Gold Coast City Council, with endorsement of the Australian Institute of Architects, sought submissions for an open Master plan Ideas Competition for a proposed Gold Coast Cultural and Civic Precinct.
Our approach was to create a city square for the Gold Coast that was: a Place for the People; a Uniquely Gold Coast Response; and an Eco Positive Response. This is achieved by: dematerialising the former commercial and cultural landscapes of the site; breaking up the site; and establishing a wetland network through the site â thereby returning the site towards its natural state and providing a place where ecosystems can re-establish.
The jury’s comment on LVO’s Scheme:
Unlike other proposals which arrange buildings around streets or important view corridors and axes this proposition is of a web of elevated paths and islands for buildings. A brightly coloured ribbon structure provides a way finding device towards important buildings, access points and destinations.
True to its title ‘rethreading people, place and ecosystem’ this proposition is refreshing because it elevates the importance of natural systems and achieving a sustainable future. As the driver for the precinct ‘Nature’ would bring a unique and iconic status to the Gold Coast’s cultural heart.
The competition was entered by design companies across Australia, and we were delighted to be awarded third place.