As I began my project, I decided to focus on its exterior. I started by making collages that captured the architectural elements that fascinated me. Layer by layer, I tried to convey the feeling of curiosity and admiration I experienced every time I passed it. The more I worked on it, the more I felt connected to the building, almost as if each collage was peeling back a part of its history. The process became less about the building itself and more about my evolving relationship with it, blending my perspective with the textures and forms I was studying.

When I decided to focus on the interior for this site, it wasn’t just about the architecture but also about the experience of being inside, the feeling of comfort and nostalgia it evoked. I wanted my collages to reflect that intimate atmosphere. I layered elements of wood and light, mixing textures that represented the warmth of the place. Every piece was an attempt to capture that moment of stepping away from the outside world and into this inviting haven.

As I worked, I realized that the connection to the site wasn’t just visual but emotional. Through each collage, I tried to recreate the sense of familiarity and the small moments of escape that Pancake Manor offers. It became more than a restaurant—it became a place where the personal journey intertwined with the comfort of the interior space.

My concept focused on using colored glass to play with light, casting warm, vibrant reflections across the park, and incorporating seating areas to encourage people to linger and connect.

This project required an understanding of how to work with scale and respect the site’s historical and cultural layers, adapting my ideas in ways that honored its essence. Through this process, I learned how to balance creativity with sensitivity to the site, envisioning a space that could enhance both its atmosphere and its appeal, while remaining true to its unique character

In the center, the eternal flame burned steadily, embodying a powerful reminder of history and sacrifice. Standing there, I felt as though the flame and water together represented resilience and continuity. Both elements spoke to me in a way that felt deeply personal, reminding me of the layers of history that live within the city.

Reflecting on these details, I began thinking about how I might bring a similar feeling of warmth and depth into my design work. This visit to ANZAC Square reinforced my desire to focus on atmosphere and light in my Queen’s Gardens insertion, hoping to evoke a similar sense of calm and presence within the urban space.