Federation Square includes three buildings: The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, dedicated entirely to the works of Australian artists; the Cinemedia Centre, which houses the new SBS studios and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, providing facilities and performance venues for film and multimedia; and the Atrium, which offers a unique, all-year round weather protected space extending from Flinders Street to the banks of the Yarra River.

Lab + Bates Smart Architects won the second stage design competition and were appointed as joint architects and interior designers for the project, one of the most challenging complexes ever built in Australia. Bates Smart provided design development, documentation and quality control services through its principals and senior professionals who were dedicated throughout the duration of the project. The controversial, yet widely acclaimed group of buildings has quickly won a place in the Melbourne environment, exceeding all expectations for visitation during its first months.