Jury comment
This project, many years in the realization, demonstrates a commitment to improving this inner-urban environment in a major shopping precinct. The area has undergone major change over the last 10–20 years, with a large growth in apartment development and residents. Recognizing the rising demand for limited public open space, the council courageously determined that the “highest and best use” of its landholdings was for community, rather than for commercial return. The ground-level space has been designed to integrate with the surrounding retail centre, providing improved pedestrian connections and active external frontages while creating a safe, non-commercialized and community-focused interior that caters to a variety of ages, activities and experiences. All this has been achieved while continuing to provide car parking underground. The jury sees this project as an exemplar of a clever way to better utilize at-grade parking sites, by prioritizing public use that serves the needs of a growing and diverse population in a highly urban environment.
Prahran Square is located in Prahran, Victoria, on the land of the Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri people.
To view all the winners of the 2021 Australian Urban Design Awards, go here.
To read Ian Woodcock’s review of Prahran Square, go here.
