(adapt)N_MAJOR PROJECT S1 2021_Darren Soh by Darren Soh

(adapt)

Major Project Sem 1 2021

Darren Soh s3521549

Supervisor Dr. John Dolye

“adapt” in this project is an idea of hypothetically exploring what would happen if the low rise of a city is capable of adaptively adjusting itself to meet any changing circumstances. What if architecture is as fast as social change, what will it look like? It is replanned and redesigned to respond to uncertain disruptive shocks. Such as the pandemic, economic instability or even international policy changes. Such stressor can have a medium to long term impact on our city. The proposal is by tweaking planning and building codes to allow city low rise to be repacked, which leads to value exploration through architectural qualities produced by it.

“adapt” means the city fabric can be constantly edited. “adapt” is not demolishing and building anew. “adapt” means space use can be easily changed between classifications. “adapt” means that memories are overlapping instead of erased. “adapt” is constant editing.

This project sits among the discourse of studios I did in previous semesters. Temporal City with Ian, which was another approach to addressing the topic of the city being responsive and adapting to change.

Revealing the methodology of //WEEK 0 Very Very Big with Dr John, research through unpacking and MP Brainstorming optimising distribution of a region learningsoperations. from previous studios repacking through urban and infrastructure planning.

Supertightest with Dr Graham on investigating the core necessity of what we as architect design and build and what can be discarded. Which reveals the method of research through unpacking and repacking operations.

Where is th

he project?

SUPERTIGHTEST / A series of 3 projects Addressed scale and density Being tight and dense is good Tightening the relationship of the spaces to have an impact on how the space is used Challenge the smallest architecture footprint of different types of building types Doubt on the long term issue of huge/fat buildings Social isolation as a result of sprawling urban or loose architecture Relationship between tightness and privacy

VERY VERY BIG / 15 Minutes Cities Decentralizing Cities Speculation of urban population distribution Relationship between population densities to amenities Urban speculation based on existing vectors of change Urban data farming to form proposition for scenario speculation A future interconnected of existing cities Population as support for certain program types Correlation between work, economics and density How to not become a homogenizing influence on the city

TEMPORAL CITY / CompresCity Urban fabric constantly reacts to change based on data Ability to not only expand but also contracts 24 Hour city / Usage pattern Circular Economy & Design

This project also locates itself with broader issues. Be it climate change, foreign relations, public health, economy and things moving online, which brings a medium to long term impact to cities.

Where is th

he project?

For example, from the current pandemic, international studies showed how industries were impacted and its immense ripple effects on city lifestyles, and will have an impact on how spaces are used. Relating it to our local city, recognising a high overlap of local industries where demand is shifting away from. Cities also pose great exposure to economic and population shock, as their growth relies very much on the international border to remain open. All these simultaneously have a spatial impact on the occupation and usage pattern of huge allocated spaces in our city.

MELBOURNE MUNICIPALITY EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY Jobs by industry 2009, 2017 & 2019 Industry

2009

Business Services

64,800

Finance and Insurance

61,000

Public Administration and Safety

38,600

Health Care and Social Assistance

32,400

Food and Beverage Services

25,700

Education and Training

23,200

Information Media and Telecommunications

34,100

Arts and Recreation Services

22,800

Retail Trade

20,700

Admin and Support Services

15,400

Transport, Postal and Storage

13,200

Other Services

10,900

Manufacturing

17,100

Local census shows h 5,800 industries that are 8,300 exp based on The Big 3,300 Valu

Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services Accommodation Real Estate Services Construction

4,500

Wholesale Trade

9,400

Agriculture and Mining

3,600

Rental and Hiring Services

900

Where is th

Local Study

2017

Two year growth

2019

Ten year growth

81,900

87,300

5,400

22,500

61,000

69,300

8,300

40,900

47,400

6,500

8,800

40,900

43,600

2,700

11,200

37,500

38,700

1,200

13,000

23,500

27,000

3,500

3,800

26,200

26,500

300

-7,600

26,100

25,700

-400

2,900

20,700

22,100

1,400

15,200

16,900

1,700

1,500

15,500

16,300

800

3,100

12,100

13,200

1,100

2,300

14,800

12,600

-2,200

-4,500

900

6,600

500

2,300

3,300

6,300

high overlaps of 0 11,500 12,400 posed to 10,100 ripple effects10,600 0 0ue Shift report. 6,300 9,600

6,300

7,500

1,200

3,000

6,800

6,400

-400

-3,000

4,000

3,500

-500

-100

500

400

-100

-500

he project?

