Ben and Hayden Selected Works 2018 by haydenco

Resilient Neighbourhoods Social Agency Studio Model designed and crafted by Hayden Coâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;burn and Ben Allen

re:habitat

A COMPLETE SYSTEM OF CARE

re : habitat reconceptualises housing , community and mental healthcare in Redfern. Researching the future of urban mental healthcare systems internationally and interpreting NSW ’s Mental Health Commission ‘Living Well: A Strategic Plan’, a major restructuring of our current system needs to take place if we are to adequately care for our people. Reorienting community based services at the front line rather than depending on acute institutionalisation is a much more effective allocation of resources, which promotes mental wellness and dissolves the stigma around mental illness. Providing a spectrum of mental health care from Day Care, Inpatient Units and medium to long term accommodation promotes a path to recovery and assures support for all.

Us ing th e d e c o mm i ss i o n e d R a c h e l Forster Hospital as a focal point of social agency, re:habitat seeks to engage with its community rather than ignore them through a more responsive purpose for the site. The recovery college that feeds off the Rachel Forster Hospital creates a variety of flexible spaces that encourage a constantly shifting configuration of programs, with underlying orientation towards mental wellness and community participation. The spaces in and around the recovery college blur boundaries of physical, personal and psychosocial space and promote the intimacy that’s often lost in urban conditions – encouraging contact between people is the most effective approach to dissolving the stigma around mental illness. 3

INPATIENT UNIT

The inpatient wings on levels 2 through to 4 extend from the eastern end of the Rachel Forster Hospital and provide fully staffed sub-acute non-hospital units. These units are aimed at providing a safe environment within the community for those suffering from a mental illness but have been assessed as not critical. The inpatient wings are raised above the ground plane to give the patients a level of privacy yet still have extensive visual connections to nature and the community beyond. These units run along an open-air courtyard to provide a variety of private and semi-private spaces integrated with natural elements. Staffed areas are positioned at the beginning of each courtyard to provide indirect support for patients and allows the daily operations such as medication distribution. The patients occupying these units may stay for up to 6 weeks, however research has identified that most inpatient admissions last around 2-3 weeks. This model may decrease admission time even further due to its provision of therapeutic environments.

The initial design of the inpatient unit was informed by a few critical design factors; • Staff should be able to easily scan the room to ensure that the patient is safe

• • • • •

Patient should have a generous view of outside Patient should have a variet y of connections with nature Each unit should have a bathroom that is adaptable for disability Each unit should have a small amount of storage for personal belongings Each unit should have the ability for an extra bed to fold out so that family or friends may visit for company or support (as pictured in the dotted area of plan)

Through analysis of successful existing inpatient unit designs, the result is a derivative of the Inpatient unit at Miami Valley Hospital. Further modifications were made to improve the amenities of each unit, including the alteration of the bathroom and living spaces configuration to comply with AS1428.1 (2009) which outlines the design requirements to comply with mobility of disabled occupants. The initial unit design lacked any private outdoor space or any access to vegetation, hence a small accessible balcony with a planter was included to allow patients to tend to their own plants. The resulting space made for a small study nook to allow patients a comfortable space for activities that they may find therapeutic, such as writing, sketching, or reading.

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TYPICAL FLOOR RACHEL FORSTER HOSPITAL LEGEND

1. LIFTS 2. FIRE STAIR 3. ACCESSIBLE TOILETS 4. COMMUNAL KITCHEN 5. COMMUNAL EATING HALL 6. LOUNGES 7. COLLABORATIVE WORKSPACES 8. INPATIENT LOUNGES 9. NURSES STATION 10. MEDICINE STORAGE/ADMINISTRATION 11. NURSES OFFICE/SECLUSION ROOM 12. CONSULTATION ROOM 13. CONFERENCE ROOM 14. PATIENT COMMON ROOM 15. OPEN CORRIDOR 16. INPATIENT UNIT 17. STAIRS TO OTHER LEVELS OF UNITS

INPATIENT UNIT WING LEGEND 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM STORAGE/ROBE COUCH/BENCH BALCONY STUDY NOOK MULTIMEDIA WALL 11

RECOVERY COLLEGE

The recovery college that feeds off the Rachel Forster Hospital creates a variety of flexible spaces that encourage a constantly shifting configuration of programs, with underlying orientation towards mental wellness and community participation. The single most effective method of dissolving stigma around mental illness is contact - the more you genuinely interact and surround yourself with others, the sooner that labels of “us” and “them” disintegrate. The spaces in and around the recovery college blur boundaries of physical, personal and psychosocial space and encourage the intimacy that’s often lost in urban conditions. Flexible Gallery The flexible gallery is an airy, light filled space that opens up to the central courtyard. The large glazed façade aims to maintain visual connections with those outside to establish a level of informal interaction with others

outside. The gallery is a double height space that spans 3 bays, where each bay is 8m wide and 3m deep. The dendriform vaulted ceiling pays homage to the open collaborative workspaces of the early 19th century, such as the Stamp Office in the Somerset House. The dual axis parabolic concrete vaulted arches are reminiscent of a canopy, which draws the eye up and outwards towards the courtyard; its engagement with the columns frame each bay but at the same time unify the space whilst allowing light to dance through its branches. Each bay can be used independently, partitioned by operable wall storage systems and can house programs such as classrooms, workshops, yoga/exercise sessions or art classes. Alternatively, the space can be used as one continuous space that draws the attention from all peripheral spaces, and can house exhibitions, plays or school functions as tiered seating is provided for an audience.

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RECOVERY COLLEGE LEGEND 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 14 18. 19.

COMMUNAL KITCHEN COMMUNAL EATING HALL RECOVERY COLLEGE OFFICES STAIRS UP TO LEVEL 1 STAIRS DOWN TO FELXIBLE GALLERY ENTRY TO LOWER GROUND/FLEXIBLE GALLERY ENTRY TO NORTHERN STAIRWELL FLEXIBLE GALLERY FIXED LEARNING SPACES UNDERNEATH FREE USE CORRIDOR TIERED LEARNING SPACE SECLUSION GARDEN PERIPHERAL COURTYARD CONSULTATION ROOMS OUTDOOR TERRACE STAIRS DOWN TO GROUND FLOOR LOBBY WAITING LOUNGES GENERAL MEDICAL CONSULTATION ROOMS ACCESS TO MENTAL FIRST AID UNIT

I NVERTIN G THE N A R R AT IVE

T HE R OL E OF C OMMU NI T Y I N WEL L NESS

Darkness carries connotations of unhappiness, lonliness and hopelessness.

