Projects
Melbourne Postcard
an iridescent surface draped over central pier
proposal continued.
The screen’s pixel grid is formed by a field of umbrellas,
each fitted with an element combining a high-performance LED light
and solar cell. The umbrellas provide a cheap adaptable shade cover
across the pier to enable a range of uses: markets, restaurant
seating, live-entertainment, sun bathing, or even car parking. It
is an almost insubstantially flat overlay consisting of human
scaled elements that achieve an urban scale when combined.
A floating public swimming pool at the pier’s end would be
the major attraction; an urban beach in the heart of the city. In
addition to the hospitality functions currently in residence, the
existing sheds might also accommodate venues for a range of
participatory programs, such as the wooden boat centre at Victoria
Harbour or a social club for Docklands residents.
conclusion.
The urban screen would allow for a myriad of different images
or even videos, the content of which could range from civic or
personal messages, flags and emblems, updates on oil consumption,
climate change and drought, artists’ animations, or live sports
scores. Though fabricated with minimal expense, it’s perception
from above is maximised.
More than just filling the gap, an interim proposal should
play an active role in fostering debate about what the future of
the site should be. The iridescent surface draped over Central Pier
could help to raise awareness of the opportunity at our doorstep by
planting the seeds of a lager public endeavour and render a weak
signal towards its future realisation.
poster from the exhibition placed in the sports lockers