Census of Land Use and Employment Source: CLUE 2019 Summary Report 2019

Jobs in the municipality of Melbourne are concentrated accounting for 72 per cent of all jobs. Melbourne (CBD municipality.

Due to the presence of major hospitals (such as the Ro MELBOURNE Melbourne Private MUNICIPALITY and The Alfred) and universities (Un are found in Parkville, Melbourne (Remainder), East M EMPLOYMENT LOCATION Jobs by small area 2009, 2017 & 2019 CLUE small area Melbourne (CBD)

2009

215,900

Docklands

33,600

Southbank

36,900

Parkville

22,700

Melbourne (Remainder)

21,900

East Melbourne

21,400

Carlton

17,800

Port Melbourne

15,000

North Melbourne

9,200

Kensington

5,200

West Melbourne (Residential)

8,100

West Melbourne (Industrial)

7,200

South Yarra

700

High exposed industry concentrated in Melbo

Where is th

d in Melbourne (CBD), Docklands and Southbank, D) alone accounts for almost half of the jobs in the Local

Study

oyal Children’s, Royal Melbourne, Royal Women’s, niversity of Melbourne), other major employment hubs Melbourne and Carlton.

2017

Two year growth

2019

Ten year growth

224,600

240,500

15,900

24,600

58,600

72,700

14,100

39,100

45,400

47,100

1,700

10,200

26,600

30,500

3,900

7,800

24,300

24,500

200

2,600

24,400

22,100

-2,300

700

16,300

17,300

1,000

-500

13,300

14,000

700

-1,000

9,400

9,900

500

700

8,000

8,100

100

2,900

5,600

-2,500

4,300

4,000

-300

-3,200

900

1,000

100

300

y and emploment are ourne (CBD) City.

Source: CLUE 2019

he project?

Census of Land Use and Employment Summary Report 2019

AUSTRALIA JUNE 2020 POPULATION GROWTH

Australia net overseas for more than 50% of t

Where is th

Local Study

s migrations accounts the population growth.

he project?

National, state and territory population Australian Bureau of Statistics

This idea of adaptive reuse is challenged by multiple known planning and building codes that can slow things down and make this idea unattractive. For example, the entire building must be brought into compliance when the 50% alteration rule is triggered; The building permits process when a building changes their use classifications, variation during construction. And others like heritage overlays, architect authorship of moral rights.

CODES AND REGULATIONS

The evolution of updated technical requirements can be a concerning factor for architectural adaptation.

50% Rule

The Act’s Building Regulation 2004 declares that an alteration of a building is a substantial alteration if the aggregate volume of the proposed alteration and any other alteration made to the building during the 3 years immediately before the day the application for building approval of the alteration is made is more that 50% of the volume of the original building. BUILDING CHANGES

Substantial Change Alteration of Classification Triggered 50% rule or a substantial (ss. 43, 49(b) and r. 47)

alterations to, or an extension of, a pre-existing building, the whole building to chang This is when it is proposed must be brought into compliance with the existing BCA classification of a the BCA.

building or incidental structure to a completely different classification. Codes & Regulations ` Limitationatowards For example, Class 5 adaptation office building is proposed to be used as a Class 9b assembly building.

PERMITS AND PROCESS (RELEVANT ONLY)

Building Permit

Demolition permit

Variation during Construction

A demolition permit is required for the demolition, dismantling or removal of a building or incidental structure.

