Migrant Memorial, 2008

McGregor Westlake Architects + 360°
Ray O'Keefe Reserve, Ben Buckler Point

This memorial park was commissioned in 2007 to replace a car park. The design reconciles the dramatic level changes and layout of large rock floaters, by inserting a series of concrete steps, seats, walls and terraces that afford passage down the site and creating a place to enjoy the panoramic views.

The viewing place is formed by an arrangement of lookouts and seats at the top of the site. Blue glazed bricks line their solid concrete form. Like little concrete tiaras sitting on the stone bedrock, the lookouts reinforce the iconic nature of the place and the singular quality of the views. An explicit connection with the blue light of the sky and sea is forged. The park now forms an important link between the beach and the coastal cliff walk.

The design has been awarded the urban design and architecture awards from both AIA and AILA.