Racquel Yi Lynn Ooi

“First life, then spaces, then buildings – the other way around never works” – Jan Gehl

The Maker’s Nest is a Making and Living project for the residents of West Melbourne. Acting as a nest, it is a communal ground for working creatives to unfold their imagination and grow collaboratively. In the project, the building celebrates the concept of interlocking at large and small scales perspectives. At a larger scale, the building is designed to merge makers, residents, and public realm – to bring life to the neighbourhood of West Melbourne; as the design intent is focused on communing the people. On a smaller scale, makerspaces are designed to create incidental meetings; which could potentially create collaboration within multiple working fields. Additionally, the building also acts as an event space for the performing arts and entertainment industry; in contribution to the cultural heritage of its former site as Festival Hall. As a whole, the Maker’s Nest intends to create layers of interaction with the public realm and the building; leaving a creative mark in West Melbourne.