The gallery of light and dark further inverts expectations around wellness and mental health by placing the gallery of darkness at the centre of the communal kitchen, cafe and entrance. Whereas the gallery of light has a more private and secluded entrance up the stairs or lift.

The gallery of darkness attempts to challenge these conceptions through an intellectual abstraction of the key notions around those emotions. The geometry of the gallery of darkness is almost predominantly informed by the ramp layout that leads you into the complex. Thus, as we navigate the confronting

or challenging space we are encouraged by the idea that this is not a new phenomenon, we can draw on past experience to overcome present challenges.

This choice was deliberate to change the narrative around suffering alone in moments or hardship and despair and to challenge the idea that we must be dependant on others for happiness or gratification

External view from Redfern Street

THE SCHOOL OF LIFE 1 0 7 Pro je ct s, R e dfe r n The form and design of the building was designed to be deliberately confronting. Heavy concrete mass is visible in both the ground and roof forms. However, the the facade that links them is a delicate opaque fabric that seems incapable of supporting the mass above, especially with the fragility of the timber members that support it on display through the fabric. Whilst the architectural language of concealing support for heavy mass is prominent in city or other more recently estabished areas it is without precedent or comparrison along Redfern Street. Even the new high rise developments have thick frames around the glazing which offer the elevation a form of visual rigidity. The drama is emphasised here with the waffle roof slab thickening to 1.8 metres at the edges. The structure is actually particularly rudimentary, resembling a car park more than any high tech construction. However, the interplay of solid and void, heavy and light and light (optic) and darkness creates a sense of drama that draws respondents in with a diversive curiosity.

THE SCHOOL OF LIFE BENJAMIN ALLEN

SOCIAL AGENCY

First Floor Axonometric - (L to R) Gallery of Light, Classroom Courtyard, Community Counselling and Technical Hub

External view from Redfern Street

Ground Floor Axonometric - (L to R) Wellness Centre, Communal Space + Kitchen, Classroom Courtyard, Artist Workshops and Maker Space

Section through the Gallery of Light (Top), Communal Kitchen, Cafe & Library Hub (Centre), The Gallery of Darkness (Bottom) & the Egalitarian Courtyard that links to the Wellness Centre (Right)

Gallery of Darkness Axonometric - (L to R) Library, Performance Space, Gallery Space, Physical and Digital Archives

IVANHOE

Affordable Housing Estate

CONTEXT ANALYSIS The Ivanhoe estate is framed by Herring Road and Epping Road, it is a central part of the Herring Road Priority Precinct. The area boasts the largest collection of technology companies in Australia and is set to expand to be the largest CBD in Australia over the next two decades. In addition to the plethora of technology and business assets the area also has a number of education providers from preschools to tertiary educations. The proximity to Macquarie University, the technology Park and a number of primary and secondary schools positions the Ivanhoe Estate as an obvious location for significant residential investment to tap into the surrounding assets. The Macquarie Park precinct also has a number of natural capital in addition the built environment. It feeds into significant green belts that create rich veins of connection into the city and further west. The Lane Cove National Park has a number of substantial waterways that services the area.

Every person has the right to adequate housing, it is enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The right to housing goes beyond the provision of shelter; it is the right to live in a place that is adequate and appropriate for the users. This studio explored new paradigms in the provision of adequate public housing, specifically what does a holistic housing community that integrates public and private tenants look like? And, how do we manage the intersection between different housing tenants?

The requirements for public housing tenants are diverse and often subject to hyperbole and misunderstanding, the key approach taken was understanding the underlying issues of disadvantage that contribute to the challenges facing the public housing sector. The response sought to ameliorate a number of the systemic failures of previous social housing projects by focusing on the formation of community first as a driver for residential configuration. Developing an adequate and inclusive community as a driver for a residential development aims to level the disadvantage historically experienced by social housing residents.

SITE Ivanhoe Estate is a 8.2 hectare site within Macquarie Park, sitting 12 kilometres north-west of Sydney. Residing within the municipal City of Ryde, Ivanhoe Estate is flanked by heavy eastern distributors being Epping Road and M2 Motorway, and has access to a growing business district and education precinct. These features make Ivanhoe Place a perfect site to redevelop as part of the 2031 Herring Road Priority Precinct Masterplan. 13

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Iterative analysis of spatial configuration, circulation and form as it pertains to developing communities

The site, with a steep fall to Shrimptonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek

Buildings are aligned on a north-south access to maximise solar performance and to match site contours.

Main vehicular entry into the site from Peach Tree Road/Cottonwood Crescent

A generic distribution of building masses to respond to yield analysis calculations

Infiltration of the Ironbark-Turpentine forest into the site

Main vehicular entry into the site from Peach Tree Road/Cottonwood Crescent

Building heights loaded to the west to minimise overshadowing

Main vehicular entry into the site from Peach Tree Road/Cottonwood Crescent

Main vehicular entry into the site from Peach Tree Road/Cottonwood Crescent-

MASTERPLAN EVOLUTION The masterplan was developed in 2D and 3D iterations, combining site conditions, building form, brief requirements and strategic goals into the final scheme. By adopting a hyper rational approach to masterplanning, wherby each decision was dictated by a preset condition; either given (brief) or acquired (Jan Gehlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theory) we were able to remove ego from the process and focus on the delivery of an appropriate solution. The final result is a bold and unusual scheme but we felt comfortable defending it as each decision was rooted in research and testing.

MASTERPLAN By relocating the vehicular entrance the site becomes a thoroughfare for pedestrians. Nodes of connection between the new transport hub and Shrimptons Creek as well as the continuation of the existing green belt create a site that is geared towards walking. The orientation along contour lines means that pedestrians can meander along subtly sloped sites rather than being forced towards steep gradients by closed off streets and restrictive accessways. The mass of the towers is still small compared to the adjoining developments and is orientated to the west, the towers have minimal impact on the site or neighbouring developments. Instead, they overshadow Epping Road. The relatively low rise building mass on the majority of the masterplan allows for planting between buildings which increases amenity and privacy.

