108 Wickham Street Fortitude Valley

POMO was engaged by principal contractors Buildcorp to undertake the detailed design and fabrication of a number of placemaking elements at 108 Wickham Street Fortitude Valley Brisbane.

The public space between two commercial buildings was being revitalised be lead designers AECOM and POMO worked alongside AECOM to inject meaning, history and locally appropriate stories and overlays into the space.

Project Outcomes

Signage and horseshoe impressions in the pavers which told the story of Captain Wickham, after whom Wickham Street was named, who would ride his horse down the once muddy street each day.
Customised concrete lunch tables with acid etched chess inlays.
Gobo lighting featuring nighttime poetry projections which portray aspects of life in Fortitude Valley.
A historical walk through of key dates and events in the history of the Valley etched into decking timbers.
Text recessed into concrete seating that identifies key moments in the history of the Valley such as the 90’s “Save the Music” movement and the bombing of the Whisky Au-Go-Go nightclub.
An artist painted ping pong table that represents the MV Fortitude boat which first brought European settlers to the area.

The placemaking elements seamlessly integrated with the larger landscape design to bring a subtle element of storytelling and place-driven narrative to the public space.

Sustainability Outcomes

Environmentally Sustainable Outcomes

High Energy Efficiency: The building has achieved a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy Rating, indicating a high level of energy efficiency and a lower carbon footprint.
Green Star Certification: The project has been awarded a 3 Star Green Star Rating, recognizing its commitment to sustainable design and construction practices.
Integration of Green Spaces: The refurbishment included the addition of new green spaces, which can help improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, and enhance biodiversity.

Socially Sustainable Outcomes

Community Revitalization: The project transformed an underutilized area into a safe, accessible, and inclusive public open space for both building occupants and the wider Fortitude Valley community.
Placemaking and Local Identity: The project integrated unique “placemaking” elements that celebrate the local history and culture of Fortitude Valley, creating a stronger sense of place. This included:
- Nighttime poetry projections.
- A historical walk with key dates and events etched into decking.
- Text recessed into seating that highlights significant local historical moments.
- An artist-painted ping pong table representing local heritage.
Enhanced Public Amenity: The revitalized public space now includes features like chess tables, ping pong tables, and comfortable seating, encouraging community interaction and providing valuable public amenities.

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