We are proud to share our recent work on the Master Plan for RMIT's City North Social Innovation Precinct. The Master Plan will see this important area transform into a world leading Social Innovation Precinct, meeting the demand for skills in priority sectors and contributing to Melbourne’s innovation landscape through its unique combination of vocational and higher education, innovation, community engagement and industry collaboration. More info here.

We are proud play a part in the Affordable Housing Matters Forum this Friday—an event that deeply resonates with our practice.

Hosted by the Robin Boyd Foundation, this forum brings together passionate minds committed to addressing housing affordability head-on. More info here.

It has been an honour to support City of Port Phillip and it's dedicated Councillors in exploring St Kilda Triangle's potential. The design framework tests a 5000-person live music performance venue, aligns with the St Kilda Live Music Precinct Plan's goals and is open for community input now.

Introducing a significant social housing project in Bendigo, made possible through a partnership between Uniting, St Andrew’s Uniting Church, and the Victorian Government. The project delivers 73 new apartments across three buildings, strategically positioned along a new pedestrian spine. Image here.

It’s fantastic to see that Ozanam House Homelessness Resource Centre has been shortlisted for the inaugural ArchitectureAU Award for Social Impact. We are honored that this project has been recognised on this platform for promoting the common good. 

The entire MGS team visited our Xavier College construction site last week. It was fantastic for every one of us to see the transformation of the project from master plan to reality. 

MGS Architects congratulates Eli Giannini for her recognition as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to arts and architecture. This is a rare and well-deserved honour that recognises her tireless curiosity, generosity of spirit, and passion for a meaningful architecture that has sustained both her leadership of MGS for more than 25 years and her many other pursuits.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the team at MGS Architects.
Our office will be closed from 23 December, reopening 16 January.

Following over 40 years at the coal face of architecture, and 18 years at MGS Architects, Chris Jones has stepped down as Director. He remains a Principal in the practice.

The Development Plan for the former Fitzroy Gasworks site has been formerly approved by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, with Development Victoria now one step closer to rejuvenating the iconic urban site. See full article here

Rosanna Station has been voted in the top 5 of Melbourne's 222 Metro stations, as part of the two-month online "train station elimination game", according to The Age.

Click here for the full article.

Building works for Xavier College’s new Years 7&8 Kostka Building and Chapel Oval Travel Hub are well underway by Ireland Brown Constructions.

Our 2021 Master Plan for the College identified these two projects as fundamental to enhancing campus connectivity, vibrancy and resilience.

We are so thrilled to see these important projects coming to life.

See image here.

MGS Directors Katherine Sundermann and Catherine Ranger will be presenting at Open House Melbourne on Saturday July 30 to discuss the design considerations for supported housing for people who have experienced homelessness, often known as Common Ground.

See event link here.

MGS has more staff elevations to celebrate this month. Congratulations to John Bezemer, who has been promoted to Senior Associate, and our new Associates Aaron Lo, Alistair Nancarrow, James Cochrane, Marta Fisher, Melissa Rivers, Tahj Rosmarin and Will Priestley.

An experienced architect and design lead, Catherine is a driving force behind MGS’ design success, working at every level of the practice and across all projects to embed innovation, invention and impact.

Welcome Catherine to the MGS leadership team.

An award-winning architect and urban designer, Katherine’s strengths lie in her big-picture policy and precinct design with a focus on employment, knowledge and neighbourhood transformation and social and affordable housing.

Welcome Katherine to the MGS leadership team.

New Epping is a new community in Melbourne's north that will deliver a 51-hectare mixed-use development providing health, commercial and residential precincts, and a rejuvenated environmental corridor. Our Stage 1 Residences will provide 151 social housing apartments across three buildings interlinked through a common garden podium. Click here for more info.

MGS Architects has been delighted to work with Homes Victoria on a master plan for North Richmond that adds more social and affordable homes to this significant 11ha inner city location. Read here for more info. 

The recent Victorian budget announcement of $124 million funds the next stage of Thomas Embling Hospital’s redevelopment. We are pleased that our conceptual design and masterplan for TEH helped support this crucial part of Victoria’s mental health care program for our most vulnerable community members.

The recent edition of Architect Victoria features several MGS contributors, each exploring unique aspects of social and affordable housing.

Head to our new media page here to read the full articles from Eli Giannini, Catherine Ranger, Rob McGauran and Katherine Sundermann.

