The landscape thematic of Pre-Contact Landscape was nominated by Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to represent the different local landscapes of Melbourne/Naarm, the vegetation and materials represent the local ecological communities of Melbourne and associated underlying geology.  The planting features nominated resource species of cultural significance, including Murnong - Yam Daisy and Garawun - Mat-rush and many local indigenous wildflowers and grasses. The growing vegetation forms a learning landscape that can be viewed from the children’s library and harvested for community activities participatory workshops.

The design merges the landscape thematic and functional requirements of the space as a versatile civic space, educational environment, and community hub within an evolving high-density urban condition. The space provides an enclosed area for families, members of the local community and visitors to adapt the space and experience the outdoor environment - a shared value within the experience of inner-urban dwelling.

The landscape reflects different local ecological communities to define different zones and reflect the varied micro-climates of the terrace - ranging in association from the open coastal edges, grassy woodlands and shaded gullies. Local indigenous plant species contribute to biodiversity, Local stone marks the geological formations below the ground intersecting the site, where basalt meets mudstone, siltstone, and sandstones, reflecting the relationship of geology to associated plant communities.  Some rocks provide informal seats or workstations, while carved basins contain potions and other signs of creative play and hold temporal water for birds and insects.

The terrace features integrated artworks by Indigenous artist Maree Clarke (Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, Boon Wurrung/Wemba Wemba) representing Kulin cultural references and offering opportunities for reflection, ceremony, and play.

Within the gathering space, a coolamon cast from a giant Eucalyptus burl on the roof terrace creates a space for smoking ceremonies. Imaginative and nature play spaces feature immersive artworks by Clarke, including a giant eel trap sculptural play element and cultural patterned soft fall artwork defining outdoor play spaces within the terrace. 

The terrace is backdropped by the bold façade artwork of Rose Nolan Screen Works (ENOUGH-NOW/EVEN/MORE-SO) designed as a series of connected words intended to 'conjure up a sense of perseverance; of change; of forward thinking and improvement to transition from one state to another.’