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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).

Melbourne Writers Festival A large annual writers festival September 2012 ? -

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

Federation Square New Year's Eve Entertainment & Fireworks Program to be verified including midnight fireworks 31st December 2012 Federation Square -

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 Federation square book market is held in the Atrium every Saturday. It has both new and second hand, as well as collectible books. 11am to 5pm every Saturday   - Enquiries: (03) 9655 1900

Melbourne Design Market An event held several times a year showcasing products from a range of Melbourne designers. Entry charges apply. 11th July 2010   Carpark, Federation Square - Melbourne

National Gallery of Victoria - Australian Collection   -

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

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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Our rating: Five Hats