MGS was commissioned to create the urban design framework and principles that underpinned the brief given to developers invited to partner on the project. This $290 million commitment from the Victorian Government is designed to re-establish Dandenong’s city centre as the vibrant and thriving economic capital of Melbourne’s south-east.

We’re passionate about delivering new neighbourhoods in our city, so we were honoured to be invited by Development Victoria to stitch the historical Fitzroy Gasworks site into this vibrant pocket of inner Melbourne.

We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for the Australian Interior Design Awards 2022. The project focused on transforming a long-dormant, hidden basement at Xavier College into a contemporary and welcoming learning environment for young boys.

We are proud to support Northern Hospital’s Strategic Vision for a healthier community through the design and construction of a new multi deck car park. The recently completed 5-storey, 1190 space car park connects into the site ensuring safe pedestrian and vehicular passage and intuitive circulation. 

MGS Founding Director, Rob McGauran, joined a panel of experts at the National Housing Conference last week to discuss the impact that climate change and the local coronavirus pandemic have had on Australia's housing system.

Following our recent completion of Xavier College’s strategic Master Plan, MGS was engaged through a competitive process to design and deliver the College’s new Year 7 and 8 building. This significant new building is the foundation project for the Kew campus transformation. To find out more visit their website here

Congratulations to the MGS Urban Design team for winning the 2021 PIA ACT award for planning excellence for The University Canberra Master Plan. Visit the website here for more info.

After almost 40 years in practice, Eli Giannini has stepped down from her role as MGS Director. She remains a Principal in the practice.

“We have built something special at MGS,” says Eli. “This is a great opportunity for me to shift from hands-on project delivery to focus on design and design advocacy.”

Presenting at the TEMC Conference this week, Elliet Spring, Tahj Rosmarin and Toby Woolley will share the studio findings, as well as the learnings from MGS Founding Director Rob McGauran into a series of key lessons for this seminar.

A new flythrough video has been released showing the great progress of this wonderful project. 

Click here to watch the full video. 

Since joining MGS in 2019, Vanessa has been instrumental in strengthening the practice’s urban design capacities. She is passionate about co-developing ambitious visions meet client needs and shape our society for the better.

Congratulations on her promotion as Associate Director in the urban design team.

Congratulations to our new Director, Elliet Spring.

For over seven years, Elliet has led high profile MGS projects at the UNSW, University of Canberra, Trinity College and Xavier College.

With international academic and professional experience, she brings a wealth of global and national insight to her new role as Director urban design.

A report, recently completed for WoMEDA (West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance) envisions Wyndham to grow into one of Melbourne’s future significant urban centres. Click here to read the full report. 

We are delighted to announce that two of our projects have been recognised at this year's Victorian Architecture Awards in the Residential Architecture Multiple Housing category with Rushall Park receiving a Commendation and Leith Park, an Architecture Award. 

Joshua Wheeler, Director, spoke on 15th June at the first session of the 2021 Health Care Health Design forum. Using Rushall Park as an example, he presented work and research that addresses the needs of an ageing population and how design can make a difference for future generations. See more about this project on our website here. 

We are thrilled to share that Leith Park and Rushall Park have been shortlisted for the 2021 Victorian Architecture Awards in the Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing category.
Thanks to the Jury for this recognition and congratulations to all involved in these two wonderful projects.

Our masterplan for Caulfield Racecourse Reserve for the CRRT has developed immensly, with the Land Management Plan now finalised and launched. This redevelopment will transform this area into one of the largest open public spaces in Melbourne’s south. 

See the recent article in The Age for more info here

The University Canberra Master Plan designed by MGS has been launched, visit their website here for more info

Throughout Rushall Park, the trees are growing and the rooms are filled. It’s no longer a new building but one that is being lived in and loved by all. See image here.

Images: Jeremy Wright

Our recently completed Master Plan for UNSW’s new Canberra City, now out for public consultation, reimagines this important site, currently occupied by CIT, as a hub of innovation in the heart of the city. See article linked here.

MGS has been selected to join the NSW Government Architect’s Strategy and Design Prequalification Scheme in the category of ‘Architecture’ and ‘Urban Design’.

Stage two of our housing project for the Old Colonists Association of Victoria (OCAV) is nearing completion. The combination of stages one and two deliver 46 independent living units for elderly people in need and are designed to complement the existing OCAV community in St Helena.

See image here.

We have been working with the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Trust in preparing their draft Land Management Plan which outlines the future use and development of this significant public asset.

