Woden Green Expo Park

An innovative and unexpected Canberra display village

Challenge

In the absence of a clear precedent, the brief and design were developed in close collaboration with the client through a series of workshops where a variety of programs and designs were developed.

Insight

This project is a demonstration of how innovative design and retail operational management can lead to place-making and unexpected lifestyle opportunities within suburban Canberra. It is an example of the trend towards more complex alternatives to traditional display villages where the expectations of residential buyers in inner city and suburban areas alike extend beyond apartment interiors to the desire for community interaction and public amenities.

Solution

The selected design brings together place making, event management and an architecture of temporary buildings into an Exposition Park anchored by a retail supermarket, multiple cafes and pop-up stores. The opportunity was addressed by recognising the existing and latent values the site provided, including the value of Arabanoo Park as a frontage, the opportunity to connect isolated community buildings and the excitement of demountable buildings made from simple robust building materials that are evocative of stage sets.

2.5K
Metres Squared NLA
2015
Development Application

Design inspiration

Reminiscent of a silver coloured aluminium retail box shielded by a variety of naturally ventilated timber and poly-carbonate verandas, the design thoughtfully folds upwards to appeal to passing pedestrians and cyclists while creating dynamic spaces within the tree canopies, suitable for outdoor entertaining, bars and beer gardens.

Details

A central retail gallery establishes a legible circulation spine connecting the adjacent residential areas, medical centre and child care centre. Timber and concrete platforms and stairs terrace down toward Arabanoo Park providing a variety of play spaces, cafes and bicycle parking.