Split into three distinct areas - the park, the podium and the rooftop deck - but presented as a continuous green spine, the landscape design at The Canopy engages people with nature and lays the foundation for a healthier future for all.

Highly respected design studio OCULUS has worked closely with cultural consultants MURRI : YUL to design a place of many layers. Once an ecological junction of wetland and woodland, this land was originally lush with native grasses, tea trees and wattles.

PLANTING

Once an ecological junction of wetland and woodland, this land was originally lush with native grasses, tea trees and wattles.

Today's planting was developed with the cultural advisors to focus on restoring the site's precolonial ecologies - focusing on Indigenous plants and amplifying seasonal displays of colour through flowers and foliage. Selecting endemic and native plants also creates a resilient, climate adaptive design - and guarantees year-round flowers.

A NEW PARK

Johnson Street park, or the 'biophilic front door', opens as a lush green central park with motifs honouring the Bunurong people. The park acts as an important link in the ribbon of open space throughout the precinct, offering walking and cycling pathways and inviting places to rest and play.

The 3,000m² park also offers a rare opportunity to create a new urban ecosystem, becoming a place for leisure, recreation and socialising, as well as enriching air quality, biophilia and biodiversity and, importantly, contributing to a reduced heat island. The park seamlessly connects with The Canopy through the A-grade retail and food and beverage options at ground level.

CULTURAL ADVISORY

Qualified Cultural Heritage Advisors MURRI : YUL contributed cultural perspectives to the urban design and landscape architecture of The Canopy, embedding Indigenous Australian knowledge into the landscape.

The landscape design takes its inspiration from the tea tree motif that represents a healing sanctuary. Kangaroo prints embedded into the paving assist with wayfinding and acknowledge the once-prevalent grey kangaroos.

These indigenous narratives and concepts of restoration acknowledge the Bunurong people in authentic, meaningful ways and create strong connections to place and country.

PLANTING

Once an ecological junction of wetland and woodland, this land was originally lush with native grasses, tea trees and wattles.

Today's planting was developed with the cultural advisors to focus on restoring the site's precolonial ecologies - focusing on Indigenous plants and amplifying seasonal displays of colour through flowers and foliage. Selecting endemic and native plants also creates a resilient, climate adaptive design - and guarantees year-round flowers.

A NEW PARK

Johnson Street park, or the 'biophilic front door', opens as a lush green central park with motifs honouring the Bunurong people. The park acts as an important link in the ribbon of open space throughout the precinct, offering walking and cycling pathways and inviting places to rest and play.

The 3,000m² park also offers a rare opportunity to create a new urban ecosystem, becoming a place for leisure, recreation and socialising, as well as enriching air quality, biophilia and biodiversity and, importantly, contributing to a reduced heat island. The park seamlessly connects with The Canopy through the A-grade retail and food and beverage options at ground level.

CULTURAL ADVISORY

Qualified Cultural Heritage Advisors MURRI : YUL contributed cultural perspectives to the urban design and landscape architecture of The Canopy, embedding Indigenous Australian knowledge into the landscape.

The landscape design takes its inspiration from the tea tree motif that represents a healing sanctuary. Kangaroo prints embedded into the paving assist with wayfinding and acknowledge the once-prevalent grey kangaroos.

These indigenous narratives and concepts of restoration acknowledge the Bunurong people in authentic, meaningful ways and create strong connections to place and country.

Ground floor lobby and retail.
Artist's Impression

Eco-Deck Rooftop.
Artist's Impression

Johnson Street park.
Artist's Impression

The Sanctuary Podium.
Artist's Impression

Different species dispersed up the building will 'turn on' at different times of the year to announce the seasons and make a visual connection between the ground and the building. It's going to be floral fireworks.

— Tim Mitchell, OCULUS, Senior Associate

Please register now to find out more about The Canopy and book a private appointment and tour of our Display Suite.

Display Suite Address:
262 Normanby Road,
South Melbourne VIC 3205

Display Suite Open:
Open Daily
10am - 3pm

Closed public holidays

For more information contact

Melanie Wickham 0419 500 989

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin and pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.