Sunday, September 14, 2025

Crass commercialism

I've showed Federation Square before, but something stimulated me to again take photos. Some people like me took time to like the space. Some continue to hate it, but generally, it has been embraced. Even Hels after some period of doubt, came to like it. 

Earlier this year, advertising and mammon overcame style and part of one of the lovely aspects of the square was spoilt. I think the ad was removed before its expiry period by way of public outrage.

I got out and took some pics.

The atrium is lovely, with all the special shapes.



I like the quirky exterior.



The small cobble stone  colours are so beautiful, as paving goes. They are a bitch for prams, wheelchairs, and the feeble.
 

Aside from the forecourt. the rest of Fed Square is friendly to the less abled.


I've seen the space filled with hundreds of people at times.


I love these shapes. 



The design of the whole square  is so interesting.



But then the outrage happened, a covering up of an aspect of the building by crass and huge advertising. I think it was contracted to be there for two months, but the public outcry saw it quickly removed. 

18 comments:

  1. It's an attractive square, but I do wonder why pedestrian-unfriendly surfaces are laid. It's so short-sighted even if the colours are lovely, which they are.

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  2. That is some beautiful architecture and I'm glad folks spoke out about the unattractive advertising. Be well!

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  3. At least the public's voice was heeded and the filthy lucre was eventually disregarded.

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  4. I'm not convinced about the design. Maybe I'd like it more if I saw it in person. (Wanna buy me a ticket? :) )

    I'm glad the advertising got taken down, though.

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  5. I have come to like Fed Square too, but it is a killer in summer and in wet weather too when there are events on the main stage. There is no shade at all.

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  6. The space is becoming very popular over the years. Haters gonna hate. I like the square concept

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  7. I don't like the look of the exterior, maybe it's the colour that puts me off, it's not at all cheerful and I have never been a fan of dull grey. The cobblestones are pretty and look like they would be okay for people wearing sneakers or those who have large enough rubber wheels on walkers etc. Tiny wheels would get caught on the cracks. Certainly not the place for stiletto heels.

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  8. I can't decide whether I like the outside or inside more.

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  9. Wow, that is wild, the architecture. I'd love to see that.

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  10. It's a beauty and I don't care for the ads on it at all, ruins the buildings appearance.

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  11. I know why advertising is pushed and I know why it is accepted. But while you can avoid ads on tv, radio or newspapers, it is _never acceptable in public_.

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  12. Those cobblestones would give me grief at the moment. I am glad that outcry saw the advertisement removed.

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  13. I don't understand putting down floor materials which are unfriendly to so many people, no matter how pretty. I don't think I'm a fan of this chaotic space in general, but I'm glad the ad went away all the same.

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  14. So many trip on uneven surfaces, a hazard. I have to admit I'm not crazy about the busyness of the overheads but do realize it's intentional - an atmosphere of bustle?
    XO
    WWW

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  15. I really loved that people complained and the problem was addressed. It does not seem to work that way here.

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  16. It looks like an amazing place which doesn't need to be covered with ads.

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  17. It's been several years since I last visited Melbourne - pre-disability and pre-COVID - so I would definitely be interested in heading back to Fed Square, given your comments on accessibility. I think it's such a great design, but wonder how I would get by now that I have a disability.

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