ASPECT Studios

We’re obsessed with the process of making in design and one of the essential parts of the design act is drawing. David Holm, Director at Cox Architecture Architects, joined ASPECT’s Sydney studio to educate, encourage and guide the team on the technical, experiential and emotional components to drawing.   David stressed the importance of getting the big moves right and not sweating the detail, distilling the essence of a scene with loose but confident strokes and dots. He left us with copies of his beautiful books Drawing Italy and Drawing Paris, which contain valuable records of his work over decades of drawing.   A huge thanks to David – your generosity was appreciated and we are energised!

Great cities are great places for children. A new playground and expanded public realm next to The Ribbon building in Sydney reconnects central Sydney to its iconic waterfront, with an exciting, freely accessible destination for young people. ASPECT Studios' design of the playground and public domain, replaces what was previously a cluttered, hard to navigate space. The playground evokes a maritime theme, with intriguing structures that form a wave-shaped topography supported by climbable masts and rigging. Positioned beneath the Western Distributor, the playground and its surrounds enjoy shade throughout the year – something hard to come by in this part of the city during summer. Thank you to our collaborators and NSW Government for making this project happen – it was a real privilege to make this contribution to making Sydney a more friendly place for families. Thanks to our collaborators: Multiplex, Landscape Solutions, Greaton Development Photographer: CHRIS WALSH and NSW Government Traditional owners: The Gadigal People of the Eora Nation

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE It’s a privilege for ASPECT Studios to have been named as one of five finalists worldwide for the Architizer A+ Awards for the Best Landscape Design Firm.  The A+ Awards celebrates the world’s best architecture and design professionals, their work, and our industry. Thanks to our team, clients, and collaborators for making this possible. Vote here: https://lnkd.in/gMtUsUJV Also nominated is KPF on Huamu Lot 10 which is nominated in the Office - High Rise (16+ Floors) category. ASPECT contributed to the project, which showcases an innovative approach to participatory urban design. Vote here: https://lnkd.in/gFMdc4_T Voting is now open to all and closes at midnight, Friday, 10 May 2024, ET.   

The completion of the Waterfront Park by the Devonport City Council marks a significant milestone for the city. This new addition is the focal point of the second phase of Devonport’s Living City Master Plan, and connects the civic and market precinct of Devonport to the Mersey River.   This expansive park features a riverfront promenade, engaging play areas, essential public amenities, a spacious lawn amphitheatre for events, a tectonic water feature and garden inspired by the geology and plants of northern Tasmania, and a raised walkway affording panoramic views of the Mersey River.   It’s great to see the precinct evolving into a lively new civic centre for Devonport.   Thanks to our collaborators: Lyons and 6ty° Architecture | Planning | Surveying | Engineering Photographer: Peter Bennetts and Jotaro Tokunaga Traditional Owners: Tommeginne Country

Melbourne Design Week returns from 23 May – 2 June 2024 with the theme ‘Design the World You Want’.  The program highlights the need for positive change and innovative design solutions to address complex global challenges.   With over 300 events to choose from, Melbourne Design Week is an opportunity to embrace design as a catalyst for change. With thanks to National Gallery of Victoria and Creative Victoria for making this event possible. ASPECT Studios are a part of the below sessions, it would be great to see you there!     THE URBAN LANDSCAPE DESIGN CAKE COMPETITION  Saturday, 25 May 2024, 2pm – 4pm  Presenter: Cassandra Chilton REIMAGINING BIRRARUNG | DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR 2070 Wednesday, 29 May 2024, 2pm – 5.30pm Presenter: Kirsten Bauer   ADVENTURES IN DESIGNING WITH COUNTRY  Thursday, 30 May 2024, 5pm – 6.30pm  Presenter: Anne-Marie Pisani DEATH + DESIGN – TIME IMMEMORIAL  Saturday, 1 June 2024, 9.30am – 4pm  Presenter: Kirsten Bauer and Erwin Taal DESIGNING FOR DIVERSITY: CULTURAL PRACTICES OF MOURNING  Sunday, 2 June 2024, 1pm – 2pm  Presenter: Kirsten Bauer See the full program here: https://lnkd.in/gDTvagg

Sacha Coles shares his recent experience in Dubai with Landscape Australia.  He encountered multiple days of heavy rain and extreme flooding, proving the value of retrofitting our cities to cater for water (sponge cities) and heat (Green infrastructure and increased canopy cover). Before encountering the extreme weather, he explored several landscape projects showcasing adaptive reuse, places for community activity, and parklands. He noted that there is a desire to move away from the grand tourist spectacle and move towards creating high-quality, socially oriented, shaded open spaces. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3QRZ2up

We are currently hiring designers and studio support roles across our studios in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Dubai, London, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. This is an opportunity to contribute to significant projects that make a difference to both the community and the environment. You'll engage in collaboration with like-minded individuals and benefit from valuable learning and mentorship experiences.   All roles can be found on our website: https://lnkd.in/gFus-FPa

Earlier this week, our Global Design Director, Sacha Coles, had the pleasure of showing visitors from the Taichung City Government, Taiwan (R.O.C.) 中華民國台中市政府, around a selection of ASPECT-designed projects in Sydney. The delegation is undertaking some significant urban regeneration projects and considers Sydney's recent transformation of its southern city corridor a global benchmark for successful city-making. The tour included notable Sydney landmarks, starting with Darling Square and its KENGO KUMA & ASSOCIATES-designed exchange building, and continued through the Goods Line, the University of Technology Sydney Alumni Green, and One Central Park. This chain of projects connects one and a half kilometres of public open space, demonstrating what's possible when all levels of government collaborate with the private sector to deliver high-quality public amenities.

Casuarina Park has been meticulously designed to celebrate the natural features within its bushland environment. Taking inspiration from the native casuarina pod, which is abundant in the area, the park provides a distinctive "treehouse" play structure with engaging sensory features. The design references the unique location and geography of the site, which is aligned with the western axis between the development and Mt Cotton. Existing trees are incorporated into the layout to not only enhance the scenic bushland setting but also to offer immediate shade and comfort. Utilising the site's topography and repurposing a decommissioned dam, the play area introduces elements of height and elevation to create an exciting play experience. Nestled within the bushland and surrounded by mature trees, the play structure creates a feeling of enclosure while simultaneously showcasing the natural beauty of the surroundings. The Park is set to open in in July 2024. Collaborators: Fleetwood Urban and BLC Landscapes Photography: c/o Fiteni Traditional Owners: Quandamooka Peoples

Kalgoorlie’s new city centre is a platform for public life that welcomes everyone. Unfolding as a series of interconnected public spaces, the project supports the daily rituals of the community and reflects the city’s energy and history. At its centre is a distinctive hovering canopy structure, which provides both a visual anchor for the space as well as much-needed shade. Water misters and a sound system embedded within the structure impart a playful energy to the space throughout the day. The town’s unique location and history inform design elements such as custom paving designs, furniture, water features, lighting, playgrounds, and shade structures creating a connection between past and present.  This project marks the first stage of a larger master planned precinct aiming to revitalise the city.   Thanks to our collaborators: IPH Architects, Griffiths Architects, ETC, TABEC Civil Engineering Consultants, Terpkos Engineering, Cundall, RBB Economics and City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder  Photographer: Peter Bennetts  Traditional Owners: Wongi / Wongatha