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The White Hat Guide to Federation Square

Federation Square is in White Hat's opinion one of the most important architectural developments in Melbourne for a century, and has quickly become the "must visit first" attraction in Melbourne. Among the buildings to be found in Federation Square are the Ian Potter Centre (gallery of Australian art), Champions The Australian Racing museum, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the SBS studios BMW Edge (a performance and exhibition space) and the Australian Racing Museum.

The Fed Square architects were faced with a particular challenge It is surrounded by a mish-mash of buildings - neo-Gothic, faux Turkish, blood & bandages ,etc. - while leading to the river on the other side. It has met those challenges with originality and flair.

Walk up Flinders Street from Elizabeth Street and you will see how Fed Square continues the height of Flinders Street Station creating a sense of continuity. Stand on the far side of the Yarra and you will see how the multi-coloured panels form an integrating base for the large variety of city buildings behind it. Walk down the alleys from Flinders Lane and see how they flow naturally across Flinders Street to the modern lanes and arcades on the other side. Stand on the beautiful Kimberley stone and see what warmth it adds to the city over the road. The space is designed for large and constant public events so grass would soon turn into mud or dust, but it is surrounded by the ample lawns of Birrarung Marr. Walk halfway down the stairs to the visitors centre and enjoy a newly created view of St Paul's Cathedral. Stand at various areas (both inside and out) and note how the structures and openings have been created to 'frame' certain buildings and vistas such as the cathedral and Government House. Note how the feelings of Melbourne's lanes and arcades are continued from the rigid rectangle and formality of the CBD but become more organic as they head towards the river, the park (Birrarung Marr) and the MCG. Note how the lighting is hung from a grid that reflects the overhead tram cabling. Feel how the slatted wooden walkways leading to the river reflect the launching areas of the boatsheds on the far side. Watch how the panels and paving reflect and amplify the changes in light and weather - a feature designed to make Melbourne's famous weather an interactive feature of the design. And watch over the months and years how the zinc panelling slowly oxidizes towards the bluestone hues of Melbourne. You will also notice how the interlocking triangles give a feeling of unity from the smallest to the largest level.

The previous building on the site (the Gas and Fuel Building) was a tall brick biscuit box that blocked the view of the river and showed no sympathy with its surroundings. It was a building designed for bureaucrats and it looked like it. It has been replaced by a project that shows great sympathy with its surroundings and neighbouring buildings (which is more than they ever did for each other).

Poetry at Fed Square Enjoy free poetry readings at Fed Square. 2pm, second Saturday of month Federation Square - Free

Car Clubs Showcase Featuring a different car club each month. Against the stunning backdrop of Federation Square, lets the most ardent car enthusiast and general public alike to wander through an amazing array of classic, modern and vintage cars. It is a wonderful chance to see these cars up close and meet their proud owners. 11am-2.30pm, last Sunday of month Federation Square -

Fashion Showcase at Fed Square Fashion @ Fed Square is a new ongoing monthly event including a Parade and Exhibition. During the day, attend the exhibition showcasing a range of fashion and accessories from 12 noon to 5:00pm. In the evening. attend the Fashion parade and exhibition showcasing the best in fashion from upcoming designers in BMW Edge held from 6pm- 8pm. Last Thursday of month - daytime free, evening $20 (includes glass of wine) Enquiries & bookings: (03) 9655 1900

Morning Tai Chi session Led by Tai Chi Australia 7.30-8.30am, Tuesdays Federation Square - Free Enquiries: (03) 9655 1900

Melbourne Design Market Did you miss this event? Then subscribe to our free email newsletter to receive advance notice of events such as this one. An annual event with stallholders including emerging and established designers, design businesses and retailers, with products ranging from jewellery to homewares, graphic design to fashion products, and much more on sale. 10am to 5pm, Sunday 2 December 2007 Undercover car park, Federation Square -

The Gift Of Light As dusk falls in Melbourne, nine diverse communities including Indigenous, Japanese, Indian, Kiribati-Tuvaluan, Sudanese, Hispano-American, Turkish, Vietnamese and Afghani share their gifts of light with the community. These gifts are the result of working with an artist to create a light-based artwork which symbolises the meaning of light from their culture nightly from dusk until 5th July Federation Square -

Ensemble Liaison and Friends - Dreams and Prayers Ensemble Liaison with special guests Elizabeth Sellars, Monica Curro, (violin), Simon Oswell, (viola) perform: Mozart Kegelstatt Trio k.498 for Clarinet, Viola and Piano (cello) Prokofiev 3 Scenes from Romeo and Juliet op.75 Prokofiev Overture on Hebrew Themes op.34 Osvaldo Golijov The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind for Klezmer Clarinet and String Quartet 7pm, 14 July 2008 BMW Edge, Federation Square - Adult $30, Concession $20, Student rush $10 Enquiries: (03) 9808 6684

