Market Street: Textures in Architectural Design

Tags

Architecture, Art, Australia, Dani Marti, Design, Exterior, Fashion, John Wardle Architects, Miu Miu, Pitt Street Mall, Prada, Retail, Shopping, Sydney, Texture, Westfield

Something a little different for you today – a wee taste of a small part of central Syders!

Central Sydney – Aerial View
(Image © Where Magazines Australia)

I guess the shopping heart of Sydney has got to be Pitt Street Mall, situated bang smack in the middle of the city (give or take!). For the past few years Pitt Street has been on the receiving end of a m a s s i v e renovation, care of the cashed up folk at Westfield. It has been a major undertaking, and I gotta’ say some of the changes are fab’.

En route to meeting a friend for lunch yesterday, and I was struck by some of the textural design features on Market Street…

First up, the façade to 100 Market Street. John Wardle Architects was the firm responsible for the external façade of the retail centre and they were inspired by the idea of stitching – not only in a fashion sense, but also metaphorically in terms of the building stitching this precinct together. The wall itself was created by Dani Marti. The awning is a fine stainless steel thread that weaves through the awning, through an eyelet, back up the façade and back down. The pattern on the facade’s glass is a rush called Lomandra multiflora, which is an indigenous grass in the Sydney area used by the local Aboriginal people for weaving baskets.

100 Market Street – Rope Wall by Dani Marti
(Image by TSL)

100 Market Street – ‘Lomandra Multiflora’ Patterned Glass Facade
(Image by TSL)

100 Market Street
(Image by TSL)

Right next door, Prada‘s flagship Miu Miu store in Sydney. This amazing retail shop  consists of a completely illuminated façade. I understand Prada has built these facades all over the world. No matter – this is impressive! Just love the colour!

Close Up of the Miu Miu Sydney Store Illuminated Facade
(Image by TSL)

Miu Miu Store – Market Street, Sydney
(Image by TSL)

Miu Miu Store Illuminated Facade – Market Street, Sydney
(Image by TSL)

Not a bad place to be, my adopted city…

Have a great weekend in your corner of the world!