The headlines declared that the ‘anti-mall’ had been approved for New Farm, an inner-city suburb of Brisbane, Queensland – https://architectureau.com/articles/mixes-use-anti-mall-vision-for-brisbanes-james-street-approved/: (see below). This project had been written about when it was first publicised – see: https://voussoirs.blogspot.com/2025/11/ruskin-street-view.html.
.jpg)
Now the project, dubbed the James Street Pavilion, the greenlit project . . . designed to guide visitors on a vertical journey from ground-floor retail, through an “architectural avenue of trees,” to a panoramic rooftop, has been approved. One remains puzzled about the strange use of ‘greenlit,’ and whether the ‘anti-mall’ idea is a part of the Town Plan or just a clever linguistic, promotional invention.
.jpg)
The dictionary tells us that greenlit means:
Greenlit (or
green-lit) is the past tense of greenlight, meaning to give
official approval, permission, or financial backing to proceed with a
project, most commonly in the film, television, and entertainment
industries. It acts as the final authorization stage, turning a
conceptual proposal into a production-ready project.
Is the text using the idea of ‘approval’ – getting the ‘greenlight’ - to emphasise its ‘green’ credentials by unusually describing a ‘green-lit’ vertical journey from ground-floor retail, through an “architectural avenue of trees” – a ‘green light’ all the way up in an anti-mall? The exotic, florid language describing and justifying architectural/planning strategies has been spoken about previously. What do planners look at when approving projects? Do they really consider the architect’s blurb? If so, do they ever deconstruct the intentions embalmed in these writings and assess them against reality or the Town Plan’s intentions – if there are any published, defined qualitative requirements that might be applied to a project other than perhaps ‘six storeys’ and other similar quantifiable requirements like areas, percentages, car numbers, and setbacks?
There seems to be some import given to the ida of a vertical “architectural avenue of trees.” What is this? Is the architect referring to the form of the building with its dramatically stacked slab supports – a la Heatherwick? - that might be said to ‘branch out’ curvaceously under the planted platforms they support, like trees? Are these flared columns the trees being referred to? How is the avenue formed?
.jpg)
Some importance seems to be given to the idea that the project acts as a “key bridge” between the hotel and a future retail hub further up the street. Just how this ‘bridge’ is achieved is not clear. Do the approving planners know? Is this notion merely a matter of the building being there, located between these developments and matching the heights? One struggles to interpret the relevance of the “architectural avenue of trees” as a meaningful contextual device. There are actual street trees growing nearby, but when one comes to this project, ironically these street trees stop. Are the ‘architectural trees’ supposed to take over here as an avenue, and induce a vertical thrust to the ‘green-lit’ world? What is the actual experience being referred to here? Does one just get the lift to the bar on the roof?
Being raised in New Farm only a few blocks away from this location, this region is well-known. Just how this project might hold a New Farm relevance remains unclear. The architect tells us that: The “James Street Pavilion,” include(s) 1,500 square metres of retail space for luxury fashion across three levels, 1,300 square metres and three floors of boutique commercial office space, and a rooftop restaurant, bar and landscaped garden terrace with panoramic views. According to the architect, the vertical mix of programs is intended to keep the precinct active throughout the day and at night. How might this mix actually work throughout the day and at night? Are these going to be 24-hour businesses?
.png)
.jpg)
A communique from the architect comments that the design of the project has been inspired by Queensland’s subtropical rainforests, featuring a series of planted canopies that aim to vertically extend the leafy streetscape and connect the project with a green corridor that stretches to Newfarm [sic: see - https://newfarmpark.com.au/] Park. Has the architect ever been in a rainforest? How has this special tropical environment been inspirational? Why? How does the ‘avenue’ fit this forest idea? How is a rainforest meaningful in James Street, New Farm? We are told that this design extends the leafy streetscape vertically, but the streetscape is not a rainforest, just a collection of selected street trees which are usually take the ‘lollipop’ form that lacks a rainforest’s luxuriant height. Why transform this civic array into a metaphoric rainforest avenue?
