W Y NDHA M G AT E WAY P R OP OSA L Situated near Werribee on a prominent location in between the east and west-bound paths of the Princes Freeway, this design primarily aims to greet traffic as it approaches wyndham by offering a key visual effect as it reveals itself when a vehicle travels past the bridge. NORTH ELEVATION 1:400
It all starts with the idea of encapsulating dynamism - change, movement, energy - into a solid form, with hopes that it will accentuate and enhance the experience of drivers along the freeway. By embedding a geometric characteristic such as dynamism rather than a literal representation, the design allows for the architecture to remain an “agent of ambiguity” and opens it up to various interpretations. Aside from being unique to Wyndham, this gives it the adaptive capacity to excite and inspire, as well as contribute to the architectural discourse over a long period of time, in anticipation for the rapidly changing future of Wyndham. The innovation comes from its parametrically designed form, using the concept of a ruled surface for its structural frame to create a three-dimensional curvilinear surface that would otherwise be very difficult to achieve. This frame is then coupled with a layered cladding design that adds intrigue and complexity to the overall installation. This form creates a visual break that contrasts the site’s predominantly flat and open landscape, thus meeting Wyndham City Council’s desire for the design of an exciting and eye-catching installation.
SOUTH ELEVATION 1:400
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS DIAGRAMS
DETAIL COMPONENTS
This joint detail may be appropriate as it allows the use of one universal connector for all the cross joints throughout the installation. This way, it can be manufactured off-site quite easily and assembled on-site in a simple and timely manner. EAST ELEVATION 1:400
1. CONCEPT -
2. DEVELOPMENT -
3. RATIONALISATION -
Two three-dimensional curves were created primarily to determine the plan and the extents of the design in relation to the site.
The curves were then lofted to create a curvilinear surface as its form, and then intersected with the ground plane to create a sense of discontinuity and perceived dynamism.
The ruled surface was created by dividing the surface into longitudinal and latitudinal frames, thus making it feasible for fabrication - for both the concept model and real-life construction.
This reflected plan detail diagram (and the detail section diagram below) of the cladding element shows that the connections will be resolved by bolting each piece to the frame using steel brackets. This method should be sufficiently rigid to counter-act any uplift that the cladding may experience during its life. WEST ELEVATION 1:400
SERVICE ROAD: Vehicles from the freeway would be seeing the installation from too close to see the overall form. The location of the design gives the traffic on this road the opportunity to appreciate it from afar.
SITE A: The site was chosen because of its prime location in between the two main freeways, maximising its exposure.
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THE BRIDGE:
LANDSCAPE ELEMENT The design is not limited to the structure that is built up off the ground. It also includes a dynamic pattern on the landscape which is painted and acts as an extension of the visual art.
The bridge on this eastern approach plays a vital role in how the installation is viewed from the freeway, as the form is slowly revealed when vehicles pass through underneath. On top of the bridge itself is also another spectacular vantage point toward site- A, and consequently this design.
GUANG XU
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QIAN CHEN
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JONATHAN WIRJOPRAWIRO
ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO: AIR