Melbourne Connect

Melbourne Connect is a multi-building innovation precinct bringing together research, industry, startups, government, students, artists and Science Gallery Melbourne on the former Royal Women’s Hospital site at the northern edge of the CBD. Five interconnected buildings are arranged around a central public realm that connects the city, campus and community.

At the heart of the precinct is Womin-djerring, meaning come together. Surrounding this space is a network of named laneways that express the core modes of exchange within the precinct. Toom-djerring Walk, meaning speaking together, supports dialogue and collaboration. Yagila-djerring Walk, meaning learning and searching together, reflects the research and education focus of the campus. Ngang-gak djerring Walk, meaning listening together, acknowledges reflection, knowledge sharing and respect.

A neon illuminated sign, Toom-djerring, marks the laneway and acts as a placemaking element within the precinct, reinforcing the cultural narrative and sense of arrival.

Semaphore was engaged to develop the precinct wide wayfinding and signage system for this complex, mixed-use environment. The project required a cohesive navigation approach that could operate across multiple buildings, public spaces and vertical connections while supporting a diverse range of users and an evolving tenancy mix.