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
But there is more. The project is described as connecting with a green corridor that stretches to Newfarm [sic] Park. This sounds impressive as a planning gesture, giving us something grand like the vistas at Versailles. Did this notion impress the approving planners? Just what does it mean? Did anyone go and have a look at the area? New Farm Park is a spacious, riverside park anchored directly to the Brunswick Street axis of the city. James Street never actually reaches the park. 54 James Street is eight blocks away from Merthyr Road, where it turns into Lamington Street, that continues on to the roundabout at Sydney Street two blocks further away, and then bends onto the roundabout terminus at the Powerhouse Park yet another four blocks away. At Sydney Street, New Farm Park is one block away to the southwest from the roundabout intersection with Lamington Street. Just how this project at 54 James Street has any relationship with New Farm Park other than as preferred words, remains a mystery. Did the approving planners know this? The idea is just a fantasy. Why are such whimsical concepts not challenged?
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
James Street is a significant street in New Farm, and was the busy main truck access to and from the Power House when it was operating, spewing dust over the whole area. As one moves southeast along James Street from this fashionable precinct now being developed, an area that once accommodated a fiery foundry and a Coca Cola factory, one comes across the traditional Queensland corner shops and houses which have not changed for over one hundred years. My father’s uncle lived in one house and ran the grocer’s store next door, both of which buildings are still there today. There are street trees along James Street that vary in size and spacing, but it seems to be an exaggeration to call this a green corridor. Is this description an architect’s vision or a planners hopeful conception? Either way, one struggles with ideas of rainforests being linked to parkland spaces in New Farm via an ‘anti-mall.’ What does this odd phrase mean – an ordinary street with shops and traffic? Why create such an odd phrase which sounds like a double negative description of a normal street.+
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
“We like to think of James Street as the ‘anti-mall’ – it rejects the current trend towards homogeneous retail environments where you could be anywhere in the world,” said practice principal Koichi Takada. The words seem to be seeking out something revelatory and regional, suggesting that this might be being achieved using bespoke ideas about verticality and greenness, and links to parks. How might this be ‘New Farm’ in character when the images of local place predominantly remain that of typical Queenslanders? The history of New Farm has been well documented.# The local historical society remains active. There is no excuse for not understanding the history of the region if one is truly interested in it and wishes to respect it.
.png)
Architects seem keen to fabricate meaning and relevance for works that appear merely stylish whims; personal preferences, as if the fanciful designs have to be justified. The apparent struggle to give meaning to projects only strains others’ imaginations and stimulates scepticism. At least there has been no attempt to place some aboriginal meaning onto the design intentions which give every appearance of being grandly self-assertive rather than humblingly referential to an old suburb with a rich history. Even before settlement, there were no rainforests in the area.*
+
AI Overview explains the anti-mall:
An anti-mall is a
shopping and hangout destination designed as an alternative to
conventional, corporate shopping centers, emphasizing independent
businesses, local culture, and an unconventional, often outdoor,
atmosphere. Originating with The LAB ("Little American
Business") in Costa Mesa, California, it counters retail
monotony with art installations, unique dining, and indie
boutiques.
One might liken phrase, ‘anti-mall’ to the florid description of a ‘disintegration’ as ‘the catastrophic loss of cohesion.’
On aboriginal naming, see: https://voussoirs.blogspot.com/2024/05/more-on-sydney-modern-ai.html.
#
Top books on the history of the New Farm area (Brisbane, Australia) include New Farm 50 Stories and Another 50 Stories by Gerard Benjamin, which document local landmarks, people, and events. Other key titles are Reflections on New Farm and Homes with History on the New Farm Peninsula.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Key Books on New Farm (Brisbane) History:
New Farm 50 Stories by Gerard Benjamin: Features stories from My Village News and over 200 photos covering New Farm, Teneriffe, Newstead, and Bowen Hills.
New Farm, Another 50 Stories by Gerard Benjamin: A follow-up collection with over 225 photos and a map for walking tours.
Reflections on New Farm (New Farm & Districts Historical Society): An in-depth, 35-chapter look at the suburb’s landmarks, people, and history.
Homes with History on the New Farm Peninsula by Gerard Benjamin: Focuses on the architectural evolution from large estates to villas and cottages.
Tides of Teneriffe by Vicki Bridgstock: Explores local history, including Turrbal people's connection to the area.
These books are available through local bookshops like Mary Ryan's or the New Farm & Districts Historical Society.
