[COM] Festival Plaza Tower 1 | 115m | 27 Levels | Office

[Patrick_27]

It's an ok building for somewhere else, but in this location it has zero response to its location. I see it as pretty analogous to the Brisbane Square building, which I don't much rate, but at least respect the attempt they've made to do something interesting at plaza level. It seems barely considered here.

Agreed. And what people aren't seeing in this render is how it looks alongside Parliament and Old Parliament house from North Terrace, not one render has shown that.

[CharlSx]

This location needs something special, not just a box as others have said. I'd love to see a scaled down version of the Flame Tower in Baku, as much as a pipe dream that may be (picture attached)

[Nort]

It's an ok building for somewhere else, but in this location it has zero response to its location. I see it as pretty analogous to the Brisbane Square building, which I don't much rate, but at least respect the attempt they've made to do something interesting at plaza level. It seems barely considered here.

Agreed. And what people aren't seeing in this render is how it looks alongside Parliament and Old Parliament house from North Terrace, not one render has shown that.

It blocks them entirely from view is what it does.

[obituary resider]

I had heard that there had been some changes to the original plaza design but I didn't realise they were this extensive... what a disaster.

Bland, unimaginative, soulless.. absolutely nothing to differentiate it from 1000s of other plazas around the world. Really disappointing.

Oh, and I doubt the trees would get as big as has been shown in the image... their root space would be heavily restricted by the car park underneath.

[Pikey]

I'd love to see a commercial tower with a slightly smaller floor plate, taller, but using curves in its design to be sympathetic to the existing redeveloped zones (casino) but also incorporating bluestone features and elements reflective of Government house.

This is probably Adelaide's most important landmark site, it needs development reflective of it.

[SRW]

Design competitions should be mandatory for public land. The trade off for losing open space ought to be exceptional design.

[Mpol03]

Totally agree with both of you. The design is uninspired. There’s this idea in this city that bland design doesn’t take away from surrounding heritage/important sites (post office redevelopment I’m looking at you).
That just isn’t the case. Sleek, modern and cutting edge designs with curved/interesting shapes would stand out beautifully in our brown/beige box of a city. Look at Realm!

[claybro]

I don't hate the plaza, or the building...its just the idea of a second tower on this space is not good-this whole precinct is already becoming too crowded. Public design competitions don't always come up with something amazing either. I would much rather this, than Federation Square in Melbourne, (which is more like what a design comp would come up with), which everyone seems to rave about, but in reality is a rather hot desolate public space that looks more like the outback, than southern Victoria. The new Yagan Square in central Perth is also an eyesore...a jumble of shapes and materials plonked onto a tight spot in the Horseshoe Bridge-but people seem to rave about it. As much as I like the new Casino building on its own, I'm not sure it quite fits its location either. I actually prefer the trees to the arbours, and just like the trees, it would be years before the arbours plantings would establish anyway...particularly since we don't seem to irrigate anything properly in Adelaide.

[ChillyPhilly]

Conspiracy theory: the project has declined in quality due to the forced departure of key Renewal SA people (especially John Hanlon, who was driving this project to begin with at least).

[Spotto]

I would much rather this, than Federation Square in Melbourne, (which is more like what a design comp would come up with), which everyone seems to rave about, but in reality is a rather hot desolate public space that looks more like the outback, than southern Victoria.

I have to agree with you about Federation Square. I don't see what the fuss is about, it's not really a usable space; there was a cool ampitheatre-like section but its shoved away in the corner away from anything.

[SBD]

I would much rather this, than Federation Square in Melbourne, (which is more like what a design comp would come up with), which everyone seems to rave about, but in reality is a rather hot desolate public space that looks more like the outback, than southern Victoria.

I have to agree with you about Federation Square. I don't see what the fuss is about, it's not really a usable space; there was a cool ampitheatre-like section but its shoved away in the corner away from anything.

The Festival centre used to have an outdoor amphitheatre too. "Progress" apparently means we don't use places like that any more.

[ChillyPhilly]

I would much rather this, than Federation Square in Melbourne, (which is more like what a design comp would come up with), which everyone seems to rave about, but in reality is a rather hot desolate public space that looks more like the outback, than southern Victoria.

I have to agree with you about Federation Square. I don't see what the fuss is about, it's not really a usable space; there was a cool ampitheatre-like section but its shoved away in the corner away from anything.

The Festival centre used to have an outdoor amphitheatre too. "Progress" apparently means we don't use places like that any more.

That area was an abomination though, especially in conjunction with the zigzag stairs.

[SRW]

I have to agree with you about Federation Square. I don't see what the fuss is about, it's not really a usable space; there was a cool ampitheatre-like section but its shoved away in the corner away from anything.

The Festival centre used to have an outdoor amphitheatre too. "Progress" apparently means we don't use places like that any more.

That area was an abomination though, especially in conjunction with the zigzag stairs.

I think it was more disused than an abominable. At least it had a potential purpose. I don't understand the area that replaced it at all. Maybe a point will become apparent when the plaza is finished (the ARM/TCL masterplan had a courtyard garden between the shells above), but for now you certainly don't want to hang there.

[Jaymz]

Also, surely they could come up with something a bit nicer than those dark coloured pavers. Maybe it's for a practical reason (don't show the dirt and grime so much), but they'll give the area a cold feel and look about it. We need the area to look inviting for people to want to spend time there.

[SBD]

The Festival centre used to have an outdoor amphitheatre too. "Progress" apparently means we don't use places like that any more.

That area was an abomination though, especially in conjunction with the zigzag stairs.

I think it was more disused than an abominable. At least it had a potential purpose. I don't understand the area that replaced it at all. Maybe a point will become apparent when the plaza is finished (the ARM/TCL masterplan had a courtyard garden between the shells above), but for now you certainly don't want to hang there.

I am pretty sure I went to things in The Amphitheatre when I was a kid. I don't recall if they were with my parents on weekends or with school groups on excursions to Adelaide during the week. I hadn't seen anything advertised as using it for years/decades before it disappeared though.