Agnes Street | East Melbourne

Nestled between two 1960s apartment blocks in Melbourne, this landscape project transforms a previously underutilised concrete slab—serving as the roof of an underground parking lot into a thriving community garden.

Designed in collaboration with residents and supported by a City of Melbourne fund, the project addresses critical challenges, including weight limitations and strong winds funnelled between the buildings.

To create a vibrant yet structurally sound green space, lightweight, large planters are strategically placed on a colourful geometric grid painted onto the concrete surface. This grid, inspired by the bold geometric art of the 1960s, not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides an organized framework for planting. The planters are filled with drought-tolerant species rooted in lightweight soil, ensuring sustainability while adding lush greenery to the space.

More than just a visual enhancement, this garden fosters a sense of community among residents. The carefully curated planting design softens the harsh urban environment, mitigates wind impact, and creates inviting spaces for social interaction. By transforming a challenging site into a dynamic, green gathering space, this project seamlessly blends historical references with contemporary ecological considerations, proving that even the most constrained urban spaces can become thriving pockets of nature and community.