Great spaces are more than just paving, structures and streets. Great spaces are thriving communities that enable meaningful relationships. DKO’s design approach for Indi Southbank is a collection of parts that acknowledge and enrich the existing park and heritage character of the site.

The collection of parts creates a village centre that focuses on placemaking and forms a new legacy for the Southbank precinct.

Abandoning a single use conventional tower and podium configuration, the upper level framework is planned as a collection of buildings featuring a stacked programme of community spaces, amenities, affordable units, and residential dwellings, creating a village cluster. Eschewing the prevalent glass tower typology common to the Southbank area, the design is richly textured and layered drawing from the raw industrial metal trusses of the Kings Way overpass and the warm earthy tones of the heritage brick Boyd building. The façade is staggered three dimensionally to create a visually dynamic form that depicts movement, broken up by balconies and planting to erode the form further.

In crafting the interior design, DKO draw inspiration from the strong and defined industrial vernacular of the surrounding area. The expressed structure and rigorous repetition inherent in the local architecture serve as guiding principles for the common areas.

The palette embraces bold block colours, creating a dynamic interplay of light and dark contrasts while introducing highlights of vibrant hues. This strategy not only adds depth to the spaces but also serves as a nod to the Melbourne-centric ethos of the project. The distinct urban context of Melbourne permeates every aspect of the design, fostering a sense of connection with the city’s energy and lifestyle.

Hear from DKO Director, Isabel Munro on the interior design approach and art strategy.