research - melbourne


i just thought that the new developement of the melbourne convention centre would be something interesting to look at. construction of the project was awarded to multiplex constructions and it was begun at the end of 2006 and is expected to run through until the end of 2008. building works has been calculated to be a total of 480 million dollars, and this is to include the convention centre, a pedestrian bridge across the Yarra River and a 12-storey, five star hotel with 319 rooms. the new building will also be intedgrated with the existing exhibition centre.






























Australia’s newest icon emulates Melbourne
In revealing the design concept for Australia's newest icon, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre says its new convention centre will emulate its city namesake.
The new centre is part of a A$1.1 billion project between the Victorian Government and Plenary Group. It will revitalise the last crucial section of the Yarra River's edge, linking South Bank to Docklands.
As well as housing what will be Australia's largest combined convention and exhibition facility, the project includes a Hilton hotel, a new Maritime Museum, a lifestyle retail precinct and 60,000 m2 of shopping. It opens for business in 2009.
Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre chief executive Leigh Harry says the convention centre will be an important architectural landmark for Melbourne, and will emulate what the city stands for.
"Not only will it be visually striking, but it will leave those who enter the space feeling like they have experienced Melbourne, from its maritime history, to its art and culture and sporting ethos."
Plenary Group's architects on the convention centre project, Nik Karalis from Woods Bagot, and Hamish Lyon from NH Architecture, say they've done this in a variety of ways using wall motifs, Australian timber and making the plenary hall feel like a 'real' theatre experience.
And it doesn't end there - even the majority of the food and wine served at conferences is sourced from local specialised food producers and vineyards.
Hamish Lyon says the locality also offers a unique 'Melbourne' experience.
"Most convention centres are like being in a black box. In the new Melbourne convention centre, you can stand in front of an 18 metre glass façade looking out to the Yarra River and feel like you could touch the city - you're that close to the city centre."
Nik Karalis says another key feature of the design is the flexibility of the plenary hall. It will transform from full plenary, to grand theatre, to intimate theatres, to small conference, to cabaret, or to flat floor banquet.
"Put simply, the range of options for event organisers is unparalleled. The design is also particularly unique. It was designed as the 'spirit' of the building and will appear to glow to those looking in through the glass façade.
"Once inside any of its smaller configurations, you would never know it could possibly accommodate 5,000 people. Every theatre is an experience in itself and every service has been considered from the side walls to the ceiling."
Its fan shape design means all delegates will have an unobstructed view, no matter what the convention mode, something no other centre in the world can do.
He says the area around the plenary hall has also been carefully designed.
"It's an open, uncluttered space and oozes simplicity. When standing inside, you can see all aspects of the building, the stairs and meeting areas."
Hamish Lyon says the outside has not been overlooked either.
"There is no back side to the building, it will be equally attractive regardless which side of the building you are on.
"It's an uncomplicated, stunning building which will be the centrepiece of this new development for Melburnians and visitors alike."











this is a very large project which will surely have a significant impact on our city. when put into perspective from a financial point of view, federation square was a 355 million dollar project, which means this project is close to 130 million dollars more. hopefully this building will complement the existing exhibition centre, rather then just cast a shadow over it. i look foreward to seeing what is to come.