600 Collins Street, Melbourne
In July 2016, planning approval was granted by the government of Victoria, Australia, for a mixed-use, high-rise development in Melbourne designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
Located on the western boundary of Melbourne's central business district, the design for 600 Collins Street evolved from the city's distinct urban fabric. The tower will reach 54-storeys (178 m) and will include 420 apartments, offices, retail spaces and public spaces. The traditions inherent in Melbourne's historic architecture have been embodied by the colonnade of sculptural curved columns on the Collins Street façade.
The 70,000 sq.m tower is composed of a series of smaller stacked 'vases'. As well as housing a different element of the building, each 'vase' gently tapers inwards to create new public spaces such as a plaza, terraces, and new access links for pedestrians.
Designed to use 50% less energy than a conventional mixed-use tower, the façade of the tower contributes to a reduction in direct solar gain. A high-performance glazing system, high-efficiency central cooling, high-efficiency lighting and a grey-water reuse system further reduce the buildings emissions. In addition, there are 350 bicycle parking spaces and bays for electric vehicles and shared car clubs.
The project's approval is supported by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, the City of Melbourne and the Office of Victorian Government Architect.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne said, “...it's pleasing to see a project of this quality proposed for Melbourne and see a strong architectural response within the framework of the interim controls.”
Acting Minister for Planning Jill Hennessy said in a statement, "this stand-out design will enhance the city's skyline." A spokeswoman for Landream, the project's developers said, "This is an inspired project that will enrich the city, creating a new public plaza and amenities as well as improve connectivity for all pedestrians. We are proud to be delivering Zaha Hadid's design for Melbourne and will continue to work closely with her team to make it a reality.”
For more information, see Zaha Hadid Architects.
All images and content courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.