Greater Dandenong City Council has installed three “urban pods” at the corner of Lonsdale and Clow streets in central Dandenong.
Designed to provide canopy shelter in a picnic bench setting, the urban pods became popular with passers-by and shoppers almost as soon as they arrived.
In a short time, they have become a welcome resting and eating spot, already proving an attractive addition for public comfort at this busy location, just a stone’s throw from Dandenong Market and at the gateway to Lonsdale Street’s dining and shopping delights.
The pods also add a touch of functional public art, with Afghan themed canopy designs by artist and textile maker Maria Mazari.
Being of Afghan heritage, Maria has been a frequent visitor to Dandenong since childhood. The artwork Maria created for the urban pods pay homage to the architectural shapes and patterns of the renowned Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, where her family is from.