© City of MelbourneFebruary 2004GPO Box 1603MMelbourne Victoria 3001

Hotline (03) 9658 9658TTY (03) 9658 9461enquiries@melbourne.vic.gov.auwww.melbourne.vic.gov.au

This is a publication of Melbourne City Council

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Argyle Square Piazza ProjectConcept Master Plan Report

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The City of Melbourne has released a newConcept Master Plan for a vibrant, Italian-style piazza in Argyle Square, Carlton.

Under the Plan, the northern part of Argyle Square would be transformed into a contemporary piazza merging the best ofItalian culture with Melbourne’s relaxed,outdoor lifestyle.

As part of the design process, The City ofMelbourne is collaborating with renownedMilanese architectural firm, DesignInnovation.

The collaboration is one of the first initiativesof a new Sister City Agreement recentlysigned between Melbourne and Milan,signed 3 March 2004.

Initial designs for the new piazza show aflexible public space, with opportunities forquiet contemplation, family get togethers,markets and major events.

It is envisaged the piazza would become acentral meeting place for the Carltoncommunity, evoking the tradition and historyof Italian culture while capturing the impulseand energy of everyday life. The new piazzawould also have strong links to Carlton’sother parks and reserves and to nearbycommercial, retail and cultural precincts.

Proposed design elements include new treeplanting, hedges, a striking architecturalcolonnade, seating steps, formal paths, and intricate paving designs.

The City of Melbourne is seeking yourfeedback on the Argyle Square Piazza Project– Concept Master Plan.

La Città di Melbourne ha reso pubblica unanuova Proposta di Piano Generale per unavivace piazza di stile italiano all’Argyle Square,Carlton.

Secondo questo Piano, la parte a norddell’Argyle Square verrebbe trasformata in unapiazza moderna che fonde il meglio dellacultura italiana con il rilassato stile di vitaall’aperto proprio di Melbourne.

Come parte del processo di progettazione, la Città di Melbourne sta collaborando con ilrinomato studio di architetti milanesi, DesignInnovation.

La collaborazione è una delle prime iniziativedel nuovo Accordo di Gemellaggio firmato direcente tra Melbourne e Milano il 3 marzo2004.

I progetti iniziali per la nuova piazza mostrano un flessibile spazio pubblico, con possibilità di raccolta contemplazione, riunioni familiari,mercatini e avvenimenti di grande respiro.

Si prevede che la piazza dovrebbe diventare un importante punto d’incontro per lacomunità di Carlton, richiamandosi allatradizone e storia della cultura italiana e altempo stesso cogliendo l’impulso e l’energiadella vita quotidiana. La nuova piazza avrebbeanche forti collegamenti con gli altri parchi diCarlton e i confinanti rioni d’affari,commerciali e culturali.

Gli elementi del disegno proposto includono il collocamento di nuovi alberi, aiuole, unattraente colonnato, gradini su cui ci si puòsedere, marciapiedi e intricati disegni sulpavimento.

La Città di Melbourne desidera conoscere ilvostro parere in merito alla Proposta di PianoGenerale per il Progetto Argyle Square Piazza.

New Italian StylePiazza for Carlton

Nuova piazza italiana per Carlton

As part of the designprocess for the new ArgyleSquare Piazza, the City ofMelbourne is collaboratingwith experienced Milanesearchitectural firm, DesignInnovation. The collaboration was arranged by the Milan City Project and is one of the first initiatives of the new SisterCity Agreement between Melbourne and Milan, signed 3 March 2004.

The aim of the project is to create an authentic, contemporary piazza that merges the best of Italian culturewith Melbourne’s relaxed, outdoorlifestyle.

design themes• knowledge

• la dolce vita - the good life

• atelier - fashion design/ workshop

defining the piazza “(Piazzas are) spaces of exchange where the culture and market livetogether in harmony." Design Innovation, Milan, November 2003

The City of Melbourne/Design Innovation vision for Argyle Square Piazza is of a flexible space,characterised by opportunities for quiet contemplation, observation and getting together.

