Laying down tracks

One of the usual victims of refurbishment in an inner-city suburb is the very character that draws people to the area. Fortitude Valley has long been recognised as the home of Brisbane's music scene, so when the city council identified the area as part of its urban renewal programme, it was important to safeguard the links to its musical heritage, says Buchan Group managing director Brisbane Greg Sheehan.

"The Buchan Group was contracted as architects and graphic designers for the renovation of the Fortitude Valley station formerly Brunswick Street station. As well as working closely with the project team to solve significant design challenges such as accessibility and ongoing maintenance of equal importance was the promotion of the station as a transport hub within this culturally significant precinct."

The design team felt strongly that the station was the perfect place to remind commuters of the area's significant contribution to the music scene, and approached QR Passenger Pty Ltd (QR) and TransLink for approval to incorporate musically influenced elements into the station's design.

"The theme of music is expressed in architecture, environmental graphics, and artworks throughout," says Sheehan. "Repeating patterns and rhythms appear in the architectural forms, while the names and words of musicians, bands and writers appear among static and moving abstractions of sound waves in works by prominent local artists."

Large photomontage artworks on the platforms offer commuters glimpses of Valley icons such as Chinatown and Wickham Hotel, reinforcing the culture of the district. Combined with materials such as stainless steel mesh ceiling panels, this transforms the once jaded station facade into a vibrant place of welcome.

For more information contact the Buchan Group, 342 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006, phone (07) 3859 9222, fax (07) 3859 9234. Email: tbg@brisbane.buchan.com.au, or visit the website: www.buchan.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas