MICHELLE GUGLIELMO PARK: AN URBAN OASIS

The Merri-bek Council introduced their ‘Close to Home’ plan to provide the community with more access to open space across the municipality.

As part of this plan, a rundown space situated across the road from the Brunswick Town Hall, on Sydney Road, was chosen as the ideal location to provide some respite from the hustle and bustle of the always busy commercial strip.

Designed by GLAS Landscape Architects, the space was envisioned as a window into the 'rocky country’ from which the city of Merri-bek drew its name. It would become a green oasis amidst the busyness of Sydney Road, and offer a number of calm, serene spots to take time out and take in nature.

The landscaping work for the project was awarded by Merri-bek to Urbania. Working with the ‘rocky country’ brief in mind, Urbania looked to incorporate wherever possible natural, sustainable or recycled materials.

Natural spotted gum was used for the extensive decking areas, which is sure to age beautifully over time and under foot.

Recycled clay bricks were used for paving and seating, whilst informal play areas were created using rock boulders of varying sizes. To create bleacher seating, Urbania used sandstone boulders, which were left rough cut to provide a warm, organic feel.

Weathered and time-worn timbers from the former North Warf in Melbourne’s Docklands were used extensively for the creation of seating throughout the park. All plantings were made with an eye on the future, to provide a naturalistic environment with shade providing canopies.

Following community consultation, the park was named in honour of the late Michelle Guglielmo, former curator of the Counihan Gallery and a much loved member of the city’s dynamic arts and culture scene.

There was a significant use of art that Michelle would’ve loved, used in the park that carries her name. These include a large mural by street artist Mike Makatron, a patterned shade canopy at the rear of the park by Manda Lane, and lighting installations by First Nations artist Jenna Lee each adding layers of culture and reflection to the park.

Since opening a few months ago, Michelle Guglielmo park has become a popular gathering space for locals and visitors to the area. It’s also recently been recognised by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects at the AILA Awards, where it won both the Vic Landscape Architecture Award for Parks and Open Space, and the Vic Climate Positive Design Award.

For more information about Urbania, click the links below