THE HISTORY OF ‘LANEWAYS’

Unlike other cities in Australia, Melbourne has a unique urban morphology, which is a network of narrow streets made of bluestone, often called ‘laneways.’ The Melbourne Laneways History is an intriguing tale of city planning. In 1837, Melbourne’s street plan was laid out in a grid. As building commenced on the streets, laneways between the buildings provided delivery entrances and space for rubbish collection. In most cases, the laneways were hidden from the public eye.

As time progressed, some buildings were remodelled, and new life has been breathed into these forgotten lanes creating atmospheric shopping, dining and drinking experiences. The history of ‘laneways’ provides several points of reference for design in taking cues from the bluestone pavement and using the laneway’s cultural influence as key points of direction.

Massing

First start with a grid of laneways made of bluestone, then place communal spaces at every major intersection, and adjust the massing to respond to solar access and contextual height. In doing so, the laneways serve as a platform for community building through the voluntary blurring of semi-private and public spaces, like the beer pong table party.