Western Australia is incredibly vast and diverse.
As the largest state of Australia, it covers nearly one-third of the country.
From baffling rock formations and ancient Aboriginal sites to sweeping green vineyards of world-class wineries and unbelievably clear ocean waters, Western Australia is the land of endless exploration.
And there’s much to love about WA’s capital city Perth; the most isolated capital city in the world.
The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
With an average of 139 sunny days per year, it’s the sunniest state capital in Australia.
And the light is something else.
Perth’s a modern city, with all the usual conveniences and amenities.
The city’s east end is home to one of the city’s greatest collections of heritage buildings.
Together, they form important streetscapes of late nineteenth and early twentieth century architecture.
Despite that rich history, investment in the area was scant in recent decades.
The east end had lost its mojo.
But then something happened that got things heading in the right direction.
Historic Heart of Perth Inc., an enterprising not-for-profit community organization, created and implemented an innovative community-led project.
The name ‘Historic Heart’ is designed to bring together the history of the urban environment (Historic) and the community and natural environment (Heart).
It is the premise that the physical and cultural landscapes are intertwined – a city is not just about buildings, but about people and their experiences within it.
Their vision is to reinvigorate and revitalize Perth’s east end by creating an identifiable neighbourhood with a strong sense of place, making a contribution to the city and, importantly, to the people who live, work and visit there.
Historic Heart’s first project focused on transforming 65 planter boxes and benches that had been installed from Barrack Street to Irwin Street.
They envisaged transforming these drab street furniture sets into a vibrant representation of what’s uniquely West Australian.
To do that, they needed a nod from the City of Perth, the local authority body that grant approvals for the installation of objects in the public realm.
That wan’t as straightforward as they’d hoped, but they got there in the end.
The planter boxes were painted by West Australian artists including Cathy Blanchflower, James Giddy, George Howlett, and many others.
They were planted with West Australian native plants, selected by gardening expert Sabrina Hahn, to signify new energy and change.
From an architectural standpoint, the painted surfaces of the planter boxes and benches act as street-level visual activation.
And clustering the planter boxes into groups for particular artists ensures a rhythmic pattern of visuals that meaningfully create sight-lines or art pathways within the area.
Bottom line?
The benefits of this community-driven project are wide ranging – social, urban, and economic.
It’s a project worthy of modelling and replication throughout Australia.
Our urban areas would be all the better for it.
Project Details
Completion date – 2017
Project Team
Project Management
Sandy Anghie Architect
Sandy Anghie is a Perth based architect committed to creating great homes for her clients. Whether it is a new build, extension or renovation, Sandy believes the foundation of a great home is a collaborative working relationship between the architect and home owner – listening and working together to create a home that meets the client’s needs and aspirations from a design and financial perspective.
In 2018, Sandy was awarded the National Association of Women in Construction Social Responsibility in Construction Award. The award recognises the achievements of an outstanding woman who has shown significant commitment to others or a social cause within the construction industry.
And, in 2020 she was awarded the Australian Institute of Architects – WA Emerging Architect Prize in recognition of her leadership and contribution to the promotion of architecture within the community.
Architecture
Eekos Architects
EEKOS was established in 2010, is a member of the Australian Institute of Architects and registered with the Architects Board of Western Australia.
Art Curator
Margaret Moore
MOORE CONTEMPORARY was established in its Cathedral Square location in Perth in November 2017.
Founded and directed by Margaret Moore, MOORE CONTEMPORARY is a space dedicated to the presentation and promotion of major local and international contemporary art.
In recognition of Margaret’s extensive curatorial and arts management career, MOORE CONTEMPORARY offers, in addition to a program of exhibitions, professional consultancy services in art commissioning, collection advice and management.
Architecture
Sharni Howe
Connect with Sharni on LinkedIn
Fabrication
.reSPOKE
.reSPOKE began in 2012 as an artistic installation business.
Since then, they have realised their passion for designing unique street furniture for the public arena.
Every project they touch is carefully crafted to complement the site and the surrounding businesses, enticing people to linger a little longer.
Photography
Dion Robeson
Architectural, interior and commercial fit out photographer based in Perth, Western Australia
Based in Perth, Western Australia and specialising in architectural, interior, and lifestyle photography. Dion has a great appreciation for light and the way it moves through spaces.
A minimal but crisp aesthetic helps him to tell a story and evoke feelings when viewing the imagery.
He works with some of Australia’s leading architects and interior design firms while also representing up-and-coming talent in his home town of Perth. Featured in many international publications and also shoots for clients based in New York, Europe and Africa.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
#potplantuprising | Project Management: Sandy Anghie Architect. | Images © 2020 Dion Robeson. All Rights Reserved.
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