Skygarden - retail development CBD Sydney
Decorative Arts program: directed by David Humphries -Public Art Squad
Architect: Crone and Associates Sydney, Interior Architects: Peterhansra USA
Developer: Merlin International Properties 1990 

Skygarden is a landmark development with four floors of retailing and shopping in the heart of Sydney's commercial precinct.
It has a traditional facade on Pitt St Mall and carries through to a contemporary style at Castelreagh St. 

Speaking of his company's design for Skygardens, valued at
$300 million, Merlin joint managing director Pat Goucher says:
"Our approach follows the tradition established by Sydney's
early builders. There were architects and craftsmen who worked together to produce such elegant buildings as the Strand Arcade and Queen Victoria Building."
He continued, "Because of the fine aesthetics of these buildings they have captured everyone's imagination and are now valued
as landmarks of enduring cultural and historic significance".
An investment of around $2 million in a sophisticated artwork program for Sydney's glamorous Skygardens development is
a convincing expression of the belief of the, Merlin International Properties, that "good art is good for business" 

Pioneering the revival of the decorative arts in contemporary architecture Public Art Squad not only conceived the artworks for Skygarden but also was involved in every stage of their design, production and installation.
They collaborated with a wide range of artisans and specialist studios in the realization of their designs for Skygardens. Two tons of hand cut glass mosaic were imported from the famous Orsone workshops in Venice for the Melbourne Mural Studios to create the exquisite mosaics. Public Art Squad's Australian floral design motifs were interpreted in wood inlay flooring, using recycled Australian timbers, and in the entrance of the building, hand forged ironwork by Weiss Iron of Toowoomba. Painted finishes and murals were used extensively throughout to create the Skygarden statement. 

Public Art Squad created visual symbols to give the building an enduring quality for generations to enjoy. The attention to detail and quality of craftsmanship make it a unique and important contribution to the built environment of Sydney.