The project brief called for a mixed tenure community, that provides private housing that can be used as leverage for future developments by the LAHC. It also concentrates a diverse range of occupants; those that are disabled, aged, unemployed, needing emergency shelter from domestic abuse, families, and young professionals. These demographics reflect the LAHCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suggested breakdown of private, social and affordable housing which can help surround those that are disadvantaged with others that have established positions in society to help encourage and reduce the perception of institutionaized public housing.

COMMUNITY BREAKDOWN RETURN BRIEF PRIVATE

SOCIAL

AFFORDABLE

65% Site Occupancy

30% Site Occupancy

5% Site Occupancy

+ 450 Residents from existing Ivanhoe Develoment.

+ Preference for shift workers to ensure flow of people at all times.

1755

+ Reduced parking allowance responding to the plethora of local facilities for education and business.

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+ 50 Temporary Emergency Shelters. + Opportunities for employment and training with digitally connected community

1755 Private Dwellings with 0.5 parks per apartment. Reducing the number of cars on site, reduces the communities dependence and promotes public transport. Incentives for private residents to enter car sharing arrangements.

MAPPING

810 - 450 + 50 = 410 410 Additional Social Housing

SITE

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+ Apartments come with a stake in share cars, reducing the need to allocate parking and promoting a walking & cycling community.

Community wide emphasis on reduction in vehicle ownership and engaging with car sharing reduces the seperation between affordable and private ownership.

OCCUPATION

5am 6am 7am 8am 9am 10am 11am 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm 10pm 11pm 12am Services Exercise Workers Travel School Eating University Classes Retail activation Onsite Industry Drinking Sport/Social

Determining the demographic and community make up of Ivanhoe is only the first step in defining a community. A myriad of housing developments, both social and private have failed because the designers did not analyse the way the space would be occupied throughout the day. How does a space perform when a number of residents go to work? Are there always people around so that the public spaces and pathways feel safe?

Designing a succesful community development requires an understanding of the interventions that will facilitate a positive community and then implementing those interventions into a masterplan. A focus on micro industry as opposed to a retail only system of activation means less competition with the Macquarie Shopping Centre, the opportunity for employment and training for residents and activation throughout the day.

HERRING ROAD TRANSPORT HUB A transport hub is established at the entrance to Ivanhoe Place and Herring Road with a light rail transport node and bus stop. A dedicated cycleway next to a wide footpath encourages pedestrian activity which is buffered from the carriageway via lush planters. The removal of the existing entrance into Herring Road positions the site as a walkable community that accesses the main transport vein; Herring Road. Light Rail has been signalled as a possible point of expansion in the Herring Road Priority Precinct Masterplan. Placing the hub at the entrance to the site creates a node that encourages pedestrian access and permeability whist promoting public transport.

MICRO INDUSTRY + RETAIL The activation of the ground place creates a sense of life and safety. The diverse selection of stakeholders identified in the occupation mapping allowed us to design circulation spaces that are activated throughout the day and evening to ensure the community vibe is maintained at all times.

LIFE Ă SPACE Ă BUILDINGS Designing for community interactions and the spaces that define them ensured that all public spaces were articulated. Typically, a building is designed and public space is inserted around it. However, this can lead to dead or hidden spaces (of which there are many examples in the current stock at Ivanhoe). These dead spaces often breed anti social behaviour and are the root of a number of issues in social housing developments. Buildings are orientated around public spaces to create a sense of passive observation.

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Ground for all The decision to have a unified presence of road and pedestrian walkways with pavers creates a slower flow of traffic which is safer for pedestrians and cyclists. It encrouages movement across roads, rather than being disconnected by them.

BUILDING MASSING

INDIVIDUAL BUILDING

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The existing building footprint selected from the masterplan

Due to its significant width, it was split up into two halves to respond to the depth of two apartments and a central circulation spine

The ground floor is lifted to encourage movement into the development and neighbouring podium with commercial and retail tenancies

The building was pulled to max height of 75m as per the LEP; mass is suitable here as it sits along the western perimeter of the site which causes little overshadowing to the surrounding buildings, only Epping Road

The building is then opened up to the north to allow light and air to move through

The towers are broken up, partially for visual digestion but also responds to the fragmenting of the building into smaller commuities and encourages cross flow of air

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1 Lift/Lobby 2 Communal Laundry 3 Garbage Chute 4 Communal BBQ Area 5 Seat 6 Bench 7 Walkway

Legend 1 Lift/Lobby 2 Communal Laundry/Garbage Chute 3 Communal BBQ area 4 Flexible Space/Link to Podium 5 Atrium courtyard/podium thoroughfare 6 Entry to building 7 Childrens playground 8 Ramp to basement 9 To Shrimptons Creek Pedestrian Link 10 Loading Zone 11 Mail Room 12 Bicycle Storage 13 Micro-Industry & Retail Tenancies 14 Through to Podium 45 15 Adjoining Podium

floorplate development 46

Early stage of floorplate configuration produced very deep apartments and undesirable spaces

Potential of splitting the mass into three strips of apartments with open semi-public corridors

Initial form ideas

Exploring the idea of an atrium to open up the circulation spine and produce much more sociable amenity in the corridor

Further development of the atrium

Typical Floor Plate

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Type If Social Housing; Studio Short term housing for emergency crisis or victims of domestic violence. 1 Bed Aged, Retired, Disabled, Affordable Housing. 2 Bed Aged, Disabled with a family carer, long term disadvantaged family.

If Private Market; Young Professionals, University Students.

Young Professionals, Couple moving out. Families with children, tenancy for lease.

1 Lift/Lobby 2 Communal Laundry 3 Garbage Chute 4 Communal BBQ Area 5 Seat 6 Bench 7 Walkway

OPERABLE FACADES A study of high-density living in Sydney showed that occupant wellbeing and energy consumption improved with the ability to operate windows for the purpose of regulating daylight and natural ventilation. On the south-west facade, significant mechanisms must be included to slow down the speed of cool afternoon coastal breezes which are emphasised at high levels.

MICRO-NEIGHBOURHOODS A challenge with high density living is feeling disconnected from the ground plane and other residents. An open air atrium provides residents with access to apartments in a lush, sunlit open-air space that balances intimacy and privacy similar to community at ground.

