The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
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Our landscape architects developed a landscape masterplan for proposed upgrades at this cultural landmark near Bendigo, where our town planners have provided long-running advice to support permit applications.
Services
Client
The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion Limited
Location
Myers Flat, VIC
Spiire was engaged to provide landscape architecture services at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, to complement an architectural masterplan that proposes several additions to the site.
The Great Stupa is the largest of its kind in the western world, with an existing network of precincts and buildings serving various purposes, including the Peace Gardens that celebrate an array of faiths.
Landscape architects from our Bendigo and Melbourne offices drew on the knowledge of our local Town Planning team, who have supported the Great Stupa with several planning applications over the years. This familiarity with the site and bushfire management considerations was a valuable resource to inform our landscape work.
The landscape masterplan design creates an immersive environment that celebrates both the Great Stupa’s presence and spiritual significance, and the surrounding ecosystem.
It complements the scale and materiality of the architectural masterplan by Tom Young Architects, which proposes a new visitor centre, wellness hotel, carpark, entry gate and event pavilion.
Using design principles like scale, transition and form, the landscape design and material selection establishes key gathering spaces and lends to a smooth flow of pedestrian movement. Incorporating walkways from key drop-off areas and the car park to the visitor centre enhances site circulation, while providing shade opportunity where otherwise restricted within the defendable space to the buildings.
Garden beds strengthen the connection to the native landscape by using a native and indigenous planting palette suited to local climate conditions. Low landforms create elevated viewpoints, offering varied perspectives and framing outlooks across the surrounding Box-Ironbark forest. The play space featuring nature and water play areas has been located near the proposed visitor centre and café, creating a family-friendly atmosphere.
