Unbuilt Dream: The Virtual Reality of Apple's Federation Square Store
Take a virtual tour through the never-built Apple Federation Square store, brought to life in stunning 3D with the Apple Vision Pro.
By Blip Tech
2 min read
Apple's Unbuilt Federation Square Store Virtually Resurrected Apple's ambitious plans for a flagship store at Melbourne's Federation Square never came to fruition due to significant local backlash. Despite being canceled in 2019, the project has been revived through a virtual tour created by designer Filip Chudzinski, which can be experienced using Apple Vision Pro.
Original Proposal
- Location: Federation Square, Melbourne
- Architects: Foster + Partners
- Design Features:
- Multilevel glass pavilion
- Open gathering spaces
- Panoramic views of the Yarra River
- Facilities for Today at Apple sessions
- Purpose: Serve as a community hub and retail destination
Backlash and Cancellation
- Criticism: Heritage groups, architects, and residents opposed replacing the existing Yarra Building with a private commercial structure.
- Government Decision: The Victorian government and Heritage Victoria denied permits in 2019, deeming the project an unacceptable detriment to Federation Square's significance.
Virtual Resurrection
- Creator: Filip Chudzinski
- Platform: Apple Vision Pro
- Content:
- 3D walkthrough of the second proposal
- Immersive look at the store’s layout
- Wallpapers and renderings
- Design Aesthetics:
- Echoes Apple's landmark stores in Chicago and Singapore
- Light-filled interiors, tree-lined seating, open pavilion format
The virtual tribute serves as both an archival visualization and a 'what if' scenario for one of Apple's most ambitious unbuilt projects. Explore the full experience at Apple Federation Square VR tribute.
