Case Study: Melbourne Level Crossing Removal Project
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
Timothy Moore, Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture / Melbourne Design Week, NGV