Colby Rough
Project 01 / 07 Thesis · 2026

Open Ground: Reclaiming Youth Space in Mount Gambier

SubjectThesis, Master of Architecture
InstitutionUniversity of Melbourne
LocationMount Gambier, South Australia
Year2026
RecognitionSecond Class Honours

A civic architectural intervention reclaiming sport as a free public right in Mount Gambier.

The project serves as a bridging mechanism between marginalised youth and the Bunganditj mob, setting off a cascade of social repair that fosters community connection and wellbeing.

By dismantling the societal and architectural gap, it creates positive pathways away from juvenile crime: open courts, shaded ground and shared rooms that belong to everyone.

Perspective section
Perspective section
“This section is one of the most powerful drawings in the cohort.”
Emilio Fuscaldo, Thesis Leader, Master of Architecture, University of Melbourne
Render, approach
Render, approach
Render, interior
Render, interior
Site plan
Site plan
Render, undercover courtyard
Render, undercover courtyard
Render, covered court
Render, covered court
Render, canopy
Render, canopy
Render, courtyard
Render, courtyard
Perspective section, court
Perspective section, court
Perspective section, street edge
Perspective section, street edge
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