As a central meeting place for theCarlton community, it will evoke the tradition and history of Italianculture while providing a forum for the impulse and energy of everyday life. The piazza will be a place of manysensations, with a range of activities and elements to stimulate sight, sound,touch and taste.

Introduction Collaboration with Milan

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In the early 1990s the City of Melbourne made acommitment to refurbish thenorthern half of ArgyleSquare, demolishing CarltonBowling Club in late 1994.In 1995, following a favourablefeasibility study, Council soughtcommunity feedback on plans for anunderground car park and refurbishmentof the northern part of the square,culminating in a lengthy process forplanning and legislative approval.

In 2000, Council deferred majorrefurbishment of the park, pending areview of the feasibility of the car park.In the interim, the northern part ofArgyle Square was grassed and otherenhancement works were undertaken.

In 2002, the City of Melbourne decidednot to proceed with the car park due touncertainty about its financial viability.Soon after, Council started work with asub-committee of the Carlton BusinessAssociation and the Carlton ResidentsAssociation to develop a design brief for refurbishment of Argyle Square,including a piazza.

With this new impetus, the process tocreate an Italian-style piazza in Carltonbegan in May 2003.

Background: Argyle SquareArgyle Square is located in Lygon Street, Carlton. The rectangular-shaped,1.3 ha park is divided into two discretehalves by the east-west Pelham Streetfootpath. The southern half has a formal diagonal path network defined by large, majestic elms and well usedgrass areas.

The northern half of Argyle Squareconsists of an elevated grass and floralgarden facing Lygon Street. A basaltretaining wall separates the garden from a large, flat middle space that once operated as the lawn bowls facilityand a rear embankment. Only thenorthern half of Argyle Square would be converted into a piazza.

Project AimsThe main aims of the project are to create:

• a vital public space in the heart ofCarlton that makes reference to thecelebrated public spaces of Italy.

• a new urban space that resonates withthe urban context of Carlton and isuniquely Melbourne.

• an inclusive and welcoming placethat, in keeping with other culturalprecincts of Melbourne, celebrates thecontribution of the Italian communityto the city’s cultural diversity.

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formal layoutSome of the elements that will be used to create an inviting setting forArgyle Square Piazza include treeavenues, hedges, low walls, seating steps, formal paths and intricate paving designs.

a testament to Melbourne’scultural diversity In the context of Melbourne’s cultural precincts, Argyle Square Piazza will provide the urban heart for the Lygon Street Italian precinct. As the centre of this precinct, the piazza will be a place of welcome and respite for everyone.

project theme ~ ‘peace offering’ The idea of a ‘peace offering’ was chosen as the wider theme for the piazza to express the hopes for peaceand prosperity that all immigrants bring to their new home.

The theme has been interpreted through the image of a Persian rug - weaving together notions ofmulticulturalism and cooperationbetween Australia and Italy. Themetaphor of the Persian rug also makes historical reference to thecelebrated architecture, textiles, mosaics and frescos of the Byzantineperiod of the Roman Empire. This period was renowned for cultural andethnic tolerance and the flourishing of artistic expression, which had aprofound influence on the evolution of European and Middle Eastern art.

design elements• dramatic sense of arrival via

narrowed paths

• piazza enclosed by a green garden

• striking central piazza with intricate high quality pavementartwork

• architectural elements

– colonnade

– seating steps

– integrated lighting features

• programmable for cultural events of various scale

The creation of a piazza in Carlton has involved aconsiderable amount ofresearch and reflection onthe identity of the area andthe future uses of ArgyleSquare. In addition to thebasic requirements of anattractive, functional design,the following elements have been central to thepreparation of the ArgyleSquare Piazza design.

piazza ~ square/ market/ place For most people, the term ‘piazza’conjures images of some of the mostfamous and grand urban spaces in Italy.

Italian piazzas come in many shapes andsizes. In a broad historical sense, theygrew out of being the public spacesurrounding local village wells. The dailyneed to collect fresh water drew villagerstogether and market stalls and businessesnaturally located nearby, framing thepiazza with activity. This established apattern of behaviour so entrenched inItaly that the introduction of piped waterdid not diminish social interaction. Wellswere converted into decorative fountainsand businesses continued to open theirdoors to piazzas with vibrant retail anddinning.

