Make Architects has recently completed an innovative new project for Vicinity Center at Melbourne’s Chadstone Shopping Center. The Link is designed to connect the largest shopping center in the Southern Hemisphere with the newly opened Melbourne Chadstone Hotel, MGallery by Sofitel.
This serene pedestrian walkway replaces part of the multi-level parking area, offering a more convenient and attractive route that draws visitors to the trendy Chadstone precinct.
As the lead architect, Make Architects collaborated closely with delivery architect Cera Stribley. The design team incorporated specialized materials sourced from Europe, while Australian engineers and experts constructed a 110-meter-long, 15-meter-high route.
The design blurs the boundaries between leisure, commercial, and retail spaces within the center, seamlessly integrating the interior and exterior environments.
Inspired by Chadstone’s iconic arched glass roof, The Link features curved laminated wood structures combined with semi-transparent PTFE fabric. This design protects visitors from the elements while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding environment.
The understated material palette conceals a complex structure crafted from Italian larch wood arranged in an oblique pattern reminiscent of a harmonica. Each element is supported by concealed steel foundations, creating a self-supporting framework.
All functional components are positioned below the line of sight to emphasize the scale and aesthetic of the structure.
Thoughtfully placed landscaping, stairways, and elevators form inviting spaces for relaxation and socializing, as well as flexible areas suitable for new restaurants, events, and pop-up shops.
Local climbing plants such as Boston ivy and jasmine were selected to enrich the sensory experience for visitors, blending greenery native to the Chadstone area throughout the walkway.
This design prioritizes sustainability: open sides allow natural cross-ventilation, eliminating the need for air conditioning. Artificial lighting is minimal and primarily used to illuminate the space at night.
Jacob Alsop, partner at Make Architects, commented, “The Link is a great example of how retailers and landowners can adapt to changing consumer behavior by integrating new uses into their centers. It creates flexible spaces that may not directly increase revenue but promote health and provide a more relaxed, natural environment for customers.”
Fiona Mackenzie, director of Chadstone, said, “We are incredibly proud of this achievement. Chadstone continues to evolve into a world-class destination combining retail, dining, entertainment, tourism, business, and luxury accommodation. Each year, over 24 million people travel between Building 1, the Chadstone hotels, and retail areas. The Link provides them with even more convenient access.”
Jacob Alsop added, “The Link is user-friendly, adaptable, and easy to maintain, designed to endure over time. It integrates diverse functions to meet current and future needs. This was a time-sensitive project, and we are pleased it brings together European craftsmanship and Australian expertise to create an ideal space.”
Project Drawings
▲ General layout plan
▲ Plan view
▲ Axonometric diagram
▲ Axonometric diagram
▲ Sketch
Project Information
Location: Chadstone, Australia
Architect: Make Architects
Area: 1,450 m²
Year: 2019
Photographer: Peter Bennett
Manufacturers: Maxim, Atlas Schindler, Autodesk, RUBNER, Signature Stone
Client: Vicinity Centers
Design Architect: Make Architects
Delivery Architect: Cera Stribley
Project Manager: Pomeroy Pacific
Contractor: Hickory
Landscape Architect: LAT 27
Landscape Contractor: Normark
Glued Wood Supplier: Rubner Holzbau
Fabric Supplier: MakMax
Elevator Supplier: Schindler
Floor Stone Supplier: Signature Stone
Floor Stone Contractor: Dellermay
Lighting Designer: NDY Light
Lighting Contractor: Maxim
Armrest Designer: Lumarail
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