floating surf park proposed for melbourne's victoria harbour

floating surf park proposed for melbourne’s victoria harbour
all images courtesy of damian rogers architecture

melbourne’s victoria harbour may soon be home to a floating surf park, allowing thrill-seekers to ride waves of up to 1.5 meters within a safely controlled environment. local practice damian rogers architecture has teamed up with engineering firm arup to design a 160 meter-long heated pool that produces rideable and adaptable waves.

the buoyant facility includes a large sandy beach, with an expansive lawn topping an amenities and retail pavilion

positioned at the end of docklands’ central pier, near the city’s etihad stadium, the buoyant facility would also include a large sandy beach, with an expansive lawn topping an amenities pavilion that includes retail outlets and changing rooms. decking surrounds the perimeter of the pool, allowing passersby by to constantly monitor the action. the project is currently in its initial stages, with developers looking for around $8 million AUD to fund the scheme.

‘the whole concept began with idea of being able to surf within a city location,’ explained architect damian rogers. ‘at its core it’s a surfable wave, and we’re looking at technology to allow it to be a competition wave, a medium sized wave or for those who are learning to surf.’

‘our vision includes a surfable wave as well as an urban space where people can enjoy the environment around them,’ furthered monica hatcher of arup. ‘the space will have an area for people to have picnics, for families to enjoy and embrace the water, and for children to learn how to swim.’

melbourne’s workers would be able to plan an evening’s surf in the city