DESIGN DISPATCH

Sydney Metro Gets a Stunning New Concourse, and Other News

Our daily look at the world through the lens of design.

The new concourse of Sydney Central Station. Image courtesy of Woods Bagot.

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Thanks to McAslan and Woods Bagot, Sydney Metro has a glowing new concourse.

Sydney Metro’s Central Station has unveiled a new public space beneath a striking, windowed roof by McAslan and Woods Bagot. The upgrade, a crucial part of Australia’s largest transport infrastructure project, enhances the station with a new Northern Concourse and additional platform space, refreshing the historic 1906 structure with modern amenities. The refurbishment includes improved navigation and increased capacity, and blends the upgrades with the station’s original architecture.

Noma veteran Mads Refslund’s Greenpoint restaurant nabs a Prix Versailles nomination.

​​The Swedish-Mexican restaurant Ilis, which was opened by Noma alumnus Mads Refslund in early 2024, has been nominated for the prestigious Prix Versailles award as a contender for the world’s most beautiful restaurant. Architect Grant Blakeslee and designer Alexander Diaz Andersson transformed the space with regard for everything from its cloud ceiling to its custom glassware.

The Octagon Earthworks land. Image courtesy of Ohio History Conection.

Ohio’s historical society prevails over the country club atop the Octagon Earthworks.

After years of legal turmoil, Ohio’s state historical society has reached an agreement with Moundbuilders Country Club to acquire its lease on the Octagon Earthworks. This ends the land’s use as a golf course and will open the ancient Native American site to the public. The society plans to remove the golf course and open the UNESCO World Heritage site to the public come January.

Shahzia Sikander pens an op-ed about leaving her vandalized statue beheaded.

Artist Shahzia Sikander, whose sculpture, Witness, at the University of Houston, was decapitated last month, announced she will not repair the artwork. In a Washington Post op-ed, Sikander explained her decision to leave the sculpture damaged as a symbol of the societal hatred and division it faced, highlighting the piece’s message of women’s empowerment. She urged the university to educate the public on the artwork’s significance and address the underlying ignorance and rage that led to the attack.

In 2028, Pharrell wants to break the arts’ 80-year hiatus from the Olympic Games.

In Paris, Pharrell organized a star-studded Louis Vuitton event to raise awareness for his campaign to revive an 80-year dormant tradition of including arts at the Olympic Games. The event featured celebrities like LeBron James and Zendaya, and interactive art installations by KAWS and Daniel Arsham. Pharrell expressed that donations from the event would benefit both aspiring Olympians as well as this year’s Refugee Olympic Team.

The pastel acquired by Shannon Kim at an estate sale that could possibly be a Chagall. Image credit: Shannon Kim.

Today’s attractive distractions: 

In Kenya, a booming economy has sprung up around online churches.

“Skimpy footwear” on men in New York is sending fashion critics spiraling

A light-up live subway map lets you keep tabs on transit and doubles as wall art.

This student’s $2 estate sale art buy could actually be a rare Chagall pastel.

 

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