Centuries later, the piazza continues tofunction as the heart or meeting place ofmany communities, in Italy and all overthe world. The presence of waterprovides a powerful symbolic reference,drawing people to meet and linger.Modern piazzas attract people to spendtime together in an outdoor setting bycreating an innate sense of vitality.

Developing a piazza for the heart ofCarlton is much more than a designchallenge. The new piazza needs to havestrong community support and appeal,offering a setting for a range of activitiesand uses. As a public outdoor space, thepiazza requires seating, new landscapingand other elements to make people feelwelcome and comfortable. Changes topedestrian access and circulation are alsoneeded to encourage social interactionand more effective links withsurrounding residential, retail andcommercial activities.

connection Argyle Square Piazza will be an essentialpart of the life of the Carlton community.The new piazza will have strong links toCarlton’s other parks and reserves and tothe area’s commercial, retail and culturalplaces. Likewise the established southernhalf of Argyle Square will be integratedwith the piazza and cultural connectionswill be expressed through programmingof events and activities by the localItalian community.

la passeggiata ~ the ritualevening strollLygon Street has wide footpaths toaccommodate ritual evening strolls.

La Passeggiata or The Walk is an essentialingredient of the life of any piazza. New,well lit paths will create safe and invitingways to experience the vitality of ArgyleSquare – day and night.

a place to meetArgyle Square piazza will be a place tocongregate and linger, attracting peoplefrom surrounding neighbourhoods and thewider metropolitan area. The piazza willoffer spaces to sit, relax and observe thepassing parade, with a variety of sunnyand shady seating to accommodate thebiggest family gatherings and the mostintimate meetings.

a showcase of contemporaryItalian culture The design for the new Argyle SquarePiazza is elegant and contemporary,without being nostalgic or rarefied.Through form, space and design, thepiazza will celebrate the rich and diverse history of Italian settlement in Carlton and look with optimismtowards the future. Contemporaryartworks will be fully integrated into the new piazza design.

an attraction The piazza will be a vibrant attractionfor the area, contributing to Carlton’sstrong sense of community spirit. It will be a place for the community togather and enjoy major events such as the Lygon Street Festa, outdoorperformances and possibly regularmarkets.

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Ingredients for an Italian Piazza in Melbourne

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Heritage Streetscapes Planting

Argyle Square southDesign of southern part of Argyle Square dates back to 1850s. Significantelements that must be retained are:

• diagonal paths, edges and asphaltsurface

• east-west path – Pelham Street axis

• perimeter basalt edging

• lawn areas defined by the cross

• paths and the perimeter

• water fountain

Associated enhancement works include:

• reinstatement of north-south pathconnecting both halves of ArgyleSquare

• reinstatement of tighter cornerentrances

Argyle Square northSignificant elements that must beretained:

• definition of the original landreservation delineated in paving

• grass address to Lygon Street is highlyvalued and has been in constant usesince the 1800s

• ornamental floral planting at LygonStreet entry

• large basalt rock retaining wallsnorth, east and south of the lawn

• oak on northern boundary

• lemon scented gum

• possible realignment of hurdle fences

simplified streetscapesThe City of Melbourne proposessimplifying the streetscape surroundingArgyle Square to consolidate streetparking and make the area morepedestrian friendly. This process would include new street tree plantingand would give the piazza a strongervisual presence.

spacesThe northern half of Argyle Square ismade up of three distinct spaces. Thedesign of the piazza seeks to reinforcethe existing arrangement of entry,central space and rear.

arrivalDense tree planting and narrowpathways will form a series oftransitional spaces, creating a sense of drama on arrival into the piazza.

main entry to Lygon StreetThe entry has been modified to moreclearly represent the existing crisp,geometric arrangement of manicuredgrass lawn surrounded by highlydecorative floral beds, which in turn willbe framed by low level clipped hedges.

central piazza space The central piazza will be defined bylayers of formal elements includingrichly embellished paving contrastedwith smooth grassed surfaces; formalavenues of trees; and an architecturalcolonnade.

address to Cardigan StreetGrassed terraces will step down toCardigan Street, emulating the formalentry on Lygon Street.

framing Argyle Square Trees will be planted around theperimeter of the park to unify thenorthern and southern halves of the square.

enclosure of the piazza Golden coloured, deciduous trees will be selected to frame the piazza. Thesetrees will be planted at relatively closeintervals and pruned to maintain dense,high branching canopies.

