The Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co) has launched a three-year research project to test plant resilience for Laak Boorndap, an 18,000-square-metre urban garden at the heart of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation (MAPT). The comprehensive project is led by Hassell and The University of Melbourne (Burnley Campus), with plans to evaluate over 1,000 plants across 125 species under extreme conditions to ensure biodiversity and year-round vitality.

Conducted at Burnley Campus, the trials replicate Laak Boorndap’s rooftop environment, using shallow substrate and minimal irrigation to assess plant survival in a warming climate. Advanced imaging technologies and sensors track plant growth, rainfall, temperature, solar radiation and soil moisture. This data will then inform plant selection and guide the garden’s long-term design strategy.

“It is a gamechanger to have plant research embedded into the design of a major landscape project,” says University of Melbourne Associate Professor in Green Infrastructure, Claire Farrell. “The Plant Trials expand our existing knowledge of plants for green roofs and will help guide plant selection for 18,000 square metres of gardens in Laak Boorndap to ensure they are both resilient and beautiful.” 

Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks, adds: “Laak Boorndap will reshape the Melbourne Arts Precinct and bring together nature, culture, art and design. This project is a major investment in our creative industries, tourism, local jobs and the future of our city.” 

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The initiative brings together MAP Co, Development Victoria, Hassell, plant practice Super Bloom and international horticulturalists James Hitchmough and Nigel Dunnett. The findings will be shared with the public through educational programs, enabling urban gardeners to apply climate-adaptive practices in their own spaces.

A Test Garden at Melbourne’s Fed Square has also been established, offering the public a real-time look at the naturalistic planting approach being trialed for Laak Boorndap. Open 24/7, the space provides an interactive platform for research, programming and community engagement. Designed by Hassell in collaboration with Super Bloom, the Test Garden is supported by MAP Co and Bupa.

Director & CEO of Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, Katrina Sedgwick, concludes: “This partnership will see leading Australian scientists deliver meaningful data to underpin the creativity of Laak Boorndap – setting up our fabulous, world-renowned designers for success in a challenging landscape. This research will safeguard Laak Boorndap’s future and ensure that the heart of the Melbourne Arts Precinct is beautiful and thriving for generations to come.”

Laak Boorndap is set to redefine the Melbourne Arts Precinct by merging culture, nature and design. Through rigorous research and collaboration, the project aims to create a thriving, climate-resilient urban landscape that will shape the city’s future.

Hassell
hassellstudio.com

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