Total : Past Present Future by HuiYuan_Koh

Design Thesis 05

TOTAL

Hui Yuan Koh (Rachel) | 799168 | Studio tutor : Yvonne Meng

Adaptive reuse is a non-invasive design intervention that repurpose a place of the past but what we create now through this intervention does not address further changes beyond the current needs. Society needs and values are always evolving and building should constantly evolve in order to keep up with that. Total House is an example that has a stagnant of growth and change due to its heritage status. Approximately two-third of Total House is car parking space and based on recent observation, it has been underused due to the decreasing of car ownership in Melbourne. The inactivation of space will eventually turn Total House into an urban blight and depreciation of its heritage value. This thesis project uses Total House as a testing ground to improve the practice of adaptive reuse into one that could repurpose for the current needs but also accommodate for the future evolution of the building.

Section

detail section

Level 17 - Office

Level 8 - Balcony

Level 1 - Retail

Level 17 - Office

Level 8 - Balcony

Level 1 - Retail

Ground Plan

North Elevation

West Elevation

Exterior perspective from Russell Street - Lt. Bourke Street

Exterior perspective from Russell Street - Bourke Street

RESEARCH JOURNAL

CONTENT 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Preliminary Thesis Proposal 2.1 Thesis statement v.1 2.2 Multi-level carpark 2.3 Reasons for adaptive reuse 2.4 Practice of adaptive reuse on carpark typology 2.4.1 Peckham Levels 2.4.2 QV8 Apartments 2.5 Total House research & analysis 3.0 Concept Design 3.1 Thesis statement v.2 3.2 Research & Analysis of carpark typology 3.3 Adaptive reuse challenges and solutions 3.4 Total House research, analysis and design 4.0 Sketch Design 4.1 Adaptive reuse design strategies 4.2 Total House sketch design 5.0 Resolved Design 5.1 Final thesis statement 5.2 Further research & Analysis 5.3 Total House final design

6.0 Appendix & Exploration 6.1 Total House Background Research 6.2 What is Adaptive Reuse? 6.3 Evolution of Adaptive Reuse 6.4 Abstraction of Total House Significance 6.5 Exploration of Massing and Programs 6.6 Exploration of Adaptive Reuse Built Form 6.7 Exploration of Design Strategies 7.0 Bibliography

1.0 INTRODUCTION This is a design thesis that studies and explores the topic of adaptive reuse. The thesis has went through multiple framing and refinement. It first starts as a project to investigate adaptive reuse of multi-level carpark using Total House as a testing ground. It then later shift to improve the practice of adaptive reuse that futureproof the building to accommodate the changing needs of society.

2.0 PRELIMINARY THESIS PROPOSAL

2.1 THESIS STATEMENT V.1

Car ownership has been declining due to the increasing awareness of climate change and the advancement of technology for other urban transport options. Melbourne is aiming to become a low-carbon city by reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, which leads to the trend of decreasing car dependency, improved public transport network, more cyclist and pedestrian friendly city. The increasing popularity of other urban transport options such as bicycle sharing, car sharing and ride-hailing is also another factor that enable a car-free lifestyle. As Melbourne used to be a high car ownership city, especially after post World War 2, this trend will leads to the underuse of multilevel carpark that are built at that time. This thesis will research on the practice of adaptive reuse of multi-level carpark space, hence to revitalize and prolong the life of the building through a more sustainable means.

2.2 MULTI-LEVEL CARPARK Post World War 2 period is when leading car manufacturer General Motors Holden began production of the Holden Sedan at Fisherman Bend at Melbourne (Davison 2008). During this time, car ownership increases because car is seen as a representation of progression and modernity, therefore having strong support from the then automotive focus government (Compare the Market n.d.). By 1950s, the high number of cars in the city leads to the implementation parking meters and multi-level parking stations (Davison 2008).

Fig 1 (left): Golden Square Car Park desined by Bernard Evans & Associates for Myer, built in 1955. https:// www.truelocal.com.au/business/ golden-square-car-park/melbourne Fig 2 (bottom): Parkade Carpark at 34 Collins Street designed by Peter Mclntyre, built in 1960s. Photo taken by Timothy Burgess. https://architectureau.com/articles/peter-mcintyre-carpark-mpavilion/#

Car parking occupy 4,412,000m2 of land use in City of Melbourne and it’s the third highest amount of land use in City of Melbourne based on the CLUE 2019 report (City of Melbourne 2019). From the collected data of Australian Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport, and Regional Economics (BITRE), we can see that there is an increase of mass transit use in Melbourne and the declination of Victorian car ownership since 2011 (Charting Transport 2019). Furthermore, outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 which result in the increase and acceptance of remote working also brought reduce the number of car use into the city. Assuming these trends will continue with the low-carbon city government policy and increasing popularity of ride-hailing, car and bike sharing such as Uber, Goget and Lime (Fishman et al. 2015). Multi-level carpark will be facing the problem of underuse and eventually needs to be demolish or repurpose. Instead of demolishing these underused multi-level carpark structure completely and construct a new building, adaptive reuse is a better option, provided the structural integrity of the carparks are in good condition.

