Ian Potter Southbank Centre Grand Opening

We were thrilled to work in conjunction with Dody Oliver Catering on the grand opening of the state-of-the-art Ian Potter Southbank Centre which is home to the new Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. The stunning architecturally designed building is located in the heart of the Melbourne Arts Precinct and offers world class learning experiences for University of Melbourne students and staff alike. The colour palette for the floral styling of the Centre’s grand opening was inspired by the various interior timber finishes, Japanese tiles and feature lighting. We combined a stunning mixture of blooms and foliage in autumnal shades of burnt orange, red, rust and gold with tropical orchids featuring as the hero flower. The welcoming main foyer and the entrance to the Kenneth Myer Auditorium featured two spectacular over-sized totem arrangements brimming with luscious tropical leaves, various types of orchids, heliconia and bamboo. Wire balustrading features within the interior of the centre appearing as harp strings. On this we attached oversized clusters of grouped botanicals which curved and cascaded from high up in the space down to eye level. The floral styling was complete with lavish arrangements in brushed gold vessels on various bar surfaces and tucked into alcoves, and stunning textural arrangements of herbs and vegetables such as fennel bulbs, Dutch carrots, cumquats, silver beet, rosemary and mint in bark lined vessels featuring on the grazing tables. Photo credit: Laura Manariti