ROBUST RESPONSE With a facade to the highly trafficable Epping Road, a significant design consideration was required in relation to acoustics and air quality of apartments. Glazed fire stairs improve the security of usually dark and unsafe places. Lift lobbies open up to allow the infiltration of the Ironbark-Turpentine Forest and ensure the space maintains a constant feeling of activity from the distant hustle and bustle of Herring Road.

SKY CORRIDORS Providing an enjoyable journey to your front door that has opportunities to sit, relax and gather outside only feet from your home instills residents with a sense of appreciation of their surroundings. Crosslevel interactions are maximised through walkways spanning in various orientations.

COMMUNAL AMENITY Providing beautiful spaces for multiple residents and visitors to gather strengthens the bonds of a community. The laundry facilities on each floor are open to the communal areas which increase opportunity for interaction.

IVANHOE TOWER

TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN The typical floor plan is repeated throughout, every third floor has a large break out courtyard to facilitate community interaction between residents. The form is dictated by the rationale explored during the masterplan. However, the terracing has been abandoned as it significantly

reduced the yield potential of the structure. The massive size of the structure meant that it was necessary to propose a series of open air corridors that allow air movement through the building without the wind tunnel associated with creating a large separation in the building form.

All floors are open to the elements to create air circulation and to promote a connection with the elements. Openings reduce the impact of circulation corridors.

Fragmenting the Vertical Neighbourhood

01 SUBURB

The building provides 220 apartments, a small community with significant diversity akin to a suburb. Rarely people will cross paths more than once a week, however there is a level of comfort and acceptance that people are only vaguely familiar yet live in close proximity.

02 BLOCK

The tower is split up into 4 blocks of 5 storeys, fragmenting the scale of the tower and enabling an interaction with nature and the ground plane for the residents. 5 storeys is the maximum height that is comfortable to allow interaction between people.

03 STREET

A level of intimacy is established with people on a street. People on the same street frequently see each other and tend to form a non-committal relationship with each other that is due to a sense of privacy that can be established.

04 NEIGHBOURS

People directly adjecent and opposite form close relationships. They tend to borrow things, are invited over for parties and form close bonds that are a step further than people on their street. The varied levels of relationships develop a sense of community in a building.

Building Sections MICRO-NEIGHBOURHOODS Reinforcing the fragmentation of the vertical neighbourhood. the repetition of the 5 storey blocks allows a human-scaled environment. People are able to communicate with others, and each â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;blockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has a connection with a ground plane and nature through a significant planter for medium sized trees and low-lying vegetation. This connection with nature is essential for occupational wellbeing in high-density living.

COMMUNAL LIVING Communal barbecues every second floor entice interaction across floors. This is further strengthened by semi-open communal laundry facilities at each level opposite the lift lobby to encourage life beyond your apartment whilst engaging in collaborative consumption, a sustainable behaviour.

CORRIDOR AMENITY An open corridor with small planting and benches further encourages life outside the apartment. They provide opportunity for working, reading, or simply enjoying a drink while basking in the sunlight filtered through timber screens.

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Through an abstraction of Jan Gehlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ideas about the relationship between building heights and the interaction and connection with the ground plane a scheme was developed around the creation of courtyards placed at intervals of three levels to facilitate a sense of community among residents which is often lost in high density living.

Apartment division is driven by a desire to maintain parity across apartment types. The division is calculated across three floor intervals to reduce the notion that there are inferior floors or segments of the building. Public and affordable housing is to be determined based on the orientation of the apartment; the 11 public apartments are selected from consecutive aspects. This ensures that for every south facing public apartment there is a west, east and north-facing public apartment.

In addition to the orientation dictating the allocation, no more than 4 public housing units can be located on a single floor plate. Each floor plate on the three-story division will host 1 affordable housing unit and 1 adaptable temporary housing unit.

T E M P O R A R Y A P A R T M E N T S A substantial lack of housing and support services for women fleeing domestic violence is the greatest issue facing the housing sector today. Numerous studies have indicated that providing women with a safe place to leave domestic violence situations is essential to combating the epidemic. It is my assertion that all substantial housing redevelopment projects, such as Ivanhoe should be required to provide Temporary Emergency Accommodation in the same way that they must provide affordable accommodation. Designing a typical apartment for people fleeing domestic violence is difficult as their is no archetypal victim of domestic violence. Victims may be single persons or have a family. Therefore, a unit must not have a prescriptive tenancy configuration. Economic necessity suggests that the space must be compact yet adjustable. The solution proposed utilizes fold down and collapsible furniture elements that can be modified to suit the current tenant. The bathroom is fitted with a combined shower bath to accommodate young children. Integrating storage and furniture allows the residents to manipulate the space and store any personal effects to create a larger living space during the day.

1. Inbuilt lounge w/ fold out bed 2. Pull down bed w/ storage 3. Fold away table in cupboard 4. Pull down bed w/ storage 5. Gallery kitchen 6. Inbuilt storage 7. Simple bathroom w/ combined bath/shower 8. Operable glazing

EXPOSED CIRCULATON CONFIGURATION 1 All elements can be stored away for better utilization of the limited space.

Fire stairs are have glass panelling to reduce anti social behaviour occuring in concealed areas and to enhance the community through an icreased visual connection between residents.

CONFIGURATION 2 Fold out table inside cupboard, can be stored away for extra soace when not required.

PARK AMONGST THE TREES Car parking occurs at ground rather than in a basement, parking and walking out amongst the trees encourages residents to meander through the site as opposed to taking a lift directly to their apartment.

CONFIGURATION 3 Two fold out beds + a fold out couch are used to maximise potential occupancy.

COMMUNITY DRIVEN SPACE The courtyards are semi - public spaces that are shaped by the residents.

SLUM SETTLEMENT The result of the high levels of landlessness and constant government led evictions is that many Cambodian families have to live in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;illegalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; slum settlements. Normally, built near a river the structures are haphazardly built and run the serious risk of collapse or inundation from floods.

INVESTIGATION THROUGH NARRATIVE An inability to visit the site and speak to the community dictated that the research needed to be guided by narrative to develop an accurate picture of the clients and their challenges. A series of sketches helped to develop a connection to the Cambodian condition and aided in the development and presentation of the narrative.