Image here.

We have recently completed the new Swinburne TC Building project at Swinburne University’s Hawthorn Campus which adds three levels of study spaces, computer labs, workshop spaces, testing laboratories, flexible event spaces as well as new classrooms and demonstration labs.

Image here.

We are pleased to announce that this project has won the ‘Best Planning Ideas’ award in the Large Project category. We would like to congratulate each of our collaboration partners including the City of Ballarat, SGS Economics and Planning, Left Bank Co, Eleni Arbus and Mary Papaioannou.

Image here.

Our Rushall Park project has been shortlisted for this year’s World Architecture News Awards. We are honoured that this remarkable project has been recognised on this global platform for its contribution to the local realm.

Image here.

We are honoured that this ground breaking project has been recognised by the institute for its significant contribution to our city realm.

Image here.

MGS are proud to share the draft Urban Design Framework and Structure Plan for Box Hill on behalf of the City of Whitehorse. This plan is focussed on sustainable development, growth and investment for the future of this vital Metropolitan Activity Centre.

See article here.

VCV’s Ozanam House Homelessness Resource Centre has been nominated for the AIA awards for Urban Design and Multi-Residential Housing. 

See article here.

Balwyn Park Tennis and Community Facility has been nominated for the AIA award for Public Architecture.

See article here.

We are pleased to share the news that our client, Wintringham Housing, has been successful in obtaining their planning permit for additional community housing at their existing Alexander Miller housing site in Cranwell Court, Highton. This development will provide 22 much needed independent living units for disadvantaged people aged 50 and over.

See Image here:

MGS Architects are pleased to announce that we have been nominated as a finalist in the 2019 Premier’s Design Awards. VincentCare’s flagship facility is providing shelter, healthcare services, case management and consulting to vulnerable individuals in a single location – an Australian first.

See image here.

The rooftop of our project at Rushall Park for the Old Colonists Association of Victoria is the perfect place to see the beautiful heritage chimney tops set against the uninterrupted city views.

See image here.

Our community hub and multi-deck carpark project in Box Hill for the City of Whitehorse is nearing completion. We're pleased to share the image below which shows the progress on site.

See image here.

We are delighted to announce the official opening of VincentCare’s Ozanam House 'homeless to home' centre in North Melbourne. It has been a huge privilege for MGS to be given the task of realising the collective vision for this homelessness to home centre, a first of its type in Australia.

See article here.

MGS is proud to announce that our Rosanna Station project, designed in collaboration with Jacobs, has received two commendations at the Victorian Chapter Architecture awards for public architecture and urban design.

See Image here

Melbourne’s population is getting bigger – but how can we design for change while keeping our city’s unique character?

MGS director Joshua Wheeler, along with Jill Garner, Skye Haldane and James Legge will form the discussion panel hosted by the City of Melbourne Knowledge Week to discuss this pertinent question.

For More Information click here.

We have recently produced this 3D context model in-house to represent the three concept options for the Debneys Park Community Hub in Flemington. The model has been an invaluable communication tool in the recent community consultation and it has been wonderful to see how it has brought the project to life for many local residents and interested parties.

See image here.

MGS is proud to announce that Rosanna Station, designed in collaboration with Jacobs, has been shortlisted for the 2019 Australian Institute of Architecture State Awards for Public Architecture and Urban Design categories, as well as the Colorbond Award for Steel. See image here.

MGS Architects is pleased to announce the completion of the Balwyn Park Tennis and Community Hub for the City of Boroondara. The Community Hub building provides new facilities for the Balwyn Tennis Club, Balwyn Football Club and U3A groups, as well as multi-use facilities available to the general public for community events. Additionally, significant landscape works have been undertaken as part of the project to upgrade the public spaces surrounding the building. See image here.

Construction for the new 5-storey, 550 space multi-deck car park and community space in Box Hill is progressing quickly with the fourth level slab about to be poured. The building has been designed with a plaza space facing onto an existing pocket park, providing an extension of valuable public open space within the thriving urban environment in Box Hill. Pocket setbacks cut along the boundaries of an efficient car parking grid create vegetation nooks across the building facade and retention of existing gum trees. 

If Melbourne is to continue to be liveable as it grows, there is an increasing urgency to provide affordable housing close to jobs, social networks and transport. This isn't merely a question of being an equitable city, but also a functioning and productive city. In this panel discussion, representatives from government, housing associations, the development industry and the design sector will put forward their vision for addressing this urgent and complex issue. Book tickets here.

