Reimaging Outdoor Spaces at ACU

In a world where digital screens often dominate our lives, the need for outdoor spaces that foster genuine connections with nature, community and ourselves has never been more critical. Reimagining these spaces involves more than just redesigning parks or plazas—it’s about reshaping how we interact with the environment.

 

GALLERY  

As part of its forward-thinking approach to landscape and campus design, Australian Catholic University (ACU) has unveiled a transformative urban furniture and outdoor space upgrade — one that places people, place, and sustainability at its core. Leading this initiative is the installation of custom circular seating, an elegant and functional solution that turns open space into places of connection and comfort.

Designed by Aspect Studio’s Melbourne Team, and with site works and installation by Delta Group, Spark Furniture were instrumental in the development of the manufacturing methodology, solving many problems with the complex shapes, handling requirements, and installation challenges. The site also presented issues with fall and levelling, and the detailed design—which is laid out on a grid—meant each of the elements had to connect seamlessly like pieces of a complex puzzle.

The tiered planters and decks are manufactured from a combination of powder-coated mild steel and oiled hardwood Spotted gum timber slats. The park features an expansive lawn, diverse planting, and new trees, offering areas for social gatherings, outdoor study, and quiet contemplation. It was completed in November 2024.

For more information, visit Spark Furniture.






Get our enews

Design and development news that comes to you

Subscribe
                 


Plana House Makes Adaptable Home Design Freely Available

Swiss architect Kristijan Markoc has created a deliberately modest two-bedroom timber home designed to be adapted to different ...

Tennant Creek Home Puts Local Materials at the Heart of Remote Housing

What happens when a home designed for one of Australia’s most challenging climates starts with a question rather ...

V-Leader plans 32-level PBSA tower on Lonsdale Street

V-Leader is seeking to further revitalise Melbourne’s Lonsdale Street, lodging plans for a 32-level purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) ...

Small Specification Decisions Support Victoria Cross Tower’s Sustainability Goals

Victoria Cross Tower in North Sydney demonstrates how the performance ambitions of a high-rise commercial building extend beyond ...

Victoria fast-tracks 2000 homes on underused land

More than 2000 new homes could be delivered across Victoria under a streamlined planning pathway designed to unlock ...

  MORE  

Stay connected to the SPEC

Join our reader network by signing up to our weekly newsletter and receive design and development news straight to your inbox





Specifier Source is brought to you by the same company that publishes Home Design, Grand Designs Australia Magazine, Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly Magazine, Outdoor Design Source, Build Home, CompleteHome and many more.

© 2022 Universal Media Co. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Universal Media Co.