Model Coburg: A Public Realm Audit

Model Coburg is an urban research and design project focused on Central Coburg. It studies the public realm, existing buildings, car parks, open spaces, civic uses and development pressures that shape the centre. The project uses modelling and audit as design tools. Built form, open space, water, access, housing, public program and commercial use are drawn together so the future of the precinct can be tested spatially, not only described in policy terms. The work was developed through a studio and research process connected to Merri-bek City Council and RMIT PlaceLab. It looks at how architecture can contribute to urban change before a development brief is fixed. The model becomes a way to make competing priorities visible: density, public space, civic value, environmental performance and long-term use.

Client Merri-bek City Council / RMIT PlaceLab Project Team Jan van Schaik, RMIT Architecture Consultants RMIT Architecture and Urban Design Location Coburg, Victoria Country Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country Year 2024 Status Complete Type Urban research, public realm audit, civic modelling