For the pop-up space at Wulugul, which means kingfish in local Aboriginal language, award winning design practice Foolscap Studio elevates simple natural materials into a refined and truly beautiful public space. The installation is made up of an undulating facade constructed from specially-engineered recycled cardboard tubes and sustainable local plywood, and runs the entire length of the 170-meter-long Barangaroo South waterfront at ground level. The project includes relaxation zones, an outdoor cinema, landscaped seating, meeting and co-working areas, event areas, a lending library, communal gardens, a sculptural forest and a think tank among others  —all of which revolve around a curated program of special events and festivals throughout the project’s 9-month residency.

Wulugul’s raw design concept was inspired by the landscape, topography, cliffs and beaches found along Sydney’s Harbour, creating a simple yet intentional understatement in order to draw attention to the interactive atmosphere and potential dynamic of the space. Foolscap’s director Adele Winteridge explains: “Our work is focused on how people interact with places. At Barangaroo, we wanted to create an experience where people can meet, interact, learn or just hang out and explore a new side of Sydney. It’s a snapshot of things to follow at the site.”

Offering a vibrant, creative and welcoming hub of innovation which speaks to the soul of the city, Wulugul Pop-Up is 2016’s most prominent architectural project-teaser.