EVIC T ION AND P L AC E L E S S NE S S During the Civil War millions of people died, millions more fled. After the war Cambodianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s returned to find that all of the documentation denoting land ownership had been destroyed. Millions were displaced with no record of any ownership of lands. The United Nations Transitional Authority was established with a mandate for returning order to Cambodia. The transitional Authority offered a repatriation settlement to returning Cambodians, the returnees could chose from agricultural land, domestic housing or a cash payment. 88% elected to take the cash payment, perhaps unsurprisingly considering the fragility of residence and ownership they had just experienced.

Slum settlements are dense, with large numbers of displaced persons occupying tiny shacks. There are serious social challenges in slum settlements beyond the feeling of hopelessness and placelessness. Settlements are targets for unscrupulous lenders to offer families money to construct a house, the loans have unsustainable interest attached and in extreme cases the loan shark will take a child to sell into the sex trade to meet the debt. The unhygenic nature of the slum settlements creates hotspots for disease and infections which go on untreated due to a lack of affordable and accessible medical care.

HOUSEHOLD S Rural Cambodian familes normally survive on a few dollars a day. Employment in slum settlements might typically be a fisherman, labourer or stall vendor. The Cambodian diet is based around rice as it is abundant and afforable, meat is expensive and is only used sparingly. The food is often cooked in a charcoal pot which creates a great deal of smoke and can be dangerous if inhaled. The families usually only eat one proper meal in the evening.

Rural landlessness has increased from 13% in 1997 to 25% in 2007. The government continues to evict residents which exasperbates the problem.

School opportunities are limited for children from slum families, with school facilities often located in established areas and costing money to complete exams and graduate on to a new course.

H OU S IN G

THE FUTURE

Rural cambodian housing is typically put together with whatever materials are available. The most common materials are timber and corrugated metal.

Cambodians have endured incredible hardships during and after the war. The impact of the war on the country is evident, with over 3 million people killed, the population of 8 million people was devastated. The result is that the average age for a Cambodian is under 20 years old.

The houses are elevated to accommodate for flood waters and to create an occupiable under croft. The lack of materials and poor construction means that there is a very real fear that houses will collapse or be swept away by flood waters. Slum housing rarely has more than one room that all family members share.

This presents an exciting opportunity for the future, with the population steadily rebuilding and with the scars of the war beginning to heal; Cambodia is at the preficice of a new future. Organizations like RAW IMPACT who are committed to bettering the lives of rural Cambodians will play an important role in elevating Cambodia out of poverty.

FLOO D A N D L A N D SC A P IN G S T U DIE S Vacuu m fo r mi n g t he site t o anal yse changes to earthwork s

After numerous water tests I am able to confidently conclude that carving a run off through the berms on site will reduce the impact of the dam flooding into the site, rather it will facilitate a run off to the creek and road. In serious rain events (when the creek breaks its bank) the run off will be redundant as comprehensive flooding will occur. Modelling suggests that flooding of this magnitude will only occur once every 10 years.

SU ST AI NABL E VI L L AGE The masterplan was devised with 12 dwellings orientated around a dam. The dam is a source of food, income and water whilst simultaneously cooling the surrounding area. The dam is divided into four catchments, delinated by bridges that service fish as different

stages in production. The masterplan also includes a communal goat shed which will work as a source of milk and income. There is a workshop on site that will allow RAW to prefabricate bamboo dwellings for future projects.

SI TE MA ST ER PL A N

The initial masterplanning stage was developed around locating the most adventageous areas for the dam and the agriculture. Once we had assigned areas for the services that will sustain the village then we can focus on housing and community buildings. After extensive research on aquaculture we determined that the ideal fish farm for this site would be 50 x 10m,only one area could sustain a dam of that size. The agriculture was placed on the flattest section of the site and at the furthest point away from the fish farm to avoid any contamination from fertilizers. Next, a decision was made to place

the houses near the dam for two reasons; the dam would provide passive cooling for houses and if the houses were surrounding the dam there would be constant passive surveillance in the event that a child or elderly person fell in the dam. Flowing on from the houses, the community centre, workshop and goatshed were placed in that order. The rationale was that the goat shed is the least hygenic and should be placed the furthest away and that having the goats waste near the agricultural area would improve fertilizing effeciency.

A N I M A T E

H O U S I N G

P R O T O T Y P E

An adaptable housing typology that integrates and condenses the programmatic elements with an emphasis on creating a house that responds and adjusts to the Cambodian Climate. The modules success is rooted in its consideration of and commitment to the betterment of the occupants. 43

The Cambodian climate dictated the necessity consistent circulation of air throughout the building. The housing unit is essentially a series of platforms with different roofs.

Studying Cambodian vernacular architecture reinforced the role of the platform in everyday life. Platforms are used for eating, sleeping and, working. Providing a series of platforms throughout the house allows the occupants to dictate their use. Providing a multi-purpose platform as opposed to separate sleeping, working and eating spaces allows for a condensed floor plate and more dynamic space. The platform design makes the housing model adaptable to the diverse range of families taking part in the Every Piece Matters project.

After considering the diverse and at times incompatible requirements of the individual families an open plan, platform based approach to living, sleeping and eating was devised. All activities assigned to the living quarters share four requirements; climactically comfortable, protected, potential for privacy and sanitary. The living quarters are kept cool through a system of articulated openings, large roof overhangs and insulated roofing and wall panels. The living quarters have been designed with operability in mind, allowing the occupants to close down the building in inclement weather, the operable elements double as privacy screens when open. One of the main issues that we identified was poor health and sanitation amongst the families, as such we have isolated the living quarters from the utility area (toilet, bathroom, kitchen) to reduce the potential health risks.

The families need a secure place to store their limited possessions. The raised platforms create a natural storage solution that is securely inside the house. Larger items like fishing nets and bikes can be stored in the open area beneath.

Two key components of the living quarters was a requirement for privacy and protection from monsoons. These requirements were addressed through the addition of operable elements that close down the building during inclement weather and work as privacy screens when opened.

