A VISION FOR MT COOT-THA

PRAX Studio has responded to Brisbane City Council's request for ideas on the transformation of the Mt Coot-Tha Quarry precinct. This is a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a vibrant new public space for Brisbane befitting its status as a New World City.

We imagine a future in which a deep scar is healed in one of Brisbane’s most sacred and beloved natural environments while creating an iconic new place to visit that attracts people from all over the world, helping to make Brisbane a leading destination in the Asia Pacific Region for major events and global tourism.

This is a vision for Mt Coot-Tha that is open, green, accessible and both inspired by and deeply connected to its rich First Nations heritage while reflecting the contemporary and innovative spirit for which Brisbane and Australia are known around the world.

Mt Coot-tha derives it’s name from the Aboriginal word ‘ku-ta’ which means honey. This was an area where the Aboriginal people collected honey from the stingless bee which is native to the area. In recognition of this, our vision evokes honeycomb like structures with a waterhole forming the central focus around which all life and activity revolves.

Perched on the ridge line overlooking the site, structures take their inspiration from the eucalyptus leaf, as an acknowledgement and reflection on Mt Coottha’s past as “one tree hill” after the European settlers removed all but one large eucalyptus tree from the summit.

Our vision is for a seamless, organic interconnection between built structures and the natural environment, delivering opportunities for community gathering, exploration, discovery and memory building.