Final Submission 3/11
[COMMUNITY: A COMMON UNITY]
The proposed design deals with a very important theme – the idea of a community. Community was interpreted as a common unity – a place for gathering, a centre, a common point. It works as a tree-like structure: an organism that grows and changes, affected by the natural and man-made. Islands and space exist within this structure, held together by the centre.
[ARCHITECTURE + LANDSCAPE]
Architecture is often imposed on the landscape as a “grid”. The design proposed uses this idea, reversing this grid-wave relationship, with the wave reinserted back onto the grid instead. In overlapping these two ideas, the design becomes one which is derived from both, rather than one overpowering the other.
[MAPPINGS - 2/5 THEMES]
[Insertion]
Returning to the first exercise completed this semester - insertion was explored through cutting/tracing out parts of the site which had been "inserted" by humans into the landscape.
[Materiality]
Was quite interested in exploring the potential of the site to give clues to what materials should be used - For example, the heavy stone wall separating the beach from the built areas (third image across). Have attempted to reference back to this in my gym hall
[INSPIRATIONS]
[Mario Botta: André Malraux Theatre and Cultural Centre, Friedrich Durrenmatt Centre]
The use of light on concrete through skylighting, along with a gentle curve signifying a slight progression.
[Sean Godsell: Peninsula House]
The idea of timber lattice being able to create a space open, yet closed, transparent, yet opaque, was inspiring. A decision was made to use this to replicate this effect at the entrance of my community centre, where visitors are "funnelled" in, from the street, underneath an overpass, out to a plaza area with a view to the oval.
[Steampunk Treehouse]
Just rethinking the idea of the fusion of Nature and the Man-made.
[DESIGN]
[Images]
- Site Plan w/roof
- Floor Plans
- Sections: Top through foyer, underground access; Bottom through gym hall
[Images]
- Elevations
- Sketches: Entrance, Foyer
- Perspective Views: Overall, Entrance, Stairwell, Gym Hall
[Model]
- Views: Overall and Close Up (with "contoured" roof)
- Plan View: parts
- Elevation: Oval and Street
[Design]
Entrance: As explained previously, timber lattice will be used so the foyer space will appear opaque/transparent depending on what angle you approach the building at, and where you are currently standing. The curve on the lattice was also an attempt to make the transition from street to oval more seamless, guiding the way in instead of having to turn any sharp corners. It also becomes a point people are naturally attracted to.
Tree-like structure: My opinion of a community centre has always been one which possesses a strong centre, and branch out to touch and link those affected. This has been explored with the central circulation staircase accessing all levels, branching out to all areas.
Grandstand: I was tempted to demolish the grandstand, considering the limited views if the oval it offered, and how new structures would possible further obstruct these views. The decision to keep it was made in the end through considering how it could possibly be recycled, and how it could be connected to the new structure, becoming a metaphor for bridging the past and present.
Contours: Seeing as how the site had been carved out of the ground and filled, I sought to recreate the existing "contours" of the site. This was done on the roof/wall of the ground floor above the void/café/café kitchen. This was also combined with the idea of how the site gradually "steps down" with a gentle slope. It was also hoped that these would create interesting shadows along with the timber lattice.
Seating: Apart from keeping the existing grandstand, the existing seating facing the oval was also extended above the gym hall to accommodate for more visitors. Rooms for filming and equipment would be provided at the top of these steps. Cover is also provided here by the gym roof.
Landscaping: It was decided that the gym roof was to extend from the street level and up and over the seating, forming a seamless line. Ramps and stairs are provided to accommodate for the change of levels from the street to oval, and an extra plaza and green areas.
[Design Planning]
Foyer: The foyer houses the central circulation spiral staircase which provides access to the upper and lower levels. An entrance is also provided through the the café on the same level. A lift is also available for disabled access.
Administration: Ground floor reception area, with manager's office. Main administration located on Grandstand level 2.
Café + Kitchen: The café is accessible from both the building itself and from the street to accommodate for opening hours of the café/main community centre block. The café was made to frame the view of the oval/street.
Storerooms: Garage and general storeroom are located in the recycled garage. AV and technical room are to be located on top of the extended seating area to overlook the oval, allowing for filming and such.
Workshop: Located on ground level garage. A first aid room is also located on the same floor if anyone happens to be injured while operating heavy machinery.
Multipurpose rooms: Located on upper floor of main block, able to be opened up to accommodate for a larger number of people. A small kitchenette will also be made available there.
Toilets and changerooms: Located on lower level, separate men's and women's. Baby's changeroom, and disabled toilets also available.
Gym halls: Located on lower level, branching off from the main "block". Concrete blocks with skylighting was to be used on the western end of my gym hall, to create a similar effect as in shown in above in Botta's buildings. Designed for the gym audience to look at along with the game, the levels of light would change according to the time of day.
Community Kitchen: Located on lower level. To be a fairly transparent area encouraging access and use.
First aid facilities: Located in two places: Grandstand (for the Flexible Workshop) and Lower Level (for Gyms and Field.)
[End! Thanks for reading (: ]