In general a building permit, granted by a permit authority, is required before building work can be carried out. Changes during construction that require amendment to plans and specifications require a certificate of design compliance if the changes affect compliance with the building standards.

Codes & Regulations What is the Limitation towards adaptation

BUILDING CHANGES

ARCHITECT’S MORAL RIGHTS

Change of Classification (ss. 43, 49(b) and r. 47)

Copyright Change ofAmendment Use (Moral (ss. 43,Rights) 49(a)) Act 2000 - the right of attribution of authorship -This the is right to take action against false where a building is proposed of aauthorship toattribution be used in way that is different -from the the right of authorised integrity ofbyauthorship use the current occupancy permit, either permanently or on a temporary basis, but the ‘Derogatory treatment’ is defined classification remains unchanged. to include a material distortion or alteration, a mutilation, or anything else that is prejudicial to the honour and reputation of the author.

This is when it is proposed to change the existing BCA classification of a building or incidental structure to a ARCHITECT’S MORAL RIGHTS completely different classification. ` Copyright Amendment For example, a Class 5 office (Moral Rights) Act to 2000 building is proposed be used as a the right of attribution of authorship Class 9b assembly building. - the right to take action against false attribution of authorship Change of Use - the right of integrity of authorship (ss. 43, 49(a))

This is where a building is proposed to be used in a way that is different from the use authorised by the current occupancy permit, either permanently or on a temporary basis, but the classification remains unchanged.

‘De to or an the au

If a ad mu

If a project involves alterations or additions, the original architect must be notified in writing.

https://acumen.architecture.com.au/ resources/client-information-notes/ what-are-an-architects-moral-rights/

Codes & Regulations Limitation towards adaptation

https://acumen.architecture.com.au/ resources/client-information-notes/ what-are-an-architects-moral-rights/

HERITAGE OVERLAYS

Renovating heritage homes

Ethics & Culture Limitation towards adaptation

...buildings recognised to have Things you can do: historic or cultural significance by Make it liveable the state or local government and Upgrade kitchens + bathrooms Codes & Regulations are considered worthy of preserving Limitation towards adaptationRepairs + preserving the details their structure and aesthetic appeal for future generations. Things you can’t do: Changes to the façade One of the most common challenges Change the original structure Repairs + preserving the details that you can face when renovating a heritage home is complying with Extensions and alterations: various council regulations on what Any alterations and additions must be you can and cannot do. https://www.dxarchitects.com.au/ renovating-heritage-homes/

challenge?

recessive in nature Clarity and visual separation between old and new

Ethics & Culture Ethics & Culture Limitation towards adaptation

Limitation towards adaptation

BUILDING UPGRADES RMIT NEW ACADEMIC STREET

LevelHarrison 4 - Architects Lyons, and White, Maddison Architects, MvS Architects NMBW Architecture Studio.

OFFICE EXPANSION COX Architecture

Architects

https://2017.temc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/NewAcademic-Street-transforming-the-heart-of-the-city-campus.pdf

linkedin.com/posts/cox-architecture_this-20000m2-workplaceproject-sits-within-activity-6773123627035578368-vVpH

Adaptive Upgrades Case Study

1111 Lincoln Road / Herzog & de Meuron CAR PARK _ MIXED USE - varied floor to ceiling height allowing different program use

in 2016retail terms (Costmodelling 2018). While this project would have manif - encompass car million park, andLimited private completely differently had it been a new construction, it demonstrates the potential to in residence completely new functionality in an underutilized structure never intended to be inhabited

ed periods by people. - provides volumes for future adaptation With a low budget and without harming the existing structure, Carl Turner Architec

fully converted the car park into a vibrant community center, its success evidenced by th

to extend the lifeterms of the(Costmodelling project five times longer than While originally The temporal na million in 2016 Limited 2018). this planned. project would have manif

intervention serves ashad a sort of experiment into the aesthetic and structural manipulatio completely differently it been a new construction, it demonstrates the potential to in

sary to create anfunctionality attractive space, and how it would be received by the public. the completely new in an underutilized structure never intended to beWhile inhabited

nature of the no doubt contributes to its popularity, the success of the public ed periods by workspaces people.

