The Rocks Square

PDS was commissioned by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority to redesign this large underutilised public square in the centre of The Rocks. The brief was to create a welcoming multi-function place that encourages pedestrians to sit and enjoy the surrounds including bars and food outlets.

Essentially the project was about inserting new seating, performance platforms and large verdant planter boxes over an existing paved unfrequented area. The new decking created a useful transition from an upper level terrace to the lower plaza level.

Additional catenary lighting installed underneath the existing shade structure, provides an ambient more human scale lighting for evening events and markets. There is flexibility in the lighting system to add theatrical lighting for future performances.

Hard wood seating planter boxes were built over the existing granite paving as massive tubs which enables semi mature figs and frangipanis to create an intimate garden/courtyard feel, in an urban setting.