Periscope Canopy // supermanoeuvre

Text description provided by the architects.

PERISCOPE CANOPY is a functional centrepiece and iconic gateway to a major urban renewal of the commercial core of Lane Cove in Sydney, Australia. The canopy’s sweeping form and mirrored-shingle underside creates a ‘periscope’ that visually connects subterranean supermarkets and parking with a public park, playground and eating precinct above.ChallengePeriscope canopy is primarily about placemaking and as such fulfils numerous and diverse functions.

© Hamish McIntosh

© Hamish McIntosh

It is a landmark: an iconic centrepiece and symbol of rejuvenation. It is a shelter from the sun and rain. It is a wayfinding apparatus.
A key challenge was that for most visitors the drawcard function — the supermarkets — and the points of arrival and departure are all underground.

© Hamish McIntosh

© Hamish McIntosh

This created a strong risk that many would remain unaware of the new park, playground and restaurants on the surface diminishing their vitality and viability.SolutionThe ‘Periscope’ that gives the canopy its name is formed from over 2000 mirrored shingles covering its underside. This and literally allows people to see around corners, and from below the surface to above.

© Hamish McIntosh

© Hamish McIntosh

In this way it serves its function as a wayfinding apparatus, making desired and desirable destinations visible [around corners and from below] and addressing the key challenge by ensuring the vitality above is draws visitors from below. And it is an experiential amplifier increasing the vitality of everyday life and the drama of our own and others’ movements.

© Hamish McIntosh

© Hamish McIntosh

It spans the pragmatic to the poetic.The project, won via an invited design competition, was designed in partnership with Scott Carver and delivered by ADCO Constructions..

© Hamish McIntosh

© Hamish McIntosh

Periscope Canopy Gallery