including a cafe, salon, and workshops demonstrates viabilityCarl of this kindArchitec of ada With a lowhair budget and without harming the existingthe structure, Turner

on larger, more scale. fullya converted thepermanent car park into a vibrant community center, its success evidenced by th

to extend the life of the project five times longer than originally planned. The temporal na

intervention serves as a sort of experiment into the aesthetic and structural manipulatio sary to create an attractive space, and how it would be received by the public. While the

nature of the workspaces no doubt contributes to its popularity, the success of the public

including a cafe, hair salon, and workshops demonstrates the viability of this kind of ada on a larger, more permanent scale.

https://www.herzogdemeuron.com/index/projects/completeworks/276-300/279-1111-lincoln-road/

Adaptive Building Type What is the Case Study

Photo b

LAB - 14 , Carlton Connect Initiative / NMBW

HOSPITAL _ CO WORKING SPACE HOSPITAL

1858 built 1956 renamed to Royal Women’s Hospital

CO WORKING SPACE (adaptive) 2015 LAB-14, UoM

events, seminars, exhibitions & workshops space

RE- CO WORKING SPACE (reconstruct) 2021 Melbourne Connect, UoM

https://nmbw.com.au/lab-14-carlton-connect-initiative/

million in 2016 terms (Costmodelling Limited 2018). While this project would have manifest itself completely differently had it been a new construction, it demonstrates the potential to introduce a completely new functionality in an underutilized structure never intended to be inhabited for extend-

Adaptive Building Type Case Study

ed periods by people. With a low budget and without harming the existing structure, Carl Turner Architects successfully converted the car park into a vibrant community center, its success evidenced by the decision to extend the life of the project five times longer than originally planned. The temporal nature of the intervention serves as a sort of experiment into the aesthetic and structural manipulation necessary to create an attractive space, and how it would be received by the public. While the affordable nature of the workspaces no doubt contributes to its popularity, the success of the public areas

courtesy Carl Turner Architects

including a cafe, hair salon, and workshops demonstrates the viability of this kind of adaptive reuse on a larger, more permanent scale.

Peckham Levels / Carl Turner Architects 15

CAR PARK _ MIXED USE

CAR PARK (adaptive) to last only five years, the lease has been extended by another twenty, undoubtedly indicating a successful transformation of the disused parking garage into a desirable interior setting.

fest itself 17

ntroduce a

d for extend-

In terms of aesthetics, the project employs bright colors, textured natural materials such as OSB, and leaves the concrete and pavement markings exposed. Services are visible and the cafe and eating areas feature hanging plants, tinted lighting and twinkle lights, wood accents, colorful

cts success-

Photo by Tim Crocker

tile, and playful decorative elements such as a disco ball and palm trees. The casual, DIY aesthetic

he decision

complements the unorthodox venue inside a parking garage, perhaps lending to its strengths by

ature of the fest itself

maintaining the overall sense of the original function. The success of the project is also possibly en-

on neces-a ntroduce

hanced by its diversity of functions within a singular structure. People tend to linger more in areas

daffordable for extend-

that are already inhabited, feeling more welcome or simply being drawn by the presence of others.

c areas

aptive reuse cts success-

According to a cost modeling database for construction projects in the UK, new construc-

courtesy Carl Turner Architects

tion of a community center of the same area would cost around 14.43 million GBP, or about 13.68

he decision

1983 built

CINEMA (adaptive)

1994 at bottom of multi-story car park

BAR (adaptive)

2007 on top of car park

MIXED USE (adaptive)

2015 repurpose middle levels of car park creative studios, shared workshops, co-working, kiln rooms, 3D printing, community start-ups. https://turner.works/works/view/peckham-levels-2/

ature of the

on necesaffordable

c areas

aptive reuse

challenge?

