Federation Square – "Back of House" Tour

Hours Open
10am - 5pm (last tour at 4:30pm)

Note: Strictly limited numbers. Bookings taken at building opening time.

Address
Corner Swanston and Flinders Streets

Architects
LAB Architects in association with Bates Smart

Year Built
2002

Building Type
Cultural Centre

What is Open
Back of house tour

Tour Frequency
Every 15 minutes - only 6 people per tour

Tram Stop
Stop 13: Federation Square on routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67 and 72 Stop 5: Swanston Street and Flinders Street on routes 48, 70, 75 and City Circle

No wheelchair or pram access.

Description
Federation Square is a civic and cultural space covering a full city block. The largest space, an open-air amphitheatre, has the ability to accommodate up to 15,000 people. Numerous cultural and commercial buildings also occupy the 3.8 hectare block. Federation Square is built on a deck over a working railway, supported by 3,000 tonnes of steel beams, 1.4 kilometres of concrete walls and 4,000 vibration absorbing spring coils. Beneath the famous sandstone pavers lies a concrete labyrinth; a 1.2 kilometre passive cooling system, designed to supplement the air-conditioning in The Atrium and BMW Edge spaces.

Significance
Arguably one of Australia's most important architectural developments, Federation Square has become one of Melbourne's most prominent public spaces, regularly attracting thousands of people. The rationalisation of the Jolimont rail yards, the demolition of the Gas and Fuel Towers and the celebration of Australia's Centenary of Federation, provided the impetus for the completion of the project. An international competition was held in 1997 and attracted 177 entries. LAB architecture studio of London won the competition and, in conjunction with Bates Smart, construction of the site was finished in 2002. The winning scheme draws its inspiration from the unique urban characteristics of Melbourne's arcades and lanes and transforms these elements into a new form of organisation - reflecting the true spirit of federation - independent identities combining to form a larger whole.

What’s Open?
Entering from St Paul's Court you will explore Federation Square's hidden corridors and experience a "behind the scenes" look at its state of the art design and use of green technologies. Pop your head into The Labyrinth, view the Loading Dock and BMW Edge Green Room, take in the Rain Garden and enjoy unique viewing opportunities of the deck and the trains.