One of the key priorities we identified from our analysis of the families was a desire for improved health and higher sanitation and safety standards. The issues derived from three main areas, sanitation, washing and cooking. A reliance on open pit toilets without any washing facilities contributes to a number of bacterial diseases and unsanitary collections of waste in public areas. The module provides a separate toilet and washroom. The separation is for 3 reasons, efficiency of use (facilities can be accessed at the same time), separation of waste and washing and a distinction between collection systems (water is collected from the washroom to water gardens whilst waste is composted beneath the drop toilet.) Typical cooking is done on the ground with charcoal pots, the prototype house elevates the kitchen to avoid heat permeating through the house and replaces the charcoal pot with a healthier and more economical gas cooker.

01 RAISED STRUCTURES

04 PLANAR TILT

Elevating the structure on precast concrete footings and timber posts creates a breezeway running through the length of the site. The cool air passing beneath the structure enters the house through the central void and by permeating through the woven floor.

The living quarters extrudes from the structure at an angle to create a second floor that is offset from the rest of house. The tilted extrusion draws in the predominent winds and creates an opportunity for a house to draw in the wind even if the adjoining properties are providing an undesired buffer.

02 CENTRAL VOID

05 BISECTED ROOF

In addition to guiding the air beneath into the house the central void draws western winds through the centre of the house that can cool the space even when the operable elements have been closed.

The main roof of the house is divided into two roofs with a protected opening that permits circulation and the effecient escape of heat from the second floor kitchen.

03 OPEN FACADE

06 A MACHINE FOR AIR

The facade of the utility wing is open to promote airflow through the building. Keeping the utility wing open ensures that the building still receives circulation when living quarters have been locked down during inclement weather.

The housing unit focuses on promoting air circulation within the dense framework of the masterplan.

F I RST F L OOR

G ROU N D F L OOR The area beneath the dwellings is arguably as important as the structure above. The traditional Cambodian village is dependent on the network of raised houses providing sheltered areas beneath to facilitate community events, trade and storage. The house prototype is deliberately simple at ground level as to not dictate or prohibit the means of occupation.

A unique feature of the house is the central void that creates an 8m high opening in the centre of the space that might be utilized for hanging fishing nets or other large items. The composting tank and grey water tank can be accessed from the ground level. The grey water can be used to service the small adjacent gardens

The first floor is the earliest private space of the house, unlike the ground floor that is open to the public; guests must be invited into the first floor. The entrance is a relatively large open space that will be treated differently by different families. Smaller families may choose to place a low table in the centre to create a designated area for eating. Whilst larger families can use this open space as the basis for adding additional platforms (using the methods illustrated earlier) to create additional sleeping, working or platforms. The utility quarters of the house have two closed rooms (they only completely closed spaces in the house). The rooms accommodate toilet and wash facilities. The floor in both rooms uses hardwood

timber that will respond better to the wet conditions than the bamboo hatch in the living areas. In addition to the practical efficiency of separating the toilet and washing, the areas are separated as both rooms have collection points below. The washroom has a water tank to collect grey water for gardening whilst the drop toilet has a composting tank below that processes the waste and avoids polluting the adjacent dam and road. The platform begins to jut out from the structure towards the street forming the beginning of the tilted overhang. The extension beyond the structure means that the platform can be wide enough to function as a walkway linking the first and second

SEC ON D F L OOR The second floor is a truly private space, despite the completely open scheme. It is the predominant level for sleeping and resting, a raised platform that runs along two elevations of the living quarters can be segregated into individual sleeping cubicles by fixing the operable screens to partition the space. Due to its role as the sleeping and living quarters the design of level two prioritised the design of operable elements on the facade that permit the building to be closed down during monsoon weather conditions, thus maintaining amenity. The kitchen is placed on this floor, the location of the kitchen was dictated by a desire to have heat escape

SEC T I ONAL PERSPEC T I VE as quickly and efficiently as possible. As such, the kitchen is flanked by open walls with an offset roof above to ensure any heat produced cooking escapes the house. Wastewater from the kitchen runs down to the grey water tank to be used for irrigation. The traditional cooking facilities in Cambodia are large charcoal pots that produce hazardous smoke and create (and waste) an excessive amount of heat. The proposal includes the provision for a small built in gas cooker with a replaceable gas bottle. Gas cooking is cleaner, healthier and more efficient than charcoal pots.

The studios focus on the construction methodology behind the bamboo structure informed the creation of a sectional perspective. The perspective allows builders to look beyond the cut through and see how the elements fit into the wider scheme. Bambooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to fixed together with lashing differentiates it from typical Western construction and as such the techniques for fixing may be foreign to the builders.

DETAIL 1.

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DETAIL 2.

Corrugated Metal wrapped around bamboo poles if descending scale.

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ELEVATION A

ELEVATION C

Central void delineates the living and utility quarters, the woven bamboo facade conceals the washroom inside and the kitchen joinery above. Timber slats were chosen because it allows air circulation to aid the removal of water. The large corrugated roof overhang and the corrugated wall systems are lined with a bamboo weave to reduce heat transfer. The operable louvers were designed to be orientated to the wind direction to aid intake and to be tied closed during inclement weather.

Both long elevations are designed with a hidden tilt down screen that can be deployed during heavy monsoon storms. Once deployed, the screen exposes an open slatted element that permits airflow even when the building is completely closed down.

ELEVATION D ELEVATION B The offset roof aids in the escape of heat and the circulation of air. Elevation B can be closed with operable screens that can be tied down. All roof overhangs were designed to prevent rain incoming at a 60 degree angle.

The toilet facilities are kept within the insulated corrugated metal walls to minimise olfactory pollution and to encase the composting unit stored on the ground. The timber walls of the washroom can be extended to the ground if the family has a grey water tank for irrigation, otherwise they can terminate at the first floor to increase circulation on the ground floor.

Programmatic Arrangement

1. Volumes categorised by their basic living function.

2. Volumes prioritised by their demand for water, as this 3. Volumes grouped by their need to be under shelter or if encourages the economical provision of services. they are able to be in a transitional space.

Progression

7. The volumes are consolidated to a new definition of living space.

8. Structure is implemented in a grid arrangement.

9. Platform introduced for access.

10. Stair leading to first platform.

10a. Test sleeping volume stacked above washroom.

11. Stairs to second platform for circulation.

11a. Not ideal to introduce space above washroom for hygiene considerations.