Purple Haze Australia Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra with Paul Dean (clarinet) and Benjamin Northey (conductor) perform: Wilcock Divertimento for Strings (2008) Mozart Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K622 (one of White Hat's Top 100 Concerti) Lutoslawski Funeral Music in memory of Bela Bartok Haydn 'Farewell' Symphony 2.30pm Sun 17 Aug & 7pm Mon 18 Aug 2008 BMW Edge, Federation Square - Enquiries: (03) 9650 3365

Ensemble Liaison and Friends - Brahms and Messiaen Ensemble Liaison with Wilma Smith (violin) perform: Brahms Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano 0p. 114 Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time (one of White Hat's Top 100 Chamber Works) 7pm, 14th September 2008 BMW Edge, Federation Square - Adult $30, Concession $20, Student rush $10 Enquiries: (03) 9808 6684

Let the Sun Shine In Australia Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra directed by William Hennessy with Jeffrey Crellin (oboe) perform: Purcell Chaconne Handel Concerto Grosso Op 6 No 11 Bowman Oboe Concerto Marcello Oboe Concerto Bliss Music for Strings 2.30pm Sun 28 Sept & 7pm Mon 29 Sept 2008 BMW Edge, Federation Square - Enquiries: (03) 9650 3365

Strawberry Fields Australia Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra with Jacqueline Porter (soprano) and Jeffrey Crellin (conductor) perform: Haydn Symphony No 70 Elgar Serenade for Strings Fox Pathways of Ancient Dreaming (1990) Britten Les Illuminations 2.30pm Sun 26 Oct & 7pm Mon 27 Oct 2008 BMW Edge, Federation Square - Enquiries: (03) 9650 3365

Ensemble Liaison and Friends - Lullaby and Doina Ensemble Liaison with Wilma Smith (violin), Katie Chilmaid (violin), Simon Oswell (viola), Alex Henery (double bass) and Mardi McSullea (flute) perform: Beethoven Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 4 in C Major Op. 102 No. 1 Francaix Theme and Variations for Clarinet and Piano Osvaldo Golijov Lullaby and Doina for Flute, Clarinet and String Quintet Schubert The Trout, Quintet for Strings and Piano D. 667 (one of White Hat's Top 100 Chamber Works) 7pm, 4th November 2008 BMW Edge, Federation Square - Adult $30, Concession $20, Student rush $10 Enquiries: (03) 9808 6684

Polish Festival Bringing a Taste of Poland to Melbourne. Stop counting calories and indulge in the exquisite flavours that are the essence of Poland. Stalls at this year’s festival will feature delicacies such as pierogi which many translate as filled dumplings or ravioli but neither term really does the pierogi justice - you just have to try it. Or you can try some bigos, Poland’s true national dish. But don’t miss out on the Placki Ziemniaczane (Potato Pancakes) think of them as the Polish version of hash browns, but far tastier and even more tantalising when had with sour cream and sugar. No Polish Festival would be complete without polish sausages (kiełbasa), made even more splendid when washed down with a glass of Polish beer or a shot of vodka. If sweeter treats are more to your liking, a favourite for most Poles are traditional Polish donuts (pączki) but leave some room for Polish cheesecakes which simply melt in your mouth. To counter the calories stroll amongst the stalls, take a look at the superb amber jewellery or various arts and crafts but don’t miss the colour, splendour and enthusiasm of the folk dancing a visual display of Poland’s heritage. Trust me, you will be tempted to join in. The festival will leave you feeling as if you have just spent the afternoon in a square in Old Warsaw (Warszawa) or Krakow. 16th November 2008 Federation Square - Enquiries: www.polishfestival.com.au

Cult Book Group Interested in reading and discussing books that have caused a stir, attracted a cult following or simply been banned? Join this group which meets once a month at Café Beer Deluxe in the Atrium at Fed Square. 10am, 1st Saturday of month   Federation Square -

Federation Square Book Market Each week, around 12 book stalls attend who bring with them nearly 5000 second-hand and new books every week, covering a diverse range of interests. 11am to 5pm, every Saturday plus 3rd Sunday of month   Atrium,Federation Square - Melbourne Enquiries: (03) 9655 1900

National Gallery of Victoria - Australian Collection   -

Racing Museum The Australian Racing Museum & Hall of Fame. More information on the Racing Museum.   Federation Square - Melbourne

Where is Federation Square?

Click on the Federation Square link to the right of the map. Use the controls to zoom in or out on the map or change to satellite view.

More information on Federation Square can be found at www.fedsquare.com

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