I love the way it opens the Yarra to the city as never before. The art gallery is a triumph of the use of the space, design and display.

Your thoughts?

 

[Joe Mama]

Bring back the Gas & Fuel Towers.

 

[Katthawk]

I am not sure whether I can read cynicism in your post Skilts but I think that it is surely a better use of the site than the Gas and Fuel boxes.

At least it is better than the crappy flat open space on top of the station entrance that there once was.

 

[skilts]

Originally posted by Katthawk
I am not sure whether I can read cynicism in your post Skilts but I think that it is surely a better use of the site than the Gas and Fuel boxes.

At least it is better than the crappy flat open space on top of the station entrance that there once was.

Can understand why you think I may not be serious in this. I'm absolutely bowled over by what I saw. No cynicism here. My partner and I went in to see the complex from 25 kms away with the express purpose of finding out what it was like.

It exceeded all expectations. I spent a couple of years travelling to the city on the train and saw it being constructed overhead, so to speak. Initially I thought it looked hopelessly out of place, but as it developed, I saw that the designers were making a statement which coudn't be ignored. Having been inside the buildings, I'm literally stunned and incredibly excited.

 

[jim boy]

I haven't been in Melbourne for a couple of years, but this is by far the project that I have been most keen to see when I get back soon. Better than some freakin freeway. I think it's fantastic that in the planning, risks were prepared to be taken, you don't get great buildings by being conservative.

 

[Katthawk]

I haven't been to see inside yet but it looks alright outside. Pity about the shennanigans about the second shard and all of that.

Why governments have to be allowed to have a final say on some things is beyond me!. Mary Delahunty I am looking at you!

 

[Fred]

Originally posted by Wayde Petersen
Bring back the Gas & Fuel Towers.

Spent some years working in those towers when they first opened. The GFC was moved there from the old setup in Alfred St. off St Kilda Rd.

 

[Katthawk]

Hey Fred, you would have had the best view, that was the saving grace of them. But they just had to go.

 

[The Hitman]

I reckon it's great. I was bagging it the entire time it was being built, but as soon as it was opened and I had a gander, it was appealing.

I especially love the Ticketek outlet. No one knew about it when Pearl Jam tickets came on sale within the first week that Federation Square opened, and I was first in line. HUZZAH!

The Hitman

 

[coxon]

Originally posted by The Hitman
..and I was first in line. HUZZAH!

The Hitman

huzzah? isnt that what u should be yelling out (in the theatre) when the title of a movie is spoken in that movie? ??

 

[Mobbs]

I still don't like the look of the place from the outside, though it is slightly less of an eyesore to me than it looked like it was going to be when under construction.

 

[Royal Blue And White]

I really enjoyed it also...just wish there was a bit more grass and trees on the Swanston St side so you could sit there during lunch breaks at not fry from the heat....

Does it really open up the Yarra though?....There isnt an easy walkthrough to get to the river (Although I went when it first opened and part of it wasnt finished yet...)

 

[Pessimistic]

Fed square notebook by Pessimistic

As it was being built passed under it by train every day. Closest thing to an bass strait oil rig I have ever seen on dry land.


As the 'cladding' was added reminded me of F Flintstones home town Bedrock.

I do have a criticicism in that it's not 'wild' enough. Sure its got the angular cladding but you can't get away from the fact that it is fancy cladding on a plain old 3 storey building which could be a shopping mall. I think its the overhang 1 floor up whiich reminds me of all those horrible shopping centres from the 60s/70s.

Having said that some of the 'out there' bulldings which are revered are not a space people like to use which fed square is turning out to me. The mentioned the shared would have spoilt the view of the cathederal but how many peole go inside the cathederal ?

Plenty flock to the sydney opera house but how many actually go inside ?

Fed square certainly seems to be getting the nod as a useable space.

Last but not least a MX interview of the architecht made me laugh. Asked what was the best thing about fed square - 'The view of the yarra from the square" was the reply

 

[meg]

Hate it. I tried to keep an open mind when I went to have a look, but looking at it up close is even worse than viewing it from afar. Whenever I'm in the city I refuse to look at it. Almost as bad as Federation Arch. Almost.

The thing is going to look so incredibly out of date in ten years - argh, I hate it! It's a joke when you compare it to the beautiful old buildings of other countries. In one word - tacky.

 

[FIGJAM]

Billion dollar skate park.

Fairly unengaging and soulless, but it's its choice of location that sh*ts me!

Better idea would have been to subway the trainline all the way down to Exhibition Street and turn it into parkland.

McHarg's "Design With Nature" would have provided many arguments against building this building here. So many of Melbourne's architectural and natural landmarks are encroached upon by this building.

Still, we gotta live with it until we die so I'll change my tune; what a wonderous structure!

 

[knuckles]

Originally posted by meg
Hate it. I tried to keep an open mind when I went to have a look, but looking at it up close is even worse than viewing it from afar. Whenever I'm in the city I refuse to look at it. Almost as bad as Federation Arch. Almost.

The thing is going to look so incredibly out of date in ten years - argh, I hate it! It's a joke when you compare it to the beautiful old buildings of other countries. In one word - tacky.

They could paint it Brunswick green, with cream stripes for a touch of Victoriana and originality.

 

[Sandola]

Funny lumpy cobblestones underfoot. Don't wear fancy shoes on your visits. And the whole strange irregular mounding of the outdoor public space-- bodies buried under there? Needs more trees, desperately.

HOWEVER from one of the upper galleries in the NGV there is access to one of the funny-shaped cubicles with its funny-shaped window with a fantastic view over to the MCG. With part of the G gone, it's a magical view right into the inner sanctum. Don't miss it.

 

[BluesBabe666]

Havent been inside but now am intrigued... will have a look this weekend and share my thoughts!