Project Overview

The Collins Square Undercroft development reinvigorates and reconnects what was once a derelict space under the Collins Street Bridge. The versatile design redefines our perception of the utilitarian, even in a potentially hostile environment, and provides outstanding amenities for both inner city workers and event-goers alike.

Project Commissioner

Walkers Corporation

Project Creator

peckvonhartel Group Pty Ltd

Project Brief

Located in a series of derelict spaces beneath Collins Street Bridge, the project sought to provide an End of Trip (EOT) facility, bike repair shop, boxing gym, and small car park, to serve staff in the above buildings and the wider Docklands community.

The project aimed to connect the two halves of the historic Goods Shed- cut in half in 2005 to accommodate the extension of Collins Street-while rejuvenating an underused and hostile urban environment.
With a modest budget, the design shifts our boundaries of perception from formerly utilitarian cage-like environments to that of high-end attractor. For many staff members in the buildings above, these facilities are the first point of contact with their workplace. Each space provides comfort and amenity, but also adds an ‘other’ layer to their working experience.

Although aesthetically different from each other- the object qualities of the bike repair shop, the refined lightness of the EOT and the theatrical darkness of the boxing gym- each space also draws existing, exposed structures and services into a cohesive aesthetic response.

‘Transparency’ was a core aspect of our conceptual intent, embodied in the use of golden screens and black, forest-like bike racks framed by a white island of floor space. Linear LED lighting defines pathways as a strong graphic expression and a singular, unfilled travertine wall elevates the status of the whole space.

Project Innovation/Need

This multifaceted design caters for three disparate groups of people that inhabit the inner city – bicycle riders, car owners and event goers. The fully considered design provides comfort and amenity for those who drive and cycle, but also add a practical and convenient ‘other layer’ to the totality of their working experience.

Environmental services (air and light) could not be fixed to the overhead bridge structures. The interiors team conceived of a permanent scaffold that just touched the overhead plane, from which ducts and lights are suspended.

The bike repair shop has also been conceived as a potential, “after-hours” generator for large street-based events. Lighting under the bridge relocates interior space out into the street and beyond.

Design Challenge

The design challenge faced with the Collins Square Undercroft was turning a dark and threatening ‘tunnel’ into an attractive place of retreat and warmth. This concept is supported by the use of lighting and natural finishes such as timber, while framing the existing heritage brickwork.

The existing facilities (located under the Collins Street Bridge) consisted of dark, narrow spaces, generic finishes and restricted visibility which had become a security concern for users. The existing site context was a labyrinth of rooms at varying heights, several ramps, and lower than average spaces created by large air ducts that hint at the size of the building above.

Another challenge was to provide ample bike storage, lockers and improved amenities whilst creating a sense of spaciousness in an extremely low volume space. The overall outcome represents a shift in thinking about EOT facilities that are now important destinations; as for many staff members they are the first point of contact with their workplace.

Sustainability

Dramatically low overhead structures and massive AC ducts for the commercial buildings above were treated as a beneficial site characteristic instead of a problem to be solved. These elements were incorporated into the final aesthetic of the overhead plane, minimising demolition while reducing the need for ceilings, and therefore reducing waste and the embodied energy value of the project.

The project sits within the footprint of a 19th century goods shed, once the longest industrial building in the southern hemisphere. Remaining traces of brick, stone and timber were retained to provide continuity, while contributing to the regeneration of what is effectively a hostile environment in an under-utilised urban area of Melbourne.

Social benefit was considered to be as critical as environmentally sustainable design. A highly visible boxing gym and EOT facility attract people to the site before, during and after work hours. The bike repair shop has also been conceived as a potential, “after-hours” generator for large street-based events. Lighting under the bridge relocates the interior space out into the street and beyond.

Materials were selected on the basis of their environmentally sustainable properties. LED lighting was used throughout and Zero VOC paints were also specified.