Federation Square decision reinforces value of public architecture

Federation Square decision reinforces value of public architecture

MEDIA RELEASE

8 April 2019

The Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter warmly welcomes Heritage Victoria’s decision regarding Federation Square which recognises, values and upholds the significance of this iconic site.

Ms Muir said the Victorian Government’s subsequent decision to launch a review into Federation Square’s future was very welcome.

‘The Institute has been advocating consistently against the Victorian Government’s plans for the future of Federation Square and lack of due process since they were first announced in 2017,’ Ms Muir said.

‘Our concerns were broad ranging and we have urged that any change be well-considered, something the original plans were not.

‘We have advocated for the preparation of a considered and coordinated masterplan to ensure any changes to Federation Square are successful in supporting the original intentions for this public asset.

‘We also provided a submission in support of adding Federation Square to the Victorian Heritage Register in acknowledgement of its cultural and architectural significance.

‘As the most awarded project in the history of the Victorian Architecture Awards, Heritage Victoria’s decision acknowledges the value that Federation Square brings to the public realm of Melbourne in its entirety.

‘Federation Square is Victoria’s premier civic and cultural space, representing celebration and public interaction.

‘It is a building of many parts that make a whole, and it is imperative that we resist any tendency to start unpacking and removing parts. This will ultimately have a detrimental impact on the significance of the building and Federation Square precinct.

‘We are delighted by the decision to move forward with a process that seeks expert input from Victorian Government Architect Jill Garner and broad community engagement through a public consultation process.’

Federation Square has been awarded the RAIA Victorian Architecture Medal; the Melbourne Prize; the Marion Mahoney Award (Interior Architecture), and the Joseph Reed Award (Urban Design); and the Architecture Award for institutional buildings in 2003.