A Tour of ABC Melbourne’s New Headquarters

National broadcaster ABC Melbourne recently hired architecture & interior design firm Cox Architecture to design their new headquarters in Melbourne, Australia.

“As the National Broadcaster, the ABC is a vital public institution integral to the social, cultural and political life of the city, state and nation. Occupying a key Southbank site, the ABC building forms part of a dynamic cultural, arts and education precinct which has reshaped the strategic inner-city area and become a focus for an increasing program of events and public activities.

The design of the new building reflected the broadcaster’s intention to consolidate all Melbourne operations under one roof by re-purposing their existing Southbank building to create a unified, integrated and collaborative professional environment in a functionally efficient and contemporary setting.

The design enabled increased opportunity for knowledge sharing and inter-divisional collaboration, positioning the ABC to better respond to an ever-changing media landscape from a workplace that offers a dynamic, integrated and visually-transparent environment while also promoting interaction across program teams, and inviting greater public interest and participation in programs and special events.

Generous floor plates and regular vertical connections support exceptional workplace integration, a campus style workplace, and ground floor that has been developed as an integrated extension of the wider urban context. Sustainability and energy efficiency measures include water conservation, passive solar shading, high efficiency glazing, room occupancy sensors and a comprehensive digital building management system, while roof gardens, verandahs and winter gardens ensure optimal levels of fresh air and light,” says Cox Architecture.

• Location: Melbourne, Australia
• Date completed: 2020
• Size: 344,445 square feet
• Design: Cox Architecture
• Photos: John Gollings