PLACE Laboratory was engaged to design and deliver upgrades to the Kalamunda Central Mall which has resulted in enhanced social, economic and aesthetic outcomes.
The challenge was to define a strong narrative, made up of a series of interconnected layers. The main themes developed through stakeholder consultation includes ‘living in the forest, connected community and tracks and trails’. This directed the strong identity expressed in the materials palette and furniture throughout the shared use market precinct and community spaces.
The bespoke canopy design is an interpretation of the distinctive natural environmental surrounding Kalamunda. A series of different size and height canopies with folding ‘leaves’, together with a significant number of new trees create dappled light and shadow play across Central Mall and enhance the ‘forest’ theme while providing shade.
An evidence-based design solution was used to transform this previously pedestrian only area in a shared zone, with the opportunity to drive through the Mall at low speed and a series of short stay car bays, while retaining a safe pedestrianised environment. Reducing the overall amount of car parks in the mall, enabled us to create a series of outdoor spaces to encourage increased community use and ownership leading to better activation outcomes.
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AWARDS
2022 PIA WA Awards Commendation Category: Great Place
2023 AILA WA Awards Nominee: Best Civic Landscapes