by Tim Crocker

courtesy Carl Turner Architects

Adaptive Building Type Case Study Photos by Tim Crocker

QV Eight Apartments / Breathe Architecture CAR PARK _ RESIDENTIAL 3.4 QV Eight Apartments, Melbourne The QV Eight Apartments in downtown Melbourne occupy the top level of a car park in the multi-use QV block and replace about twenty parking spaces with eight residential units. Designed by Breathe Architecture, the apartments earned the firm the 2015 Houses Award for Sustainability, who praised the conversion saying it “offers real lessons in sustainable solutions for our cities” (Houses Awards 2015). The architects and designers required six months to resolve the issues associated with the

- 20 parking into 8 residential units lenges (Choahan 2014)(Houses Awards 2015). These were resolved by allocating ample outdoor

project, naming acoustic insulation, daylight, views, low ceilings, and ventilation as particular chal-

terraces for each unit, providing floor area,level cross-ventilating - adaptive re-use of generous car park to each unit with both north and south exposure, and using translucent materials in the interior to maximize the filtration of light. provide precedent for urban residential This method of allowing the daylight to flow unobstructed between different rooms is referred to densification as ‘borrowed light,’ and allows windowless rooms to be partially illuminated by natural light from surrounding spaces. The robust concrete structure also has the benefit of thermal mass, minimizing

https://www.breathe.com.au/project/qv8

Adaptive Building Type Images by Peter Clarke Case Study

“QV8 Apartments by Breathe Architecture.” Architecture And Design. Accessed June 6, 2018. https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/projects/multi-residential/qv8-apartments-by-breathe-architecture.

Werkspoor Factory / Zecc Architect WAREHOUSE _ OFFICE WARHOUSE

large-scale steel constructions processed for civil engineering

OFFICE (adaptive) 2019 office space, event space,

manufacturing

https://www.zecc.nl/en/Projects/project/2024/Werkspoorfactory-Utrecht

Adaptive Building Type What is the Case Study

Capitol Theatre / Walter Burley & Marion Mahony Griffin

THEATRE _ EDUCATION THEATRE 1924 historic cinema EDUCATION(adaptive)

2019 RMIT University purchased the building in 1999 and closed it for restoration in 2014

https://architectureau.com/articles/griffins-capitol-theatre-restoredreopened/

Adaptive Building Type Case Study

Higher Ground Cafe / DesignOffice

POWER STATION _ CAFE WAREHOUSE 19th century CBD power station CAFE (adaptive)

2016 adapted into commercial cafe

https://designoffice.com.au/portfolio/higher-ground/

challenge?

Adaptive Building Type Case Study

As shown, are some local and international examples of adaptive reuse. For example, the renovation of RMIT NAS, Carlton Connect, Higher Ground Cafe which was a Power Station, and Capitol Theatre. These are some adapted architecture with qualities that should be valued and scaled up as a model for our city. These are the constraints and some of the examples. Due to these reasons, adaptive reuse can be sped up and should be looked into. Technology changes daily. What if we don’t just make robots to produce curly forms, what if we make robots work on adapting buildings. Inevitably, building and planning codes should also catch up. Hence, regulations should be discussed to empower the idea of “adaptive reuse”.

“adapt” proposes converting each city block into corporate ownership, allowing the individual block to consolidate so that each block’s spatial resources are viable to be redistributed. This project is also proposing a slight shift in the planning scheme. Treating each block as mixed-use and any modification within the plot boundary as an alteration to the existing building. We can imagine each block being a mall with interior partition changes that don’t require planning permission as long as it doesn’t increase the volume.

Planning

g Shifts

Planning

g Shifts

Other advantages that give the city flexibility through this proposal include mitigation of existing building code such as the 50% rule. Conceptually, due to the consolidation of ownership, and property boundary, the 50% limit is quite impossible to hit when portions of the block adapt over time.

50%

Planning

50%

g Shifts

50%

Planning

50%

g Shifts

50%

Planning

50%

g Shifts

50%

Planning

50%

g Shifts

These planning changes allow this project to rethink what the city could become and its opportunities for adapting to many more other scenarios. Instead of the current model in which I find retail spaces covering the ground scape of the city, those vacant are waiting to be re-occupied by other retail tenants. But what if the impact is so huge that it impacts the entire, let’s say, the retail industry?

