Riparian Plaza - Construction and Design

Construction and Design

Riparian Plaza was designed by Harry Seidler (architect) and Robert Bird Group (structural engineer). Most office spaces have river views, due to the 45-degree angle to the river of the building and the lack of columns on these mid level floors. Each penthouse has its own curvilinear, projecting terrace that faces the river. The cantilevering balconies have a highly sculptured shape. Seidler claimed the composite stacking of sectors vertically is unique in Australia.

The shape of the tower has been carefully formed to maximise the outlook for occupants up and down the river. The base sector houses parking, the mid segment is column-free offices and the reshaped top consists of the greatest apartments we have ever designed. —Harry Seidler

There were significant delays in the completion of the building. It was originally scheduled to be completed by early 2004 (giving a record construction time of 100 weeks). This date was continually pushed back. The delay led to significant criticism of the project in the local media, as well as complaints from prospective tenants of the building and withdrawal of committed tenants. The building was completed in November 2005.

In October 2007, Riparian Plaza won the top prize for commercial architecture at the annual national architecture awards. In 2008, the building won the overall winner of the Rider Levett Bucknall / Property Council of Australia Award and the Property Council of Australia Award for Mixed Use Development.

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