Paddington Reservoir Gardens Launch AWARD WINNER
Presented to: Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects with James Mather Delaney Design and City of Sydney for Paddington Reservoir Gardens
Judges Citation:The Paddington water storage reservoir was constructed on a prominent site in the historic heart of Oxford Street from 1866 to 1878. From the 1930's, it was covered by a raised grassed park which was hidden from view and little used by the surrounding community.
Over the past two years, the City of Sydney, together with its collaborative design team of architects, landscape architects, engineers, planners and access consultants has created a unique, surprising, functional and totally engaging public park that has captured the imagination of all those fortunate enough to pass or live nearby.
Instead of capping the site and building a new park above, as originally expected, the design team incorporated many of the reinforced ruins of the heritage listed structure and created sunken and elevated gardens using a carefully selected and limited range of contemporary materials with exceptional detailing.
The contemporary architectural walkways and roof structures, combined with delightful chambers, pools and outdoor rooms, are brilliantly conceived and executed, and the extensive interpretative elements shed light on this part of Sydney's early heritage.The success of this small but beautiful project is demonstrated by the interest and excitement expressed on the faces of those visiting the park - the ultimate reward for any project developer and their urban design team.