Planning

g Shifts

To start testing things out. I picked a block from the city to test the scalable model envisioned for application for other blocks in our Hoddle grid block city. The block I picked is one at the back of Melbourne Central, between La Trobe and Lonsdale st. With some initial study showing up and coming new towers and how the block is used.

Testing G

Ground

BUILT

Testing G

Ground

re-BUILT

(densifying population)

Permit Approved Under Construction

These are existing conditions and solutions that this project asks if there are any alternative ways of meeting these needs. How can I fit more without building more? Not necessarily just more people, but more scenarios, capable of being more inclusive of other types of uses. Is there even that demand?

BUILT RESIDENTIAL

OFFICE

RETAIL

HOTEL

EDUCATION

RECREATION

Testing G

re-BUILT

(densifying population) RESIDENTIAL

OFFICE

RETAIL

HOTEL

EDUCATION

RECREATION

40 + 174%

30 + 6%

12 + 67%

Ground

RESOLUTION STUDY

DOCKLANDS

This block is analysed alongside other blocks from Melbourne. Analysed on the scale, the number of property boundaries on each block, FAR, GFA etc... Revealing the dense and rich fabric quality that I get to work with. How can it be adapted to be more vibrant?

Testing G

Ground

Density Capacity

CARLTON

CBD

Analysis The Existing

Density Capacity SCALE

approx. total area of property boundary across

x1.77

DOCKLANDS

/2.1

CBD

CARLTON

Analysis The Existing Density Capacity FOOTPRINT

non linear complex avg 2184m² max 3819m² min 2506m²

avg 355m² max 2800m² min 65m²

avg 548m² max 4873m² min 59m²

DOCKLANDS

CBD

CARLTON

Analysis Testing G The Existing

Ground

Density Capacity

NO. OF BOUNDARY

8(X2) 4(actual)

DOCKLANDS

(actual)

CBD

44(/2) 88(actual)

CARLTON

Analysis The Existing

Density Capacity BLOCK GROSS FLOOR AREA

298,070m² (X2) 149,035m² (actual)

247,900m² (actual)

76,318m² (/2) 152,636m² (actual)

DOCKLANDS

CBD

CARLTON

Analysis The Existing

DOCKLANDS

NO. OF BOUNDARY

FOOTPRINT

BLOCK GROSS FLOOR AREA BLOCK FLOOR AREA RATIO

8(X2) 4(actual) avg 2184m² max 3819m² min 2506m² 298,070m² (X2) 149,035m² (actual)

6.3 (actual)

Testing G

Density Capacity

CBD

86 (actual) avg 355m² max 2800m² min 65m² 247,900m² (actual)

7.0 (actual)

Ground

CARLTON

44(/2) 88(actual) avg 548m² max 4873m² min 59m² 76,318m² (/2) 152,636m² (actual)

2.0 (actual) Analysis The Existing

4 speculative scenarios that have been set up for this project. These scenarios are not meant to be exhaustive. They are just a series of frameworks within the realm of possibility that could test the limits of this idea.

Scenario 1

Latrob

In the first scenario, office space is being impacted. Like what we’ve experienced recently, the percentage of office capacity can be switched overnight. Or even the remote working lifestyle that corporations have been comfortable with. So here we imagine what if the office and its supporting programs contract. Other space uses like education and leisure Lonsd increased, taking vacant footprints.

be St

Elizabeth St 15 Towers O Office (7t-46%) R Residential (4t-26%) S Student Acc. (2t-13%) E Educational (1t-6%) H Hotel (1t-6%) Educational Place of Assembly Warehouse Retail Leisure Manufacturing

