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Case Study: Melbourne Level Crossing Removal Project 






Permanent Outdoor Table Tennis Tables by POPP at the Level Crossing Removal, Caulfield




        Between 2015 and 2018 Melbourne's rail system got an overhaul, promising safer crossings and new public spaces with the elevation of current railway lines, as well as rejuvenation of exisiting train stations and public hubs located adjacent to the railway. An intimate collaboration between ASPECT Studios and COX Architecture endeavoured to set a new benchmark for elevated rail in Australia.  
        The plan was set but there were skeptical locals who protested against what they expected to be an "ugly concrete flyover". The project wasn't like any that had been done before so it was hard to convince residents it would be otherwise. Fortunately since it's completion in 2019, they've warmed up to the changes and it's easy to see why.


IMAGE CREDIT ABOVE
Location: Level Crossing VIC
Architect: Aspect Studios
Image Credit: Peter Bennetts, Peter Clarke, Dianna Snape, ASPECT Studios



 
"These civic projects provide a counterpoint – a confident expression of a rapidly changing social, cultural and economic landscape – and resolutely contribute to the social life of the city."

Timothy Moore, Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture / Melbourne Design Week, NGV


The final product included a chain of 'activation nodes' which have been particularly embraced by communities. They include fitness stations, playgrounds, picnic areas, dog parks, skating, climbing, and gathering areas, and of course several HERO tables by POPP. The great benefit of these areas is their multigenerational nature, they are bringing people from different social and age groups together, building an even stronger sense of community and activity than before.
    The project has been so successful it has been included in the 'Melbourne Now' exhibition currently running at the National Gallery of Victoria. NGV curator Timothy Moore told The Age that award-winning civic and public infrastructure projects like the level crossing removal project deserved to be celebrated in a gallery. 'Melbourne Now' is currently running at the National Gallery of Victoria: Ian Potter Centre until 20 August, 2023. It includes 200+ contemporary projects and events showcasing some of the best painting, sculpture, architecture, performance and video coming out of Melbourne. Check it out! Or head to one of the Linear projects in  and play some table tennis.
    An incredibly proud moment seeing our tables feature prominently as part of the Melbourne Now exhibition 'Civic Architecture' – where award-winning civic projects are celebrated as works of art and catalysts for transformation in their neighbourhoods.


Among the five projects featured is the aforementioned Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossings Removal, which included 6 of our flagship HERO tables placed across 3 linear parks and 22.5ha of open space.
    We're incredibly proud to be featured as part of this project, and as always, to be connecting healthy communities through the game of table tennis.
    Melbourne Now is running at the Ian Potter Centre at the National Gallery of Victoria until August 20, 2023. (Find the Civic Architecture projects on Level 3, with free entry from 10am to 5pm daily)




Additional Reading:
Civic Architecture  at the NVG 
‘When a level crossing removal project becomes art’ – The Age





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POPP IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF PUBLIC OUTDOOR LLC. PUBLIC OUTDOOR PTY LTD IS THE OWNER OF ALL REGISTERED, COPYRIGHTED AND PROTECTED DESIGNS. COPYRIGHT © 2010-2024 PUBLIC OUTDOOR PTY LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. VIEW OUR TERMS OF SALE DOCUMENT HERE.
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