Jury comment
This inspired conversion of a barren, ground-level car park into a popular public space stemmed from the desire of Lane Cove’s growing population for more community amenities, better pedestrian links and a village-scale experience adjacent to the existing shopping area. The council responded by offering the site for redevelopment into a public space that allows for extended activation with a combination of adaptable event spaces, nature and waterplay areas.
The design incorporates low-scale retail that complements the urban village character, with large-format supermarkets and car parking placed underground. The endemic and informal landscape context is reflected in the planting design and the use of local stone in the buildings.
The jury agreed that the relocation of surface car parking facilities from all centres needs to be accelerated through examples such as this, which meet the open space and public use needs of a densifying area, while achieving successful commercial and environmental outcomes integrated with its surrounds.
The Canopy Precinct is located in Lane Cove, New South Wales, on the land of the Eora people.
To view all the winners of the 2021 Australian Urban Design Awards, go here.