4% 5% Office 5% Agriculture

dale St

30%

20%

16% Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Scenario 1

Latrob

Scenario 1 R

O O

Lonsd

be St

dale St

Elizabeth St

O S

15 Towers O Office (7t-46%) R Residential (4t-26%) S Student Acc. (2t-13%) E Educational (1t-6%) H Hotel (1t-6%) R

Educational Place of Assembly Warehouse Retail Leisure Manufacturing Agriculture Office

Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Scenario 1

Latrob

Lonsd

be St

Elizabeth St

dale St

15 Towers O Office (7t-46%) R Residential (4t-26%) S Student Acc. (2t-13%) E Educational (1t-6%) H Hotel (1t-6%) Educational Place of Assembly Warehouse Retail Leisure Manufacturing Agriculture Office

Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Low Rise Scenario 1 Section

Latrob

Lonsd

be St

Elizabeth St

dale St

Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Low Rise Scenario 1 Section

Latrob

Educational

Lonsd Place of Asse

Leisure

Manufacturi

n o C

be St

ion of vertic t a d i al ol

ac e

Elizabeth St 15 Towers O Office (7t-46%) R Residential (4t-26%) S Student Acc. (2t-13%) E Educational (1t-6%) H Hotel (1t-6%) Educational Place of Assembly Warehouse Retail Leisure Manufacturing Agriculture

dale St embly

Warehouse

Retail

ing

Agriculture

Office

Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Scenario 2

In Scenario 2, I imagine what if apartments living are not desirable anymore. The city becomes significantly work only. This could result if the city is seen to not be capable of delivering a healthy lifestyle for people to live in. The same thought process, offices, retails, warehouses have the opportunity to expand their footprint.

Latrob

Lonsd

be St

dale St

33%

30%

20% 15% Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Scenario 2

Latrob

Scenario 2 R

O O

Lonsd

be St

dale St

Elizabeth St

O S

15 Towers O Office (7t-46%) R Residential (4t-26%) S Student Acc. (2t-13%) E Educational (1t-6%) H Hotel (1t-6%) R

Educational Place of Assembly Warehouse Retail Leisure Manufacturing Agriculture Office

Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Scenario 2

Latrob

Lonsd

be St

Elizabeth St

dale St

Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Low Rise Scenario 2 Section

Latrob

Lonsd

be St

Elizabeth St

dale St

Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Low Rise Scenario 2 Section

Latrob

Educational

Lonsd Place of Asse

Leisure

Manufacturi

nin e p O

g of l a n e w ays

be St

dale St embly

Warehouse

Retail

ing

Agriculture

Office

Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Scenario 3

Latrob

In Scenario 3, retail is impacted by e-commerce. It challenges lots of the retail space in our city. With the advancement of technology and logistic services, the role of a city will be changed. The city could be filled with central kitchens that feed the population in the towers. Storages and warehouses expand their footprint, supporting the city and neighbouringLonsd suburbs demand.

be St

dale St

30%

5% 5%

30% Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Scenario 3

Latrob

Scenario 3 R

O O

Lonsd

be St

dale St

Elizabeth St

O S

15 Towers O Office (7t-46%) R Residential (4t-26%) S Student Acc. (2t-13%) E Educational (1t-6%) H Hotel (1t-6%) R

Educational Place of Assembly Warehouse Retail Leisure Manufacturing Agriculture Office

Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Scenario 3

Latrob

Lonsd

be St

Elizabeth St

dale St

Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Low Rise Scenario 3 Section

Latrob

Lonsd

be St

Elizabeth St

dale St

Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Low Rise Scenario 3 Section

Latrob

Educational

Lonsd Place of Asse

Leisure

Manufacturi

ov e

gr ou

y dar un bo

Br ea

be St

w o d

gger spaces (a i b n b

)

dale St embly

Warehouse

Retail

ing

Agriculture

Office

Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Scenario 4

Latrob

Scenario 4, the city in an influx population state. This could be the scenario if things didn’t go sideways last year. The city’s low rise continues to be filled with retails along street-facing spaces to capture incidental business opportunities. Leisure spaces locate Lonsd themselves in relatively less accessible spaces.

