LIGHTING UP SUNNYBANK VILLAGE PRECINCT

This development is part of the Council’s promise to improve local retail villages by providing attractive and enjoyable public spaces that foster community connection.

As part of the $1.4 million improvement project, Urban+ were approached to help bring the overall design theme of “oasis” to life through custom curved seating, drinking fountains, bench seats and bike racks.

The custom curved seats were designed by Brisbane City Council and created by Urban+ using a premium Nucon Glacier exposed aggregate concrete base with 7–16mm white quartz specks, sustainably sourced Iron Bark timber battens, and a powdercoated steel frame with concealed fixings that resulted in a minimalist style. The precast concrete base was honed and sealed to provide a smooth, luxury finish, while the timber battens were individually cut to ensure even spacing around the curvature of the design.

Incorporated into the seating area is brass inlay text from artist Sebastian Moody’s Journey to Oasis (2020) artwork series. The words “doesn’t matter how we arrive” and “your neighbours, future” are purposely ambiguous to allow for the local community to think about one another in a more meaningful, connected and inclusive way.

A Gobo projection artwork is also placed in front of the seating, allowing for a unique and eye-catching attraction at night and forming a functional but special space for the local neighbourhood to enjoy.

Overall, the project saw the oasis theme and the use of natural materials and contemplative art transform a previously bland public space into one with character and identity that the community can ultimately be proud of. ,