A number notable urban designers, architects and artists recently converged on Parramatta for the Design Parramatta workshop.
Design Parramatta is a six-week program, which commenced on 30 July 2012 and is providing a unique opportunity for 19 multidisciplinary teams to help transform public spaces, streets and laneways in the Parramatta CBD.
At the workshop, the design teams presented their multimedia concepts, discussed the progress of projects and obtained feedback from an expert design panel. Final design presentations will be held on Monday, 3 September. Concept designs will then be exhibited.
The projects represent a diverse range of challenges, opportunities and scale and include temporary and permanent programs. A recurrent theme for many of the initial project briefs was to draw out an individual site’s potential, provide a recognisable identity and improve activation.
Parramatta Mayor Lorraine Wearne welcomed the progress of the project.
“I’m pleased that Parramatta has attracted some impressive names from the architecture and design world to work on our Design Parramatta projects,” she said.
“I’m confident that the concept designs created will be innovative and truly reflect Parramatta’s position as the driving force behind Australia’s most significant economic region, a place that fosters great and inventive ideas, a centre of excellence in medical research, education and enterprise and a city of great diversity.
“The designs will form a city-wide strategy, which Council will use to prioritise works, lobby the State and Federal governments for funding and provide a common vision for Council and developers.”
The 15 sites chosen for Design Parramatta are of strategic importance for the City or are in close proximity to an area of future urban renewal.
Further development and implementation of projects beyond the concept design phase will be at the discretion of Parramatta City Council.
Students from the University of Sydney will take part in a parallel student project to provide a fresh perspective on the sites.
Design Parramatta is a collaborative project between Parramatta City Council and the NSW Government Architects Office.
Visit www.designparramatta.com.au for more information about Design Parramatta.