MGS with Kate Seddon Landscape Design and SUPERPLEASED have taken the traditions of the pavilion in the park combining it with the latest glass technology by proposing a design that connects architecture, landscape and art. Teahouse-Treehouse is a series of colourful, permeable structures that encourage various modes of occupation, and engagement. Teahouse-Treehouse was not selected for the First Stage Competition. 
See image here.

MGS, together with our client HousingFirst are pleased to announce the town planning approval for the ‘St Kilda Apartments’ project. This project will deliver significantly improved housing for some of Melbourne’s most disadvantaged families. Along with the refurbishment of the existing heritage buildings on site, a new ‘Building A’ will replace 36 purpose-built accommodation units for women and children.

MGS Architects is pleased to announce the appointment of Elliet Spring to the position of Associate Director. As an Architect and Urban Designer with a broad range of experience in Australia, the USA and Norway, she leads major projects such as large-scale masterplans, creative precinct strategies and campus development frameworks. This promotion reflects Elliet’s leadership role within the practice as well as her passion for urban activation and resilient design for our rapidly increasing urban population.

MGS are pleased that the Kyme Place Rooming House project in Port Melbourne is featured in Architecture AU this week as a case study in easing the affordable housing crisis. Kyme Place is a special project for MGS because it brings together a social need, quality design and political will to transform a council carpark into a vibrant community for long-term residents to remain in their local area. See article here.

MGS, together with the Melbourne University Graduate Union are excited to announce the town planning approval for a new landmark accommodation and academic hub in Carlton. Whilst maintaining and celebrating the heritage Gladstone Terraces facing University Square, this seven storey addition will provide 130 apartments, a public cafe, administration and study spaces for local and visiting alumni. Linked article here.

Associate Director Katherine Sundermann recently took part in the Open House Melbourne’s Collectivity Talks ‘Ethical Cities’ panel to discuss how to design a more ethical future for our city.“An ethical city is a just and good city, in contrast to the expected and the expedient. It s equitable and equal.” Linked article here.

Swinburne University has recently awarded the contract for the redevelopment of the 8300sqm Building TC to MGS Architects. The redevelopment project re-imagines the atrium of the building as a series of world-class teaching and learning spaces, anchored by high-tech ground level laboratories. The project will ensure Swinburne’s Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology (FSET) and Pathways and Vocational Education (PAVE) programs continue to generate some of Australia’s most important research and development. Image here.

MGS Architects congratulate Bendigo Kangan Institute for receiving government funding to enter the next stage of redevelopment. MGS Architects is proud to have delivered a masterplan and feasibility for the funding application to the ‘Revitalise Bendigo’ initiative. The masterplan and schematic building design explore the opportunities to revitalise the city campus and integrate it wholly into the fabric of the city by optimising its assets, proximity to many of Bendigo’s major attractions, local community facilities and significant heritage. Image here.

MGS Architects is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine
Sundermann to the position of Associate Director.

As an urban designer with a background in architecture and planning, she
leads major projects such as university masterplans, creative precinct
strategies and urban renewal frameworks. This promotion reflects
Katherine’s ongoing leadership role within MGS Architects, and her
passion for strategic thinking about the future of our cities.

MGS Architects has been appointed as the Lead Consultant for the UNSW Campus Design Masterplan Framework (CDMF), partnering with Norwegian architectural firm Snohetta and landscape architects Tract Consultants Sydney. A member of Australia’s Group of Eight coalition of universities, ranked 45th in the 2017 QS World Rankings and globally renowned for their research excellence, UNSW has commissioned the CDMF to guide future development and to enable the ambitions articulated in their 2025 Strategy.

MGS Architects is pleased to announce the appointment of Elliet Spring to the position of Associate. Elliet has a broad range of experience across institutional, cultural, commercial and urban projects in Australia, and overseas. Her design focus is urban design and activation, climate change and resilient design. This promotion reflects Elliet’s ongoing leadership role within MGS Architects, her innovative design, technical expertise, and strong client relationships.

The City of Boroondara has recently awarded the construction contract for the Balwyn Park Tennis and Community Facility to SJ Higgins. The new building, due for completion by the end of 2018, provides a series of flexible community meeting and learning spaces, a dedicated tennis club house, 4no. synthetic tennis courts, landscaped viewing terraces and related parking.

