Bowen Place Crossing, In 2011 lahznimmo architects won an invited competition for the design of a new pedestrian and cyclist crossing in Bowen Place, Canberra.
© Brett Boardman
Within the context of the Parliamentary Zone and the associated important heritage items, the design looks to provide a simple and elegant response. It does not seek to detract from, or compete with the existing items within the environs – enhancing existing geometries, landscape and place making opportunities.
© Brett Boardman
The design response is fundamentally landscape driven – the new underpass is part of a continuous path that slices through the terrain on a trajectory that speaks to the existing geometries of the Bowen Place cloverleaf freeway and the views to the National Carillon. The new insertion is deliberately minimal to allow the landscape setting to take precedence.
© Brett Boardman
The path is contained by two wall types, the Deferential Wall – a taut smooth off-white pre-cast concrete that deliberately defers to the existing palette of materials and tones within the Parliamentary Zone; and the Assertive Wall – composed of a deeply profiled weathering steel that naturally ages to a rusty ochre appearance and appears to be wrinkled and compressed as it follows the tighter inside line of the path.
Project Info
Architects: Lahznimmo Architects
Country: Parkes, Australia
Year: 2015
Photographs: Brett Boardman
Client: National Capital Authority
Electrical And Lighting Consultants: Lighting, Art and Science
Software Used: ArchiCAD
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.