The expression of interest, followed by two design stages seeks to deliver a new café experience that provides clear legibility and orientation at peak times, in a prominent Melbourne location.

The winner of this competition is Cumulus Studio with a proposal titled ‘Protagonist’, which looks at what lies behind the monolithic walls of the Arts Centre, aiming to create a destination that extends the arts-precinct experience into the city streets. The café allows for informal and variable use to extend into the Arts Centre forecourt. The café’s golden chainmail provides drama and a unique ambience, particularly when lit theatrically.