A global precedent for infrastructure design that connects community
North East Link Bridges
Designs were developed for a family of bridges with a shared DNA, but with individual identities to address their unique and diverse contexts. Our approach to the design of these structures was informed by the Indigenous design charter and a design philosophy of Connecting to Country, Caring for Country and Connecting People.
As the first project of its scale and type globally to centre Indigenous knowledge, it sets a benchmark for meaningful engagement with First Nations.
The North East Link project was awarded two prizes at the 2022 World Architecture Festival (WAF) awards - the prestigious WAF Future Project - Infrastructure award, as well as winning a WAFX award. WAFX is a special prize for international proposals that embrace cutting-edge design approaches to address major world issues.
Bark canoes made by Wurundjeri peoples were used to fish, collect food and connect people across the waterways of Melbourne for thousands of years. These canoes were made from a single piece of bark removed from a tree without damaging the tree itself.
Bark canoes informed our design approach to the family of bridges we designed for the North East Link Project. The bridges are balanced and materially efficient; they touch the ground lightly and use only what is needed.
Bridges have the capacity to connect both physical and cultural landscapes. They carve new pathways through neighbourhoods and open up new connections between people.
Collective Effort
Collective Effort
