ARTICLE 1
Shipping containers have often been used to move cargo, but now using them as base structures of buildings is ever increasing.
They have been used in bespoke ‘pop-up’ locations such as the Hassell-designed Urban Coffee Farm and Brew Bar which was part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival this year.
Joost Bakker created the Greenhouse – a transportable restaurant which can pop-up anywhere – last seen in Sydney in 2011.
But sometimes they are here to stay, such as the Re:Start Mall in Christchurch, New Zealand by architect Anton Tritt of the Buchan Group. After the earthquakes across the city, shipping containers were originally chosen as they are strong and could be reused if the site owners wanted to build more permanent buildings. However the success of the mall means they are likely to remain in place for years.
This brings us to using these steel beasts to make surprisingly amazing homes, as Kristin Chirico of Buzzfeed reports – it is just like Lego for adults.
ARTICLE 2
A new national initiative, which aims to increase green spaces in our cities by 20% by 2020, launched last week with an event at The Goods Line in Sydney near the Powerhouse Museum.
The 202020 Vision is a unique collaboration between government, academic and private sectors, aiming to increase urban green spaces, thus improving our environment, productivity and societal benefits.
A recent survey showed over 93% of professionals from related industries said the continual decrease in urban green space is of concern for all Australians, but particularly for those working in government, construction and development, horticulture and related academic sectors.
Nursery and Garden Industry Australian (NGIA) CEO and 202020 Vision partner Robert Prince says, “We know our cities need more green spaces, as they’re good for our health, productivity, keeping cities cool and reducing pollution.
“Urban heat islands, poor air quality, lack of enjoyable urban community areas are all poor outcomes when green spaces aren’t incorporated into new developments and large scale building projects.”
Currently the 202020 Vision is a growing collaboration of more than 20 advocates who are leaders in their fields, 50 partner organisations committed to the vision and nearly 40 listed projects throughout Australia which exemplify the aspirations and goals of the initiative.
ARTICLE 3
ARTICLE 3
The Victorian Coalition Government has approved the Fender Katsalidis designed Australia 108 tower which will be Melbourne's tallest mixed-use tower.
Standing at 108 storeys and 388 metres tall, Australia 108 will be 91 metres taller than the Eureka Tower, also designed by Fender Katsalidis, and will become the world's 19th tallest building on completion.
After accounting for all issues raised by the City of Melbourne's recommended permit conditions and receiving endorsement from the Shrine of Remembrance trustees, Planning Minister Matthew Guy said the project was fit for approval.
"This tower signifies the best of Victorian architecture and a drive for enterprise and ingenuity that exists nowhere else in Australia.
Nonda Katsalidis, developer and co-designer of the tower with his partner, Karl Fender said:
“We are delighted to have our planning approval finalised, and the ability to forge full steam ahead with the project. This includes finalising apartment designs and advancing negotiations with hotel operators.”
Australia 108 will feature 646 apartments, a 288-room 6 star hotel as well as retail and office space.
