Australia has many great surfing coasts, but for some in Melbourne it would be even better to have the option to catch some waves just steps from the city.
Enter the Docklands Surf Park, a project proposal by Arup and Damian Rogers Architecture that involves creating a massive wave pool of sorts near the city's Docklands neighborhood. The surfing pool would offer 98-foot-wide waves that would run the length of the 500-foot-long enclave, reports Australian newspaper The Age.
The project is in the very early stages of its proposal and still far from realization, but that hasn’t stopped the plan from garnering a lot of fanfare and support from Melburnians and surf enthusiasts.
As for the project’s reception from city officials, this is what surfing magazine Stab reports:
“Arup [is] seeking funding from developers and potential operators rather than the government, but Melbourne City Council and Places Victoria would still have to approve construction. Both [organizations] have met with Arup, and a council spokeswoman said it was an 'interesting concept' if private funding were available. The city of Melbourne has yet to officially back the project.”
More on the story at Gizmodo and The Age.
Related Stories
Architects | Sep 24, 2015
Supertall buildings vie for dominance along Chicago’s skyline
The latest proposals pit designs by Rafael Viñoly, Jeanne Gang, and Helmut Jahn.
Architects | Sep 24, 2015
From Gehry to the High Line: What makes a project a game-changer?
Each year, there are a handful of projects that significantly advance the AEC industry or a particular building type. Send us your game-changing projects for BD+C’s January 2016 special report.
Cultural Facilities | Sep 24, 2015
Bakpak Architects' 'pottery courtyard' concept in Poland incorporates local heritage
The multifunctional building proposed for Rzeszow, Poland, looks like it was handcrafted on a potter’s wheel.
Modular Building | Sep 23, 2015
SOM and DOE unveil 3D-printed, off-the-grid building
The Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy (AMIE) building features a high-performance shell with a photovoltaic roof and built-in natural gas generator.
Airports | Sep 23, 2015
JFK Airport's dormant TWA terminal will be reborn as a hotel
After 15 years of disuse, the Googie architecture-inspired TWA Flight Center at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport will be transformed into a hotel. Gizmodo reports that the city’s Port Authority chose a renovation proposal from Jet Blue this week.
Architects | Sep 23, 2015
Architecture billings dip in August, but no 'cause for concern' says AIA economist
The American Institute of Architects reported the August ABI score was 49.1, down from a mark of 54.7 in July. This score reflects a slight decrease in design services.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 21, 2015
Tokyo Olympic Stadium saga ends for Zaha Hadid
After resubmitting a bid, the firm will not design the main venue for the 2020 Olympics after all.
University Buildings | Sep 21, 2015
6 lessons in campus planning
For campus planning, focus typically falls on repairing the bricks and mortar without consideration of program priorities. Gensler's Pamela Delphenich offers helpful tips and advice.
Museums | Sep 21, 2015
Ma Yansong and Jeanne Gang revise Chicago lakefront Lucas Museum
New renderings of the proposed Lucas Museum show a scaled-down building on more green space.
Designers | Sep 21, 2015
Can STEAM power the disruptive change needed in education?
Companies need entrepreneurial and creative workers that possess critical thinking skills that allow them to function in collaborative teams. STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education might be the solution.