Free public lecture .: August 7 .: Bird hide at Westgate Park .: pro-bono design in action

When: Thursday 7 August, 7pm

Where: RMIT building 50, Orr St (off Victoria St) Carlton

Melissa Bright & Tarryn Boden from MAKE architecture studio will present the Bird Hide Project at Westgate Park, Melbourne.

Westgate Park is an inner metropolitan park in the heart of industrial Melbourne. It was a former rubbish tip that has been transformed into a flourishing ecological and recreational wetland environment. The bird life in the park is considerable and the park has become popular with bird observers. A bird hide is proposed on the fresh water lake to address the lack of purpose built bird watching facilities.

MAKE architecture studio was connected to non-profit group, Friends of Westgate Park, through the Architects for Peace Pro Bono service and is now providing design services to the group.

A design studio was first run with RMIT architecture students to produce ideas and a strong research base for the project. Students researched the site and existing bird hides, before developing individual design solutions.

Following the completion of the design studio and an exhibition at RMIT, MAKE has developed the schematic design of the bird hide. The design has been developed with consultation with the Friends of Westgate Park, ERM and Parks Victoria.

MAKE will discuss the process used to be able to provide a Pro Bono service and will then present the current design solution.

about MAKE architecture studio...

MAKE is one of the new small Melbourne design studios set up in recent years. Directors Shelley Freeman and Melissa Bright, bring together their combined local & international experience to create a young and innovative approach to architecture.

MAKE strives to create individually crafted buildings with a sustainable ethos and site responsive design process. Both directors are actively involved in academic and community work.

Entry by gold coin donation, refreshments and plenty of food for thought provided.