Practical completion has been issued for the Bristol Hotel redevelopment in Williamstown. While leveraging the iconic form of the original heritage listed building, the completed project presents a new architectural expression to Ferguson Street and Station Road frontages. Construction works for the forty apartments was undertaken by Manresa. Completion photo here.

MGS Architects are pleased to announce the award of contract for Stage 1 at Leith Park, St Helena. The new Stage 1 development consists of 3 buildings and a total of 27no. 1 and 2 bedroom independent living units, with an additional 16no. units planned for in Stage 2. Working within the constraints of the sites’ steep topography and existing mature trees MGS established a cluster of new predominately north facing residences, with lift access to all floors and car parking for the new residents. Hewcon have been awarded the construction contract for Stage 1.

MGS Architects are pleased to announce the start of construction on VincentCare’s Inner Melbourne Redevelopment. Replacing the old Ozanam House on Flemington Road, North Melbourne, the new development will be a world-class support and accommodation hub providing short, medium and long term housing solutions, a range of co-located health and social services, and a public café for those experiencing homelessness and the wider community.

The Planning Institute of Australia has awarded MGS and Monash University with the From Plan to Place National Planning Award for Monash University Clayton Campus. This recognises the transformation of the campus over the last decade through the delivery of the campus masterplan and the ongoing commitment to design excellence. We are very proud of our ongoing role in this great place. More information and the jury citation can be found here.

The proposed design for the Lower Plenty Road level crossing removal has been released, including a new design for Rosanna Station. Our team has been working as part of the North East Program Alliance, led by Laing O’Rourke, Fulton Hogan and Jacobs, to develop a proposal that will deliver a great station, improved public realm and better urban connectivity for the whole community. Click here for 360º images and a flythrough.

The City of Whitehorse has recently awarded MGS Architects the contract for the design, documentation and construction administration of the Harrow Street Multi Deck Car Park and Community Space. Located at the existing Harrow Street on grade car park the new 14m high building will provide new consolidated parking for more than 400 car spaces, a new multi-purpose community space, community service provider offices, and new urban design upgrades including new landscaping to Harrow and John Streets, and a new northern urban plaza. Construction is planned for early 2018.

Our team has been working hard on the designs for level crossing projects as part of the North East Program Alliance. The design for the first site at Grange Road Alphington has just been publicly announced, featuring enhanced cycle connectivity and an integrated response to landscape and footbridges. Watch out for our Rosanna Station design, which should be ready for release early in the new year. Click here for more information.

We are proud to announce the completion of the Dawson Street Car Park in Sunshine for the City of Brimbank. This building completes the first piece of the MGS Architects’ master plan for the precinct, providing an important east-west link from Dawson Street to the aquatic centre. MGS has recently been commissioned by the City of Brimbank to advance the design and documentation of Stage 2, due for completion at the end of 2017. More info here.

The Clayton Campus Masterplan has received the From Plan to Place Award in the 2016 PIA Victorian Awards. Alongside the awards for architecture and urban design, this latest award is clear recognition for the many years of effort and leadership by the University and design partners that have collectively transformed the campus. The University s statement on the awards can be found here.

The masterplan for Monash University Clayton Campus has been recognised among the best urban design projects in the nation, awarded a commendation for Delivered Outcome – Large Scale projects in the 2016 Australia Urban Design Awards. The full list of winners can be found here.

MGS has been appointed as part of the winning alliance led by Laing O Rourke, Fulton Hogan and Jacobs. This major project will remove the Lower Plenty Road and Grange Road level crossings. Our role involves the architectural and urban design of Rosanna Station and other infrastructure at Heidelberg and Alphington. The full announcement can be found here.

The University of Wollongong has endorsed and publically released the campus master plan, as the culmination of over 9 months of detailed work by our office and our multidisciplinary team of consultants. The plan, which will guide the campus development over the next 20 years, was prepared in consultation with the University s senior leadership, staff, students and with strong engagement with council and the local community. For more info, click here.

We are very pleased to announce that our project for VincentCare Victoria was granted planning approval by the City of Melbourne earlier this week. This project will deliver a mix of short, medium and long term accommodation as well as community services, helping VincentCare address the huge need for housing support in our community.

MGS Architects are pleased to announce new appointments into key studio leadership positions. Ahmad Fardi, Catherine Ranger and Simon Wollan have all been promoted to the new position of Associate Director at MGS. Babak Kahvazadeh, John Bezemer and Katherine Sundermann have all been promoted to the position of Associate. Collectively this promotion reflects our studio’s commitment to innovative design solutions, technical expertise, strong client relations and industry leadership.

