10. "Eureka" Skydeck

Eureka Skydeck, Melbourne

Some critics have argued that federation square is the identity landmark of Melbourne, some voice out that Eureka Skydeck is the one instead. So, which one is it? Based on other cities’ identity landmark, most of them try to outdo each other by having the tallest building. Is height the main aspect of a city identity landmark? If yes, maybe Eureka Skydeck is the representation of Melbourne’s identity landmark. 

The Eureka Skydeck, the 88 floor amazing architecture which is situated in the Southbank precinct of Melbourne is considered as one of the tallest residential building in the world. Construction of the Eureka Skydeck was dated in 2002 and was open to the public in late 2006. It was design by Melbourne’s own architect named Fender Katsalidis Architects.

A short story behind the name of the tower, ‘the name has a special significance in Australia due to the discovery of gold, which has played a significant role in Melbourne's history. Eureka means 'I've Found It' in Greek’ (Beckers, 2006). The gold has been incorporated into the design which the building’s gold crown represents the gold rush during a Victorian gold rush in 1854. Thus, that’s how the tower found its name.

Typically, most of the articles elaborate further on the materials, the heights and the constructions of the Eureka Skydeck. What I would like to focus on is ‘the edge’ that is the symbolic part which completed the Eureka Skydeck and made it special. The amazing thing about ‘the edge’ is, it is at the very top of the building and when it is extended over the edge, it feels as though one is suspended in mid air about 984 ft high and the thrill of overseeing the whole city with the opaque glass build around it.

Eureka Skydeck is a wondrous architecture building and with its modern and latest publicity, it is probably Melbourne’s next identity landmark.

Reference:

Beckers, Patrick, 2006, ‘Some facts about Eureka tower’, Melbourne Eureka Tower, < http://www.skyscraperpicture.com/eureka.htm> [Accessed 6 October 2010] 

It's a long way to the bottom and there are no parachutes

January 12, 2010

The world-first 'The Edge' at Eureka Skydeck overlooks Melbourne. Photo: Craig Abraham

Michelle Hamer gets a Melway view of the city from 88 storeys up after the fastest lift ride in the southern hemisphere.

WHAT'S about the silliest thing you can do in Melbourne if you have a fear of heights? Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Yep, the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower is definitely the place to be... more

Hamer, Michelle, January 2010, ‘It’s a long way to the bottom and there are no parachutes’, the Sydney Morning Herald, traveler, article < http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/its-a-long-way-to-the-bottom-and-there-are-no-parachutes-20100111-m2ix.html> [Accessed 6 October 2010] 

According to Hamer’s article, she shares about the thrilling excitement that she had experience on her visit to ‘the edge’ at the Eureka Skydeck. She stated by getting on to the fastest lift ride in the southern hemisphere and standing on the 88 storey makes her feel empower and getting a Melway view of the city from up there. 

She mentioned about her fear of heights, and how her family had supported and encouraged her to overcome it and step in to ‘the edge’. She express how exciting and yet scary she felt by hanging in the glass box and at the end of the article, she includes a short paragraph on the visit, entry and prices.

Pertaining to the article, when one is visiting Melbourne city, never miss out on this breath taking experience provided at Eureka Skydeck.