The project
The Link is a breathtaking new pedestrian walkway that connects Melbourne’s Chadstone Shopping Centre to the Tower One office building and Hotel Chadstone, MGallery by Sofitel. Taking cues from the arched glass roof of the shopping centre, Make designed a 110m-long vaulted passageway with an Italian larch glulam diagrid structure and semi-translucent PTFE canopy.
The 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 travelators and stairs. The flexible design can also accommodate pop-up retail, food and beverage, and events spaces.
The model
We built an identical pair of models for our London and Sydney studios’ showcase collections, having previously built sketch models for the project during the design phase. The model shows a section of The Link, allowing us to work at a larger scale (1:50) to show details that tell the story of the project and its design and construction.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N725_webportrait-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=bdfcd26b3b193c58d409389fb038302d 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N725_webportrait-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=560&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=84e339f20b56cae9ccd975af57b146ee 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N725_webportrait-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1024&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=66a250245970c6acb288933d52f969ab 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N725_webportrait-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1365&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=04c3d4a4ce60721a90ce6b0c8565a85c 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N725_webportrait-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1867&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=856e19ff1b1c3f88463782ad6f433664 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N725_webportrait-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2133&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=de9b07660ba592e9ebb3b3f16af7c4bf 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N725_webportrait-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2560&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=ff201d245d27c0d69b0487603605eb3d 1920w)
Base build
The model has an acrylic carcass that’s built up with individual PLA prints, created on our Ultimaker printers, to form the main elements of the base, planters and travelator sections. We decided to use a classic, warm wooden finish to reference the wooden glulam beams that support the canopy in the actual structure.
The base structure is clad with laser-cut maple veneer, scored to show details of the flooring tiles and with cut-outs to allow the arch sections to be dropped in and neatly glued into place. The escalator rails were laser-cut from clear acrylic and the handrail was sprayed onto them with a paint colour-matched to the veneer.
Gravel, coloured flock and small model bushes were added to the planters to bring them to life. This fiddly step was important to complete before the structure of the canopy was attached and made access difficult.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N726_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=158&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=cf3b14429e2624253356fddf373434cd 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N726_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=315&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=c47bd8fc0645f5277bdda578b04d9ad0 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N726_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=576&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=e4d0b3b9a66df6c7f23dcef11086d50a 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N726_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=768&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=c73b86f06113ceb44a0ec050f4564f1f 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N726_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1051&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=7f6d3d61b2b38502734d666fd66c6b84 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N726_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1201&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=3c1d73cc36c1b850202ad92c09232903 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N726_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1441&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=d32f55897224538b99358b0bafacd8da 1920w)
Borrowing from model aircraft
The arches and canopy are the standout features of the project, and the model needed to express them effectively. Canopies and stretched structures like this present an interesting challenge to a modelmaker, and there are a few techniques that can be used to represent them at scale.
Modelmakers will often use vacuum forming to produce shapes with a complex curvature, creating a former that is used to shape a thin sheet of plastic into the required profile. To avoid this additional step – and to have fun experimenting! – we looked at employing classic model aircraft building techniques.
To reduce weight in a remote-controlled plane or glider, modellers will often use a stretched skin that’s applied over a wooden structure. In decades past this would have been tissue paper that was ‘doped’ to shrink and adhere it, but the modern technique is to use heat-shrink film that can be ironed or carefully heat-gunned to create the same effect.
After building a plywood mock-up of the arch structure, we used a specialist iron and polyester sheet to practice with. With a little trial and error, Alex refined the technique of fixing the sheet onto the mock-up, until we were confident enough to work on the model.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N733_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=74abb461dd62f64774ba9fd8a2a6cb0a 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N733_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=32de9f0aed66747938d53cb4ae406ee2 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N733_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=6cc2c21e209666705fc3f897ef1aa293 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N733_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=682&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=961f181c313df039bda99167a8687a33 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N733_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=5b5a749343c0e1fe4423ebb7256dff3f 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N733_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1066&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=8e01cc3f5e21111044f9ab99471dab1b 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N733_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=ca291989e8e339477811c6470485857c 1920w)
Creating tension
We worked out that the structure had to be beefed up slightly to withstand the tension of the stretched canopy. The arches were laser-cut from ply and then laminated with veneer on each face to match the base components. The arch sections have a half-housed joint that allows each cross-piece to connect and fit over the other, creating a very strong structure.
Alex got into the groove and in record time had attached the polyester heat-shrink film – a beautiful-looking canopy completed! It was important to keep the tension even across the whole canopy and work methodically to prevent the polyester from getting overheated, wrinkled or torn.
We trimmed excess polyester from the edges of the wooden arches and used a frost spray to dust the shiny plastic of the canopy to give it a matte look and make it more in keeping with the textures of the wood.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N732_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=043e78f1a3f019290ede3cf7dd37b615 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N732_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=31d7d9f191d63ff292109114098006b8 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N732_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=9a680ca89c5dea62c56f9228508dd691 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N732_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=682&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=0a59054e6ee08b14d6e45d9039080803 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N732_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=8160137fba2573c6af14988d35d4378b 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N732_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1066&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=815525ffed26806280cb94f86d613e7c 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N732_weblandscape-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=c7b3329247befada1126b94ffdf8e268 1920w)
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N731_webportrait-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=263&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=856c614459efe7a1e85f54e2221ba5ee 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N731_webportrait-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=525&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=6bb33203513c3c23238955300164f219 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N731_webportrait-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=960&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=124e438261f105bf3c3bb23169d8070f 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N731_webportrait-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=656299137b68373937d71ddfa9da58ee 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N731_webportrait-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1751&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=cb952d5808a878e4c322a2c1bf9e005c 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N731_webportrait-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2001&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=0ef0a0256e1985746ab852aa51f368bf 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2F01585_00_N731_webportrait-1.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2401&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=4f13eaf575b862faa131783a6ce030d4 1920w)
Final details
The final detail work was animating the model. We 3D-printed several 1:50 scale figures on our Form2 SLA resin printer and sprayed them chrome silver before gluing them onto the model.
With that, the models were complete. One was boxed and shipped off to Sydney and the other installed as the centrepiece of a mini exhibition on The Link in our London studio.