4. To encourage economy of space, the living space is able to 5. The volumes are arranged vertically, corresponding to 6. These volumes are brought together to produce a tight hold some of the sleeping demands. their frequency of usage in a day. arrangement, considering a small footprint.

Roof Form Experimentation

METAL SHEET PANEL ROOFING THATCHED ROOF INSULATION 80 DIAMETER BAMBOO ROOF JOISTS

80 DIAMETER BAMBOO ROOF STRUTS

2 FIXTURES/ SYSTEMS

4 OPERABLE WINDOWS & DOORS

WALL CLADDING

1 BAMBOO WALL STRUCTURE

Ground Level 1 ENTRY STAIRS 2 SEPTIC TANK 3 HAMMOCK 4 RESPONSIVE LIFESTYLE SPACE

STAIRWAYS

TIMBER FLOORBOARDS

80 DIAMETER BAMBOO FLOOR JOISTS 80 DIAMETER BAMBOO FLOOR BEARERS

4X 80 DIAMETER BAMBOO COLUMNS 80X80 TIMBER POST CONCRETE FOOTING

Floor Plans The house reflects the daily living needs of the Cambodian, entry porch or from the rear directly to the kitchen. whilst allowing for flexible future occupation of space depending on their lifestyle and working needs. The washroom includes a toilet and shower rose to encourage hygienic practices. The staircase provides a The ground plan is open in all directions, encouraging visual and spatial fissure between the washroom and living circulation flow throughout the site. The undercroft can be quarters of the house, to gently introduce hygienic practices modified to suit lifestyle, with provision of columns on grids but not overwhelming the families with programmatic to allow for structural additions. A septic tank is enclosed density. in metal sheeting, which can be accessed and maintained periodically. Two staircases provide access to the front

10 9

11 7

8 12

First Level 5 ENTRY PORCH 6 WASHROOM 7 STAIRS/STORAGE 8 LIVING SPACE 9 KITCHEN

A living and eating space combines with the kitchen at a slightly lower level to read as a larger volume. Structure feeds off the stair to provide shelving and storage for the living space, enough for them to keep a television or a shrine to buddha.

Second Level 10 SLEEPING/STORAGE 11 STORAGE/PARTITION 12 SLEEPING

The upstairs sleeping spaces are open to maximise airflow, and a storage shelf doubles as a privacy screen between the parents and the children depending on its level of occupation.

There is a constant changing of levels within a small program The kitchen provides amenities that encourage safe and that delineates changing use of space, and the explores the helathy living practices. A tap with clean running water for vertical axis to optimise spaces. washing food and produce runs into a basin, while a gas cooktop burns cleaner smoke for helathier breathing. The majority of the facade os operable and breathable to

allow air flow throughout the house and remove any buildup of heat throughout the day. These openings are also covered by large overhangs that allow these openings even during periods of heavy downpour, as Cambodia experiences its hottest season in its wettest months.

House Perspectives

Facing the dam

Rear entry

Roof planes

Front entry

Relationship with street

Front entry and flexible living space

Interior staircase

Living and kitchen

Sleeping quarters

House Sections STANDING SEAM TIN SHEET ROOFING THATCHED INSULATION 80DIA BAMBOO ROOF BATTENS BAMBOO WEAVE AWNING HINGE FLAP

EXTERIOR TIMBER BOARDS

80X140 HARDWOOD BEAM TIN SHEET DOUBLE HINGE FLAP

8 7 6

3 1

2 5

EVERY PIECE MATTERS

House Section 1:40

UNSW Cambodia Slum Relocation Project

1 STREET 2 HOUSE ENTRY 3 UNDERCROFT 4 UNDERCROFT STORAGE 5 VILLAGE

SCALE 1:20

6 LIVING/EATING 7 KITCHEN 8 STAIR/STORAGE 9 SLEEPING QUARTERS 10 STORAGE 11 SLEEPING QUARTERS

5 6

3 1 2

EVERY PIECE MATTERS

House Section 1:40

UNSW Cambodia Slum Relocation Project

1 UNDERCROFT 2 VEGETABLE PATCH 3 SEPTIC TANK 4 UNDERCROFT STORAGE 5 WAShROOM

SCALE 1:20

6 KITCHEN/LIVING 7 STAIRS 8 SLEEPING QUARTERS

House Model The house is designed to maximise the cross-directional winds throughout the day, even during heavy rainfall. The large overhangs protect the openings and the structure from rain, and spread a wide canopy for shading the living spaces within, below and surrounding. The house separates the living and washroom visually through varying volumes, but also through a central staircase which is introduced between the central column grid. Bamboo was drawn on to express its strength and potential for vertical stacking, and its tapering height pronounces a celebration of its characteristics.

Site Models The site models explore the various aspects that define it. The plywood model was a basis for producing the vacuum-formed models which delved into the hydraulics of the creek and dam at rest and at periods of high rianfall. An introduction of inlet and outlet gullies in the second vacuum formed modle show a consideration for the overflow of the dam, whic is inevitable.

WORK SHED The workshed is to be the first building constructed on site, and will provide storage and space to construct the rest of the site. Its internal space demanded to be free of internal columns or structure that would otherwise impede workflow or restrict the movement of large and bulky goods. A trussed portal frame presented itself to these demands, and is able to span large distances unsuooprted, allowing vehicular access beneath.

An undercover open space raised 2m for floods provides outside working space during the day time, with workbenches running its length. An internal working space is able to be locked up during the night and has an operable facade that allows the delivery of large pieces of timber directly inside. Large roof overhangs keep the spaces below cool, and offer substantial protection of the bamboo to the rain.

ROOF CLADDING

ROOF JOISTS LATERAL TRUSS SUPPORT

TRUSS FRAME 7

STORAGE & FIXTURES

WALL CLADDING & SHADING 3

COLUMNS

STAIRS FLOORING

FLOOR JOISTS FLOOR BEARERS 1

POSTS CONCRETE FOOTING

Work Shed Plan 1:100 1 Ramp 2 Open Workshed 3 Enclosed Workshed 4 Work Bench 5 Kitchen 6 Lock-up Storage 7 Access Doors

Workshed Model - Operable facade

GOAT SHED

ROOF CLADDING

The goat shed and work shed were to be derived from the same structure, for ease of construction and possible expansion in the future. The goat shed intends to house 60 goats initially, but if the project is successful, there is potiential for the shed to grow along its axis.

