The Link is a striking new pedestrian walkway that will connect Melbourne’s upscale Chadstone shopping centre with the new Tower 1 office building and Chadstone MGallery by Sofitel hotel. The project, which draws on Make’s architecture, urban planning and interiors expertise, is part of a mixed use masterplan that aims to transform Chadstone – already one of the largest malls in the southern hemisphere – into an internationally recognised lifestyle and entertainment destination.
Taking cues from the arched glass roof of the shopping centre, Make has designed a 110m-long vaulted passageway with an Italian larch diagrid structure and semi-translucent PTFE canopy. The cathedral-like space, which soars up to 15m at its tallest point, includes native soft landscaping, plentiful seating and bespoke nighttime lighting, and will neatly traverse the change in site levels with travellators and stairs. The flexible design will also accommodate art installations, exhibitions and events.
As the new front door to a next-generation Chadstone, The Link will offer visitors an elegant, effortless journey through light and greenery, as well as tranquil spaces for resting and socialising. The project is due to complete in late 2019, along with the new hotel. Make is also currently designing a new luxury shopping centre, Chatswood Chase, for Vicinity Centres in Sydney.
The Link will connect a currently fragmented site and integrate its different uses. It's a wonderful project to work on, combining our different streams of expertise, including urban planning, architecture and interiors.