The architectural use of trees, contrastingcolour and texture and formal rows oftrunks will powerfully define the space.The lush shade will give much neededrespite from exposure to the north andwest in summer and create a sun-drenched courtyard throughout winter.

ornamental planting Seasonal floral displays will continue tobe a feature of the piazza at the LygonStreet gateways and will be introduced tothe Cardigan Street entry.

grassGrass areas will be planted along eachend of the piazza, contributing to theimpression of an urban space framed bya green border.

Argyle Square southarrival

main entry to Lygon Street

central piazza space

address to Cardigan Street

framing Argyle Square

enclosure of the piazza

ornamental planting

grass

Argyle Square north

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Special Features A Successful Piazza Sharing YourViews

Detailing of the piazza will include crisp urban finishes,furniture and architectural elements that reinforce its image as a special space.

The City of Melbourne is interested inyour response to the Concept MasterPlan for the Argyle Square Piazza.

Please take the time to read the Plancarefully and provide feedback on theoverall design solution and/or proposeddesign elements. Your response will helpdetermine the future of Argyle Square.

Please respond in writing to:

Argyle Square Project City Projects, Arts & Culture DivisionCity of MelbourneGPO Box 1603MMelbourne, Victoria, 3001

Email: enquires@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Contact UsFor further information contact the City of Melbourne Hotline on 9658 9658or visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au

If English is not your first language andyou have questions, call and speak to us:

Ultimately the success ofArgyle Square piazza willdepend on its sense ofvitality and its ability toattract and draw people to spend time there throughoutthe year. Its future will be linked to the way it can inspire spontaneous acts of enjoyment andaccommodate major publicevents.T

Retain existing Lemon scented GumColonnadeContrasting tree species enclose PiazzaRetain existing OakNew Perimeter tree planting

Lygon StreetCardigan Street

Grassy Bank Grassed area under trees Potential Future Fountain Retaining wall Stone seating steps Formal grassed entry

Piazza areaSection AA

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POSSIBLEWATER FEATURE

9280 0716 (Amharic)9280 0717 (Cantonese)9280 0718 (Greek)9280 0719 Bahasa Indonesian9280 0720 Italiano9280 0721 (Mandarin)9280 0722 Somali9280 0723 Español9280 0724 Türkçe9280 0725 9280 0726 All other languages9280 0727 English

colonnade

rug

lighting

Piazza Concept Plan February 2004

rug The piazza will be defined on the ground by a richly embellished pavement treatment in the form of a rug. Surfaces that could be use tocreate this impression include:

• lush floral images screen printed onto ceramic tiles to give theimpression of a textile finish

• mosaic tiling reminiscent of Byzantine artworks

• images sandblasted into bluestoneflagging to give intricate change in texture and more subtle finishacross the piazza.

colonnade A striking architectural colonnade will be used to define the eastern edge of the piazza and serve as a highlyvisible marker from Lygon Street.

lighting Lighting will be integrated into thedesign of the piazza. At night visitorswill be drawn into the piazza to admire the dramatically lit fountain.Additional lighting will ensure the space is a safe and welcomingenvironment for evening strolls.

potential fountain Subject to potential funding by externalsources a fountain may be sited in the middle of the piazza, and a series ofwater jets will rise from the paving to sparkle, dance and fascinate in daytime. As the fountain will be set flush in the piazza paving, the space can beextended for major events by turning off the jets. Most importantly when thepiazza is needed to be dry, the surfacewill be functional and attractive and will not give the impression of theswitched-off fountain.

View into piazza from Lygon Street steps

potential fountain