.jpg)
*
For the record, the local aboriginal tribe was the Turrbal people:
The traditional owners of the New Farm area in Brisbane are the Turrbal people. New Farm is known in the Turrbal language as Binkinba (or Binkin-ba), which translates to "place of the land tortoise," reflecting its historical significance as a resource-rich site for food gathering
New Farm History
Overview
New Farm, a premier Brisbane peninsula suburb, originated in 1827 as a convict-run farm for the Moreton Bay penal settlement. Originally named Binkin-ba ("place of the land tortoise") by local Aborigines, it evolved from agricultural land into a prestigious residential area with early estates, electric trams by 1897, and iconic landmarks like New Farm Park.
Key Historical Milestones
1827–1830s: Convict Origins: Commandant Patrick Logan established a "new farm" on the peninsula, focusing on growing maize, potatoes, and corn to feed the colony.
1840s–1860s: Subdivision and Growth: The area was subdivided into small farms and suburban allotments. A racecourse was established in 1846.
1870s–1890s: Elite Residential Area: Large suburban estates, such as Sir Samuel Griffith’s "Merthyr," were built, shifting the area from farming to affluent housing.
1897: Electric Trams: Transport connectivity grew with the introduction of electric trams running along Brunswick Street and down to the river.
1914–1919: New Farm Park: The park was established on the former racecourse site, featuring extensive tree plantings (jacarandas, poincianas) in 1914 before officially opening in 1919.
1920s–1950s: Industrialisation & Growth: The Brisbane Powerhouse was built in 1928, and the area saw a boom in workers' cottages and boarding houses.
1959: Unit Development: High-rise development began, marked by the approval of the Glenfalloch flats on Oxlade Drive, signaling a shift to higher density living.
1990s–2000: Renewal: The decommissioned Powerhouse was transformed into a premier arts and cultural center, opening in 2000.
Key Historical Sites
New Farm Park: One of Brisbane's oldest and most popular parks, known for its rose gardens and jacarandas.
Brisbane Powerhouse: A former electric power station turned into a modern performing arts venue.
Merthyr Road/Oxlade Drive: Areas showcasing significant heritage homes and the historic "Merthyr" suburbia.
Lime Kilns: Evidence of 19th-century industrial activity still visible along the riverbank.
The New Farm and Districts Historical Society continues to document the area's rich history, which can be explored in detail through their publications and meetings.
THE ARTICLE
https://architectureau.com/articles/mixes-use-anti-mall-vision-for-brisbanes-james-street-approved/
Mixed-use, ‘anti-mall’ vision for Brisbane’s James Street approved
Dubbed the James Street Pavilion, the greenlit project is designed to guide visitors on a vertical journey from ground-floor retail, through an “architectural avenue of trees,” to a panoramic rooftop.
Koichi Takada Architects has announced Brisbane City Council’s approval of its design for a six-storey “anti-mall” at 54 James Street in Brisbane’s Newfarm.
The 30-metre-high proposal echoes the massing of the nearby Calile Hotel, acting as a “key bridge” between the hotel and a future retail hub further up the street, both of which have been designed by Richards and Spence.
Lodged by developer Graya in November last year, the greenlit plans for the project, dubbed the “James Street Pavilion,” include 1,500 square metres of retail space for luxury fashion across three levels, 1,300 square metres and three floors of boutique commercial office space, and a rooftop restaurant, bar and landscaped garden terrace with panoramic views. According to the architect, the vertical mix of programs is intended to keep the precinct active throughout the day and at night.
A communique from the architect comments that the design of the project has been inspired by Queensland’s subtropical rainforests, featuring a series of planted canopies that aim to vertically extend the leafy streetscape and connect the project with a green corridor that stretches to Newfarm [sic: see - https://newfarmpark.com.au/] Park.
“We like to think of James Street as the ‘anti-mall’ – it rejects the current trend towards homogeneous retail environments where you could be anywhere in the world,” said practice principal Koichi Takada.
“Typically in Australia, retail high streets are contained to ground level, and we wanted to create something that shifted the status quo. James Street Pavilion engages shoppers at the ground level, and guides them on a vertical journey via the architectural ‘avenue of trees.’”
At street level, curved edges and tactile materials are intended to create a calming, “human-centric” public interface, Koichi Takada Architects’ media release notes.
On the west side of the development, a proposed covered laneway – populated with planters and public seating – grants access to a lift core and a multi-level stair that ascends to the commercial floors.
Takada noted that the “proposal demonstrates how architecture can mimic nature for the benefit of all … introducing a vertical ecosystems [sic] and layered biodiversity into the Brisbane city fabric.”
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.