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Scenario 4

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Scenario 4 R

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15 Towers O Office (7t-46%) R Residential (4t-26%) S Student Acc. (2t-13%) E Educational (1t-6%) H Hotel (1t-6%) R

Educational Place of Assembly Warehouse Retail Leisure Manufacturing Agriculture Office

Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Scenario 4

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Lonsd

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Elizabeth St

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Low Rise Scenario 4 Section

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Low Rise Scenario 4 Section

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Educational

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Leisure

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The goal here is to adapt these changes across speculative scenarios. I then analyse these scenarios changes through demolition and addition plan drawings.

Gradient of Adaptability

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It gets more interesting when all four scenarios are overlaid and analysed. Showing each part of the block requires a different level of changes. For example, the black are parts that overlap across all four scenarios. Imagine without them, the entire block becomes extremely flexible. This analysis generates a catalogue of moments that allowed me to look into.

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Educational Place of Assembly Warehouse Retail Leisure Manufacturing 15 Towers Agriculture O Office (7t-46%) R Residential (4t-26%) S Student Acc. (2t-13%) E Educational (1t-6%) H Hotel (1t-6%) 15 Towers O Office (7t-46%) R Residential (4t-26%) Educational S Student Acc. (2t-13%) Place of Assembly E Educational (1t-6%) Warehouse H Hotel (1t-6%) Retail

Permanence Leisure

Manufacturing 4x Overlapping Agriculture 3x Overlapping Tower Services Office 2x Overlapping Tower Cores

1x Access Overlapping to Core

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Gradient of Adaptability

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Lonsd

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Elizabeth St

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15 Towers O Office (7t-46%) R Residential (4t-26%) S Student Acc. (2t-13%) E Educational (1t-6%) H Hotel (1t-6%) Educational Place of Assembly Warehouse Retail

Permanence Leisure Manufacturing 4x Overlapping Agriculture 3x Overlapping Office 2x Overlapping

1x Overlapping Tram Stop 5 meter / 1 : 500 @ A1

Looking at a chunk from the corner of Elizabeth and Latrobe St, a few properties along and behind Elizabeth Street being consolidated into one bigger space. What it provides is this activity space right opposite Melbourne Central. This is an example of space types that I might not ever imagine could be in our block city unless there’s a change in planning. Slabs can be removed to accommodate their new purpose while parts of the fabric get retained.

Moving on is an example of three properties, being consolidated into two cinema spaces. This time also sees height being increased. Rather than being knocked down, these fabrics get repurposed for their new use. What is perceived as multiple buildings are serving the same purpose. I will suggest that there’s an intangible cultural value, ethical value in terms of waste, sustainability, and the retention of embodied energy and the memories that get to be preserved, the use gets to be renewed.

This repetitive operation of spatial consolidation and separation creates this overlay quality to space. Which gives new kinds of spatiality, depths of layering instead of rebuilt. It creates a new character from layering of the types of spatial separation devices, edge boundary walls like the one at the back gets retained over time, mixing with curtains that spatial configurations can be changed easily. Not only consolidation of spaces, what about infilling and separating big spaces. The idea of adaptation will also be built into the cost of new modifications, such as using lighter weight and sustainable materials.

In situations where higher floors are underutilised, a nimble programmatic shift should be considered. Rethinking the relationship between space, forms and function, if I push back the idea that architectural forms need to fit for purpose as a benchmark, they could be modified to serve various purposes. It is a new way of appreciating architectural appearance. The existing fabric rather than being neglected or being rendered as an issue, readapted spaces get to be valued. I suggest that architecture is only ever an inflection in the existing. That all materials we will ever use already exist. I believe what we do as architects is to be inflected with the existing through reordering. This project is in fact looking for ways to align the discipline with its reality.

(adapt)N is counterfactual, but I believe there’s a value. This project raises the questions of the architect’s role in the city, what an ethical practice might be in the climate we are living in. To what extent is our building code set up to resist alteration? What changes would need to be made to facilitate this idea? It is an ethically environmental, cultural, economical and architectural proposition.