conceived as a piece of social infrastructure, OMA has revealed plans for a suburban shopping center in australia. located in wollert in the city of whittlesea, 25 kilometers (16 miles) north of melbourne?s central business district, the 9,000 square meter (96,875 square foot) development places an emphasis on health and well-being. named the ?wollert neighbourhood centre?, the complex integrates community spaces ? including a central public courtyard, amenities, and childcare and education facilities ? with the retail program.

all images courtesy of OMA
 
 
at the center of the scheme, a shaded courtyard with an amphitheater serves as a stage for community events and daily activities. an accessible roof offers extra room for sports and education, which OMA says will open up possibilities for urban agriculture and energy saving initiatives. spatial zones organized in vertical stripes house amenity spaces, facilities for children, and other retail offerings.
 
 
multiple entrances in the building?s elongated fac?ade provide access to the scheme?s public space and through the building. capable of doubling as an outdoor amenity space, a car park to the south is separated from the pedestrian-friendly northern fac?ade. meanwhile, a public transportation connection point to the west connects the complex with the greater melbourne area. ?the centre has been conceived as the heart of a potential masterplan with residential and commercial programs,? explains OMA. ?the mixed-u...