ROOF JOISTS

LATERAL TRUSS SUPPORT TRUSS FRAME 3

STORAGE & FIXTURES WALL CLADDING & SHADING

4 8

COLUMNS

STAIRS

8 7

FLOORING FLOOR JOISTS

FLOOR BEARERS POSTS CONCRETE FOOTING

Goat Shed Plan 1:100 1 Ramp 2 Feed Storage 3 Feeding Trough 4 Milk Storage 5 Milking Station 6 Ramp 7 Kidding Pen 8 Grooming Brush 9 Storage

The feeding troughs run along side the shorter lengths of the shed, covered by large overhangs to protect the goats and feed in heavy rainfall. Feed storage cupboard is in close proximity to the trough for easy feeding. A milking station provides an ergonomic working height and secures the goat to ensure a safe environment. Kidding pens can be enclosed to provide the kid with protection against the larger goats, or can remain open to allow goats to brush along side the broom heads for self-grooming.

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ZINC STANDING SEAM PANEL 35X35 BATIENS

80 0 BAMBOO SUPPORT CU LM ±5

80 0 BAMBOO CENTRAL RAFTER CUL M ±5

80 0 BAMBOO CENTRA L COLUMN CU LM ±5

BA RREL TROUG H BAMBOO MAT FLOORING

150 0 Ht\RDW OOr:J POST

8m SCA LE 1:50

COMMUNITY CENTRE The project brief asked for a community centre, but itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; specific requirements or expectations were fairly open to interpretation. It was important to understand the design cues presented by the scale of the site and the dynamics of the village. The first step was identifying the opportunities available and their defining spatial typologies.

Function

Considerations

Teaching/ Learning

Methods of Teaching Methods of Technology Classroom Implements

Eating/Talking

Furniture Food Fridge Storage

Working/ Creating

Furniture Tools Electricity

Storage

Security

Welcoming/ Inducting

Furniture Amenities Bedding

Religious/ Ceremonies/ Celebrating

Stage/Raised Platform Furniture

Buying/Selling

Furniture Stall/Market

Unknown Future Furniture Use

Discussing

Performing

Learning

Storing

Learning

Eating

Selling

+ + ++ +

Flexibility of space It became clear that there was more merit in looking at the community centre as a sum of parts that make up a whole rather than a singular element. This allows for maximum flexibility of program in any given space. Looking at cultural precedent, Cambodians congregate in small groups for a vairey of reasons in informal structures such as stalls, huts, platforms and sheds. These offer shade and shelter from tropical rains and are scattered throughout streets and throughout plots of land.

Rather than having one space that is rigid in form that partially satisfies the spatial demands of the users, a series of smaller spaces can satisfy the requirements to a fuller extent.

Decentralise Alistair Parvin, founder of WikiHouse explains a counterintuitive argument within architecture. He explains that we shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t build for the sake of building; buildings are the most expensive solution to any problem architects face. We are resourceful strategic thinkers and such should explore other alternatives. He futher explains that we should design at a smaller scale; design not for the few with a lot, but the many with a bit. This thinking can be translated to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Every Piece Mattersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; project which demands the innovative exploration and utilisation of space. What was initially a space reserved for the community centre in the heart of the site, could now be fragmented and scattered throughout it. This encourages a more even activation across the entire program, whereas a traditional community centre would unevenly gather people and cause congestion or ineffective use of space. These smaller installations Can perform a variety of functions within the community that allow for maximum interaction whilst remaining low-tech and practical. With the remaining space that was previously the community centre, this could be replaced with more houses. The more houses, the more families, the more stimulation of community interaction and therefore the further optimisation of the installations. Further tasks intended for the village can be undertaken by the adaptive re-use of the Workshed once complete, as it is onlyintended as a pivotal area for the construction of the site. Once completed, it can be repurposed.

Stall The stall is a low-tech community intervention built in bamboo that reiterates the cultural ties that the Cambodians have with the streetscape. There is opportunity to trade, sit and relax under its shade. It provides a lightweight buffer betwen the chaos of the road and the inner sanctum developed by the site. Layered platforms provide seats, shelves, benches or anything that could assist the families in their daily life. They are moveable for flexibility of function.

Bud A reconceptualisation of the humble platform that Cambodians sit on, the Bud provides seating and shade for families to relax or work on. They are planted at either end of the dam, with the intention of fishing work taking place here.

Bridge The placement of the bridges corresponds with the partitioning of the dam into the various stages of fish development, and therefor these bridges are a reflection of the relationship of fish and people. The dam represents not only employment, sustenance and income, but they encourage ainteraction with the water. These bridges foster that notion ofappreciation of nature, and draw inspiration from the skilled fish basket weavers.

BOULDER Design + Construct + Play

The boulder was constructed in one week with the assistance of an installer. The construction phase was the most valuable learning experience across this project. Despite having reasonable carpentry and construction capabilities, working on such a peculiar form challenged me to devise details and solutions on the spot that I would otherwise not have encountered.

The boulder was conceived as a structure to allow artist, Elle van Uden to showcase the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flow of movement in rock climbing as part of her honours thesis for the A+D Annual 2016. The boulder had to satisy three criteria; it had to stand alone as a structure without the rock climbing performance. It must be structurally sufficient to support the weight of climbing and it must incorporate a number of different climbing postures. The boulder as a sculpture was conceived as a stark black monolith that contrasted the white courtyard. The form was drew inspiration from the naval vessels, the human form and a desire to fashion the sculpture as a piece that responded to the courtyard. The high point of the boulder faces the tallest facade of the courtyard, the boulder simultaneously compliments and contrasts its context resulting in a striking element that does not feel out of place. The structural adequacy of the boulder was collaborated upon with AECOM engineering, for budgetary and time constraints the structure was made of structural pine. Another benefit of pine is that it could be easily assembled without the need for specialist equipment, this was important as I was constructing it myself in a narrow time frame. Finally, the postural composition of the boulder was devised around four positions; overhung, tapered, vertical and slab (respective images above). These four positions provided me with a framework to start fashioning the boulder with careful consideration of the transitions between each section to ensure that it provided to opportunity for fluid and expressive movement; creating a seamless unending traverse around the structure.