Foster+Partners has revised plans for Apple's new Global Flagship Store at Federation Square in Melbourne, following the original proposal attracted a widespread criticism and comparisons to a "Pizza Hut Pagoda."

Fed Square Management has released revised version of design after a series of design workshops involving Fed Square Management, the Victorian Government, Melbourne City Council and Apple.

The initial proposed building for a new Apple Store at Federation Square in Melbourne.

Foster+Partners has previously offered a tapered roof and its inverted version for a terrace, but the design was exposed to a storm of criticism from public officials in Melbourne, as well as members of the public.

Even, a petition was launched for the design scheme dubbed "Pizza Hut Pagoda" at Change's website to protest the project. The petition received over 50,000 signs, stating that "neither the government nor Apple have revealed how much the construction will cost, but it should be clear to all that the loss of this important building for the sake of corporate business is a perversion of what Federation Square and Melbourne stands for."

The Victorian Government decided to demolish the existing Yarra Building to replace with a new Apple store but the scheme was majorly received criticism from public. 

The public evaluated the proposed project as "corporate business model" and they said the public will loose "this important building for the sake of corporate business."

A new steering committee, composed of the Office of the Victorian Government Architect and the Federation Square management organisation, set up a series of guidelines for a redesign scheme. 

After many conversations and workshops, Foster+Partners' new design included the re-design of roof with shading and solar panels and entirely the changing of form not to resemble "a fast-food chain". The new shading and solar panels will enhance the energy efficiency for the building.

The initial design at Federation Square in Melbourne. 

The revised vision of the project at Federation Square in Melbourne. 

"Consistent with Federations Square’s Civic and Cultural Charter, which recognises Melbourne’s pre-eminence as a centre for creativity and innovation," said CEO of Federation Square Jonathan Tribe.

The project is developed as part of a broader reimagining of Fed Square, which includes the new Digital Facade on the Transport Building and the new Melbourne Metro Train Station entrance. Foster+Partners-design new Apple Global Flagship Store will create more than 500 square metres of new public space, provide outdoor shading, better connect the square to the Yarra River, deliver more cultural events and boost visitor numbers.

The project is expected to provide over 250 construction jobs and 200 ongoing jobs. The new Apple Store is scheduled to complete in 2020. 

All images courtesy of ArchitectureAU

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