Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio Accessibility Information

 

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Contact Information

Address: The Atrium, Fed Square, Melbourne VIC 3000

Email: studio@mess.foundation

Phone: +61 3 9329 7177

 

Opening Hours

1 pm – 5 pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
6 pm – 10 pm Wednesday, Thursday

Bookings to use the Studio are essential and can be made via our Booking page.

We welcome visits and tours by appointment. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you’d like to arrange a visit.

If you require accessibility information that is not included in this document or have a question or request, please get in touch at studio@mess.foundation or on (03) 9329 7177 (Wednesdays-Fridays).

 

Getting to MESS

Google Directions

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bwpjq1XRjUjwoJqK8

Bicycle

Bikes can be locked up outside the Atrium on Flinders St at your own risk. The area is well-lit and monitored by security. Please secure your bike to the hoops supplied. Follow this link for more info on how to lock up your bike in the City of Melbourne securely: link

In addition to the bike parking outside the Atrium, there are various bicycle parking locations scattered throughout Fed Square. View bicycle parking here.

Parking

If you plan to drive to MESS there is a car park at Fed Square. The car park can be accessed from the eastern end of Flinders Street via the Russell Street extension, or via Batman Avenue

There are multiple accessible parking spaces at each level of the Fed Square Car Park with clear signage through to the Atrium. 

You can book parking in advance and read more information about parking at Fed Square here: https://fedsquare.com/parking 

Public Transport

You can travel to MESS on public transport. Flinders Street Station and tram stops are close by.

Tram routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72 stop at the Federation Square/Swanston St (#13) stop and tram routes 35, 70 and 75 stop at the Swanston St/Flinders St (#5) and Russell St/Flinders St (#6) stops.

The closest train station is Flinders Street Station, a 250m walk through Fed Square.

For those with limited mobility, we recommend that you access MESS via the Flinders St entrance of the Atrium, as the outdoor path through the main Fed Square area has a sloped and uneven surface.

See the Public Transport Victoria website for the best transport options.

 

Studio Overview

This section of this document contains information about the MESS Studio, it explains the entrance, interior and facilities within the Studio.

Main studio entry point

MESS is located within the Atrium at Fed Square. The entrance to the MESS studio is on the ground level, and there are no stairs upon entry. 

The Atrium is wheelchair accessible, with Flinders Street offering the best point of entry. The Atrium has accessible toilets located next to MESS and is equipped with a hearing loop and fully accessible change rooms.

For security purposes, our front door remains closed. To enter the Studio, please ring the doorbell located to the left of the front door, or phone the studio on +61 3 9329 7177, and a staff member will greet you at the door.

Main Studio Areas

The studio is fully wheelchair accessible via the two entrances and is spread across two levels. 

The lower level of the studio is accessed by the main entrance door. Two steps connect the lower level to the upper level of the studio. There is tactile paving around the steps, and a hand rail on either side. You can also access the upper level of the studio via an external accessible ramp and the secondary entrance door. 

The studio floor is smooth, unpolished concrete.

Some synthesisers and machines are placed on tables and shelves throughout the space. Some tables are empty workspaces where we can relocate synthesisers to be used.

There are adjustable tables that can be relocated to different studio areas. We also have many adjustable keyboard stands that can be relocated to different studio areas. Synthesisers, adjustable tables and keyboard stands can be relocated for wheelchair access. 

If you require assistance during a session, please speak with a MESS Studio Supervisor. 

There is no additional charge for a support worker or carer to attend the session with you. 

If you have any questions regarding accessibility during studio sessions, you can email us at studio@mess.foundation.

Toilets 

There are accessible public toilets and baby-change facilities located in The Atrium, next to MESS. Refer to the Fed Square map for additional details: https://fedsquare.com/map 

There is also an accessible changing place available to use located next to the toilets. Information on accessing these facilities can be found here: https://fedsquare.com/accessibility/changing-places.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a booking?
Bookings can be made via the bookings page on our website linked here – https://mess.foundation/booking/

Do you have any kitchen facilities?
We have kitchen facilities out the back including a coffee machine, kettle, fridge and microwave. Plates, cutlery, cups and mugs are available for use. Complimentary tea and coffee is available. People are welcome to enjoy their food and beverages in the kitchen area. No food and beverages are permitted in the studio.

How loud does it get in the studio? Are people using speakers?
Everyone using the MESS Studio works using headphones, so the studio remains quiet during sessions and loud music is not played over speakers. Occasionally, we may have soft music playing in the studio, which cannot be heard while you use headphones.

If you are attending a workshop at MESS and have noise sensitivity, please let your workshop facilitator know, or let us know in the accessibility notes when you register. If you need a quiet space during a session, please speak to a staff member, and they can facilitate this in our workshop space to the rear of the studio.

Do I need to bring my sound equipment like headphones, interfaces and recording equipment?
If you own something, you are encouraged to bring your favourite pair of headphones, a laptop and audio interface, or some other recording device to capture the sounds you make at MESS. In case you don’t have any audio equipment, we have loads of good-quality headphones, audio interfaces and an abundance of other cables (audio, data, MIDI, and so on) that you are free to use during your session or workshop.

For additional information on how studio sessions work, see here.

Is there braille signage at MESS?
No. MESS does not have braille signage.

Can I bring my support animal?
Yes, you are welcome to bring in your support animal. Please email studio@mess.foundation ahead of time so we can ensure your furry friend has everything they need.

Will there be powerpoints/areas where people can charge mobility or communication devices?
Yes. Please speak to a staff member and they can facilitate this.

Is there WiFi I can use at MESS?
Yes, there is WiFi throughout MESS. A staff member will gladly point you to the network and password.