Reimagining Birrarung

Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070 presents a new vision for the lands and waters of Birrarung (the Yarra River) through the work of eight leading Australian landscape architecture and design firms. Each has developed both speculative and real-world ideas for how communities can better access, engage with and care for this important living ecosystem.  

In 2017 the Victorian Government passed the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017, Australian-first legislation that identifies the river and its corridor as a single living and integrated natural entity. In Melbourne, as in cities around the world, there is an increasing understanding of the vital role the river plays in the health of the city – not only as an invaluable hub of biodiversity, but also as a way for people to connect with nature and one another, nurturing the health of our communities.  

Presented by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in association with the Birrarung Council, and guided through consultation with Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Elders, the exhibition showcases provocative and innovative design proposals by Aspect Studios, Bush Projects, McGregor Coxall, Office, Openwork, Realm Studios, SBLA and TCL. Exploring how science, knowledge systems and emerging technologies might influence or enhance our relationship with Birrarung over the next five decades, the exhibition presents innovative propositions for the future management of our waterways, highlighting the value of landscape design as a discipline. Focusing on key sites along the river – spanning Melbourne’s city centre and eastern suburbs, through to the river’s source in the Yarra Ranges – Reimagining Birrarung: Design Concepts for 2070 invites us to consider what we want for the future of Birrarung.