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As our cities grow larger and more
complex there is an increased
demand for quality public space.
Buildings and the environments
they create must work hard to
reinvigorate existing networks,
stimulate social activation through
place making initiatives and
achieve excellence in sustainable
design. A successful development
is measured as much on the public
realm as the architecture from
which it is built.
Darling Quarter is a 1.5-hectare
precinct that creates a vibrant new
district at the edge of the Sydney
CBD in Darling Harbour South.
The redevelopment incorporates an
innovative new playground; high
quality retail terrace, children’s
theatre, community green and
two nine storey campus-style
commercial buildings named
Commonwealth Bank Place. The
buildings accommodate over 6,500
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
employees. The site is complex
insofar as it needs to address the
connection to the city core on the
one side and a very important
public domain on the other.
The precinct reconnects Darling
Harbour South to the city through
a bold new east-west pedestrian
gateway that dissects the
commercial buildings and opens
views to Tumbalong Park.
A sinuous boulevard weaves
between Tumbalong Park and the
retail front of the buildings to
establish a pedestrian link through
the site from Chinatown to the
Sydney Harbour forshore.
On the public domain side of
the precinct is a spectacular
world-class 4,000 square metres
playground that is one of the
largest free family entertainment
attractors in Sydney. The
playground will be the first
illuminated public playspace
in Australia and integrates
interactive play equipment
and waterplay in a landscaped
environment.
The two commercial buildings
at Commonwealth Bank Place
achieved world leadership status
in sustainable design.
An efficient building envelope
responds elegantly to Sydney’s
climatic conditions and the dual
city and park frontages. The clear
glazed western façade is softened
by warm timber mullions and
louvres that move in a shifting
pattern throughout the day. At
night the illuminated façade
becomes a digital canvas for one of
the world’s largest interactive light
installations.
The development is a result of
a collaborative effort between
Lend Lease, the Sydney
Harbour Foreshore Authority,
the Commonwealth Bank and
the hundreds of consultants
and contractors who worked
on the project throughout its
development.
INSIDE
DARLING QUARTER
Lend Lease is proud to have conceived,
developed, managed and constructed
the Darling Quarter project in conjunction
with Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.
It is Australia’s leading commercial and
public domain precinct. This book tells
the story of the development, design
and construction process throughout
five years of the project. It is told in
the words of the many dedicated and
talented people who have made this
internationally recognised project a
reality. It is the inside story.
LEND LEASE INSIGHT
LEND LEASE INSIGHT
