An article in Fabric Architecture Jan/Feb edition -BY Mason Riddle Entering Melbourne’s Federation Square through an oddly shaped opening that pierces a giant inflatable wall must be something akin to Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole. But unlike Alice, where home turf is no longer visible after her fall, visitors to Fed Square, (as it is referred to locally), can keep an eye on the exterior world from the inside through the transparent structure. Fed Square is a sprawling complex or “cultural precinct” comprising art galleries, a museum, auditoria, cinemas, cafes, bars and retail all organized around two public spaces, one covered and one open to the sky. As civic-minded as the space is, it is not functional all 12 months of the year. The challenge? How to close off the entrance to the atrium area during the winter months in order to make the space more efficient and user-friendly. Giant Inflatables [ 1300inflate ], an Australian company, recently won an IFAI Achievement Award for its