ICI House, a landmark building in Melbourne, Australia, was built over 40 meters above the height limit at the time, but was approved due to the public spaces it offered, such as a garden on the ground floor, public car parks, and a cafeteria on the top floor. This design was considered innovative and foresightful, and set a precedent for modernist buildings in the city. Other buildings, such as Collins Place, AMP Square, and the state offices at Treasury Place, followed ICI House’s lead by combining towers with publicly accessible plazas and open-plan spaces for workers to socialize.
The design of ICI House was considered ahead of its time, with the office floors being separated from the amenity block of stairs and toilets. This changed the whole notion of floor ratios and building heights in Melbourne. The building, which was twice as high as anything else around at the time, stood out as a beacon in the cityscape. It was Australia’s tallest building until 1961, and remains a significant architectural landmark in Melbourne.
Orica House, as it is known today, is home to explosives company Orica as its major tenant. Bates Smart, the architecture firm formerly based in the building, chose Orica House as its new office space in 2001. The building has been lovingly refurbished, with many of its heritage features preserved, such as pre-cast concrete coffers and window-accessible gantries. Orica House’s old bank has been converted into the Bates Smart gallery, which will host the Open House Melbourne Weekend “stories of the city” exhibition.
The Open House Melbourne Weekend, which opens private buildings and spaces to the public for tours, will feature an exhibition of Melburnians’ own stories lining the walls of the Bates Smart gallery. This exhibition aims to showcase the diverse stories and histories of the city, allowing residents to share their personal experiences and connections to Melbourne. Visitors will have the opportunity to submit their own stories for inclusion in the exhibition, highlighting the rich cultural fabric of the city.
Overall, ICI House and its transformation into Orica House symbolize the evolution of Melbourne’s architectural landscape and the integration of modernist design principles with public spaces. The building’s innovative design and historical significance make it a key landmark in the city, reflecting the changing urban fabric and architectural trends over time. The Open House Melbourne Weekend provides an opportunity for residents to engage with the city’s history and architecture, offering a platform to share personal stories and connect with the built environment in a meaningful way.
