An opinion piece by Shane Green, associate editor of The Age, published by Fairfax laments that the public do not have enough say in the architecture of public buildings.

Green uses the example of the Flinders Street Station design competition which will allow the shortlist of six designs to be put on display with the public invited to vote for their favourite.

However he describes this exercise as 'hollow' due to the results of the public's preference to be kept secret from the jury so as not to influence the final decision.

"I'm profoundly disappointed the people will not be heard on what should happen to this remarkable and beautiful building. Would the jury's discussion be compromised by knowing what the people think?" said Green.

It is also pointed out that the winner of the People's Choice award will be announced at the same time as the Jury's choice and that while the Jury's winner will receive $500,000 the other, if it is different, will receive nothing.

The Victorian State government has said that they are following the competition guidelines recommended by the Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) which says that the public shouldn't be given a final say in design so as to maintain credibility.

Green points to Jenny Davies as 'self-appointed champion of Flinders Street' who spoke to people across the state about the re-development for her book Beyond the Façade, and found that people were 'disillusioned when they realise their vote won't count.'

The Baillieu government also made a pre- election promise to have the National Trust be part of the jury to decide on the final design however this was not followed through.

Green describes the jury selection which includes state architect Geoffrey London and celebrity chef George Calombaris along with other experts from various industries as 'worrying'. 

Crikey blogger Alan Davies is in agreement with Green and Davies about the importance of public opinion on the design of public buildings.

"If the public is viewed as the key “customer” of the project, then giving individuals and community groups a bigger stake in the design process is just good business practice."

Green questions whether the plans for the Station will ever be built as it will be dependent on two fundamental events, the government will have to be re-elected and there will have to be enough money in the budget to account for the overhaul.

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu and Minister for Major Projects Dr Denis Napthine on the roof of Flinders Street Station.

Images courtesy of Major Projects Victoria.