Designed to connect the shopping center, which is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, with the newly opened Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, MGallery by Sofitel, The Link is a tranquil walkway that replaces part of a multi- level car park and creates a more accessible, engaging entrance to Chadstone. Make Architects’ design team fostered close collaboration to bring crafted, specialist materials from Europe and used Australian experts and engineers to create the route that spans 110m, stretches up to 15m high and blurs the boundary between different leisure, commercial and retail uses at the center and also between an internal and external environment.

Inspired by the arched glass roof that is iconic to Chadstone, The Link is formed from a curved ‘glulam’ timber structure with a tensile, semi-translucent ‘PTFE’ fabric stretched over to protect customers, guests and visitors from the weather, yet still connect people to the environment. The simplicity of its materials belies the complexity of the Italian larch timber diagrid structure, which essentially acts as a harmonica – each element holding the other in position, albeit supported by hidden steel foundations. The design itself is highly sustainable, open at the sides to provide cross-ventilation and eliminate the need for air conditioning.

Simon Lincoln, Studio Lead Australia said: “The Link is a great example of how retailers and landowners are thinking differently to adapt to changing consumer behavior, incorporating new uses into their centers, but also creating flexible spaces like this, spaces that don’t necessarily drive revenue but that tap into what patrons are looking for in terms of places that promote wellbeing and that provide a more relaxed, natural environment.”

All other features within the space are below eye level in order to celebrate the scale and beauty of the architecture. Landscaping, stairs and travellators have been carefully positioned to create areas to dwell and relax as well as space for a new restaurant to spill out and flexible areas for events and pop-up uses. The choice of planting ties in with the wider strategy for Chadstone to use native species. This is supported with evergreen climbing plants such as climbing Boston Ivy and scented Jasmine to provide a broader sensory experience. In addition, artificial lighting is minimal, primarily used to illuminate the structure at night.

Fiona Mackenzie, Chadstone Director said: “We’re very proud of what we’re creating as Chadstone evolves to become a world-class, integrated destination for retail, dining, entertainment, tourism, business and now luxury accommodation. The Link has enhanced the amenity for the more than 24 million people who move between our Tower One offices, Hotel Chadstone and the retail precinct every year.”

A quick lifecycle assessment of The Link reveals that 155 cubic meters of glulam have been installed. According to RUBNER, 118 tonnes of carbon dioxide is stored directly in the wood whilst only 18 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions were generated from all production processes (cradle to gate). Thanks to the net storage effect, The Link provides an active contribution to climate protection of around 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions of 4 Australians per year. Moreover, in Austria, where the Rubner Group sawmill is located, about 30 million cubic meters of wood grow every year. Based on this, the 155 cubic meters used for the structure of The Link will have grown in about 7 minutes.

Jacob Alsop, Partner at Make Architects said: “The Link is designed with the local climate in mind. It provides shade but is an-open structure and provides a welcome change from the many hermetic air-conditioned buildings that dominate Australian cities. Its form is inherently urban, reminiscent of covered passageways and thereby reinforces the idea of The Link as a street and also a public, civic space.”

The Link is easily and highly adaptable. It has been designed for effortless maintenance and to stand the test time, to integrate different uses and to itself be used for different things now and in the future. The entire length is envisioned as a flexible space that can cater to a wide range of activities. It was delivered in an extremely tight timescale and the project team is delighted with how it combines European craftsmanship with Australian expertise to deliver a space that works perfectly for this location.