The Australian Ballet School Residences was named as a finalist in the 2016 Horbury Hunt Commercial Award category of the Think Brick awards. This recognises the innovative yet playful use of brick in the design of these residences, responding sensitively to the brick and terracotta heritage of the existing house. See here for more information.

Rob McGauran recently published a call to rethink housing and urban renewal in Australian cities in order to better meet the desperate need for more diverse forms of housing in the future. Read more here (PDF, 2.8mb)

Read a recent article in The Age that describes some of the ideas behind the design of the Australian Ballet School Residences, including interviews with MGS director Joshua Wheeler and associate Catherine Ranger. The relationship between old and new buildings and the importance of creating a home away from home are forefront in this review.

MGS Architects is pleased to announce that the Monash Clayton Eastern Residential Precinct has been presented with an Architecture Award for Urban Design by the AIA Victorian Chapter, alongside two other major awards for architectural design. The project sets a new benchmark for the ability of a diverse range of place makers and architects collaborating to deliver a high quality neighbourhood. The full list of winners is available here.

Urban Melbourne has published the first public views of a very exciting project currently underway in the studio. VincentCare Victoria has engaged MGS Architects to prepare a major development incorporating short and longer term accommodation and community facilities for the homeless. Read more here and check back for more updates soon.

Major projects at Monash University Clayton Campus have again featured in the shortlist for the AIA Victorian Architecture Awards. Two Halls of Residence projects (by MCR and Hayball with Richard Middleton) have been shortlisted for multiple housing, and the MGS masterplan for the precinct as a whole has been shortlisted for urban design. Congratulations to Monash University and our partners and colleagues in these great projects.

Melbourne s western suburbs are ready for a brilliant future, aided by focussed investment and a coordinated vision for transformation. See this two-part interview with MGS Director Rob McGauran on the potential for Melbourne s west, supported by images from key MGS projects for the City of Brimbank, Victoria University and the City of Maribyrnong.

Watch here: Part 1 | Part 2

Gender equity is a societal issue which goes to the core of the values we share. Women need to be given the same career opportunities as men and should be engaged to design our most important public and civic buildings. Men need equal opportunities too, and this means nurturing and caring for family and friends. MGS congratulates Monash on the establishment of the Women in Art, Design and Architecture Network.

An exhibition of jewellery works featuring the designs of MGS director Eli Giannini, Associate Sue Buchannan and Jane Mooney was recently reviewed in The Age. The exhibition, continuing at &Gallery (220 Spencer Street, Melbourne) until April 15, features objects made with a mix of high and low materials including high-vis reflectors, intended in part to investigate the gap between visual and tactile experience.

Read this interview with MGS director Rob McGauran, recently published in Assemble Papers. The wide ranging discussion covers many of Rob s passions and gives insights into the everyday thinking within the studio. It also features some fantastic photos of some of our recent projects. Click here for more.

Marilyn Rowe House, the Australian Ballet School’s new student residence, was officially opened in January by The Australian Ballet’s patron, His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd). The new student accommodation building is a delicate addition to one of Parkville’s grand old homes providing shared living and dormitory spaces for up to twenty-five ballet students. Full photos to follow, preview here.

In December 2015 MGS Director Rob McGauran was appointed an Ambassador for the City of Melbourne s Future Melbourne 2026 project. This project asks the community what Melbourne might look like in ten years time. Media coverage in The Age helps begin this conversation, including quotes from Rob on the importance of inclusive and sustainable urban growth. Read the article here or more about the Future Melbourne 2026 project here

MGS Director Rob McGauran spoke yesterday at the Creating Healthy Cities Summit organised by the ADC Forum. His talk focussed on the need for design led approaches for creating better cities, using processes grounded by evidence as a means to build a compelling case for change. A summary of his talk is available here (PDF, 3.6mb).

The new student accommodation for the Australian Ballet School is due for completion in January 2016. Weather tight at the start of November the project is proceeding at a fast pace with internal linings currently being installed. MGS were pleased to be commissioned to select the loose furniture throughout the residence, now complete and ordered for delivery. For a preview of the northern courtyard, click here.

North West Precinct at Monash University Clayton Campus by JCB Architects with MGS (urban design) was awarded a 2015 AIA National Architecture Award for Urban Design. The jury noted “These works are about urban renewal... they have brought new energy and focus to a previously lifeless precinct.” Congratulations to JCB and the whole Monash University team. More info here.

Construction of the extension to the Gisborne Retail Centre is due for completion on programme in mid-December 2015. This project extends on the original retail centre by MGS Architects, which received the 2005 RAIA Award for Sustainable Architecture. The extension includes 450m2 of new retail area, reconfiguration of the existing tenancies and a new pedestrian walkway linking Bramtone Street to the central heart of the centre.

We are excited to begin work on a master plan for the University of Wollongong, creating a vision and framework to guide campus development over the next twenty years. Due for competition in July 2016, the master plan will be driven by engagement with University academics, students and the facilities team, government and industry partners and the Wollongong community.

The Bendigo Library was a Commendation Recipient in the Local Government Property Category at the recent API awards. The award was presented to the City of Greater Bendigo in acknowledgement of their delivery of the completed library, its contribution to the local community and for achieving a sustainable development in the built for the long term social benefit of the community. Congratulations to all involved.

MGS have recently been awarded the contract for the Balwyn Park Tennis and Community Facility by the City of Boroondara. The new facility will provide accommodation for the Balwyn Park Tennis Club, including four new tennis courts, and for a diverse range of community needs and activities including multipurpose community spaces, U3A, and seasonal football and cricket club use.

In a move that reflects the evolving nature of our practice we are pleased to unveil a new look logo. From the 15th of August, 2015 we move to a contemporary green field overlaid with a custom designed MGS font. The new logo continues to reflect our studio s commitment to our clients and community by enriching their lives with colourful and robust projects. We bid farewell to black and white and welcome green with a renewed sense of optimism.

The recent 2015 Victorian Architecture Awards demonstrate the depth of design quality emerging at Monash University Clayton. Five awards were given to campus projects, including the prestigious Joseph Reed Award for Urban Design awarded to Monash University North West Precinct by Jackson Clements Burrows Architects in collaboration with MGS (masterplan). Congratulations to all involved in these great projects. More info here.

Following the successful completion of the Melbourne Campus Master Plan, La Trobe University Council has recently endorsed the Bendigo Campus Master Plan. This will provide a comprehensive guide to the development of the Flora Hill campus for the next 15 years. The plan reimagines the campus as one of a network of collaborative knowledge hubs across Bendigo. The first projects from the plan are already underway.

The tenders for the construction of the much needed accommodation for the best of Australia’s future dance talent has recently closed. The design by MGS Architects for the renovation of the existing Edwardian villa and 450m2 extension will for the first time provide high-quality, specifically configured housing for the Australian Ballet School and will help the school compete with the best schools internationally. For a preview of the design, click here.

The internationally recognised C3 Journal has included the Bendigo Library Redevelopment by MGS Architects in its recent round-up of the best public and institutional buildings from around the world.

See the full list of projects In the Community or download a preview click here (PDF, 3mb)

Watch a video interview with MGS directors Eli Giannini and Joshua Wheeler on the design inspirations for the Bendigo Library redevelopment online, including a walk through view of some of the key spaces in the building. In case you missed it, you can also now read Justine Clarke s review of the building published in Architecture Australia, now available online here.

MGS Director Rob McGauran recently published an article in the VPELA Revue, providing a comprehensive account of the approaches MGS Architects have used in designing and planning for learning communities. New approaches for innovation and knowledge clusters will be crucial towards creating a sustainable and successful future city.
To read more, click here (PDF, 3.8mb)

MGS are pleased to announce the award of a planning permit for 389 Swanston Street. The project, a 33 storey tower on a small site, will bring an exciting mix of vertical retailing, hospitality and student college living to this bustling junction between Melbourne CBD s core retailing and educational precincts. The planning permit was approved through direct negotiations with Melbourne City Council who recognised the important contribution that this project would bring to the city.

La Trobe University Council has endorsed the Melbourne Campus Master Plan. MGS Architects led a multi-disciplinary project team over a 14 month process to deliver this important plan for the University’s premier campus. The Master Plan, described as an important milestone in the University s evolution, will underpin decisions for the transformation of the campus and associated landholdings.

The recently completed New Generation Bendigo Library has won the AIA Victoria Regional Award. The jury noted that ‘the library redevelopment makes a significant contribution to the regional regeneration of the City of Bendigo as a major piece of civic infrastructure which is progressive and forward looking’. The project also received a commendation in the Public Architecture – Alterations and Additions category.