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A
Z
Chadstone Link: Making new connections
Current
2020
list Article list

Chadstone Link: Making new connections

The Link is a new pedestrian walkway connecting Melbourne’s Chadstone Shopping Centre with the Tower One office building and new Hotel Chadstone, MGallery by Sofitel, which opened in November 2019. The project, which draws on our architecture, urban planning and interiors expertise, is part of the mixed-use evolution of Chadstone – already one of the largest malls in the southern hemisphere – into an internationally recognised shopping, dining, lifestyle and entertainment destination.

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The approach to the shopping centre entrance. Nighttime feature lighting illuminates the structure from within, creating a warm, welcoming space.

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Axonometric drawing.

 

Taking cues from the arched glass roof of the shopping centre, we’ve designed a 110m-long vaulted passageway with a larch glulam diagrid structure and tensile, semi-translucent PTFE canopy. The simplicity of its materials belies the complexity of the criss-crossing structure, which essentially acts as a harmonica – each element holding the other in position, supported by hidden steel foundations. The space, which rises 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 travelators and stairs. The flexible design can also accommodate pop-up retail, food and beverage, and events spaces.

A green wall of Boston ivy and jasmine extends approximately 60m and will provide evergreen coverage throughout the year, and a heady fragrance when the jasmine is in bloom. The design is highly robust, with open sides to provide cross-ventilation and eliminate the need for air conditioning. Uplighters are used to illuminate the space at night, and the structure requires minimal maintenance. After Make achieved planning and took the project to early tender, Cera Stribley Architects delivered it.

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The Link is a flexible, in-between space that blurs the boundaries between different leisure, commercial and retail uses, as well as internal and external environments. It represents a new way of thinking by retail property groups about how incorporating new uses and flexible spaces into their centres can help them adapt to changing consumer behaviour. More and more, people are looking for places that promote wellbeing and provide a relaxed, natural environment. As an entrance to the ever-evolving Chadstone, The Link offers precisely that – an elegant, effortless journey through light and greenery, as well as tranquil spaces for relaxing and socialising.