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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Display Suite Address:
262 Normanby Road,
South Melbourne VIC 3205
Display Suite Open:
Open Daily
10am - 3pm
Closed public holidays
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