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Table 1: Passenger cars per 100 residents. Victoria had a decling trend. Sourced from https://chartingtransport.com/2019/12/30/ update-on-australian-transport-trends-december-2019/ Table 2: Growth in passenger kilometers and population since 2004 between 4 major cities in Australian. Sourced from https:// chartingtransport.com/2019/12/30/ update-on-australian-transport-trends-december-2019/

2.3 REASONS FOR ADAPTIVE REUSE Based on Assefa & Ambler (Assefa and Ambler 2017), commercial building that undergoes selective deconstruction followed by repurposing has lesser environmental impact compare to complete demolition followed by new building construction. Through the quantitative assessment of building life cycle which include stages of material extraction and construction; maintenance, repair, and building elements replacement; and disposal, selective deconstruction and reusing show 20% to 41% less impact in assessed environment impact categories such as Fossil Fuel Consumption, Global Warming Potential, Acidification Potential, Human Health Criteria, Eutrophication Potential and Smog Potential (Assefa and Ambler 2017). This is because repurposing building can reduce wastage, material resources, embodied energy and environmental impact from transportation compared to new construction. In terms of economic and practicality, adaptive reuse allows increasing functional spaces

within the limited land of city center by repurposing underuse space and revitalize the place. A success of adaptive reuse example for economic reasons is seen especially through the Postcode 3000 strategy implemented by Melbourne in 1990s. It is initiated to facilitate and support residential development in the city center by marketing the highlevel vacancies in commercial building at the time as a housing development option. It is proven remarkably successful in changing people’s view towards living in the city and increasing the population in Melbourne CBD (Baird 1994). Some notable buildings that undergo residential conversion are Majorca House, Melbourne Terrace Apartment and Grand Central Apartment.

Fig 3 & 4 : Majorca House. Built in 1930, was an office building in the style of neo-Romanesque inspired by then popular Spanish Colonial Revival style. https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-105184996

2.4 PRACTICE OF ADAPTIVE REUSE ON CARPARK TYPOLOGY Compare to other typology such as residential, commercial and industrial factory, adaptive reuse of car park typology is still relatively new and unexplored. However, there are a few successful above ground carpark being converted into other uses in recent years. These case studies provide us an understanding of the qualities and challenges of carparks which would help us in forming the set of design strategies that could applied on carpark typology.

2.4.1 CASE STUDY 1: PECKHAM LEVELS Peckham Levels in London is an innovative workspace and community center repurpose from a seven-level underused above ground car park (Turner. Works n.d.). The brief is to create a temporary 5 years project that provide space and facilities for the local community of artists, makers, and entrepreneurs. Carl Turner Architects who won the competition and got the commission for this project uses minimal design intervention to repurpose the place. The use of expose and easily disassemble interior structure such as timber studs and OSB board suggest flexibility and temporary nature of the project. The ramps, a distinct feature of multi-level car park is design to use as an informal gathering space.(Turner.Works n.d.) There are a few major challenges of the project identified by the architect. Firstly, the new requirements in load-bearing capacity leads to the addition of carbon fibers placing along beams to support areas of denser use as the car park structure does not has sufficient load bearing

capacity for ‘live load’ created by moving people. Secondly, as the structure need to left unharmed due to the temporary nature of project, integrating building services such as plumbing and ventilation is a major problem. This is solved by using thin metal profiles under the beams to carry the services horizontally through the floor and a central riser that accommodates the services vertically. (Servie 2018)

BEFORE

Fig 5

Fig 6

The concrete floors are left uncovered showing the marking and writing on the them, serving as a reminder to the occupants the original function of the building. There is a strong contrast between the new and old: the playful and colourful new interior decorative against the monotone and orderly carpark structure; the new warm colour structure against the old cold colour structure; light weight timber structure against the mass concrete structure; the temporary against the permanent. The weaving of two juxtaposing elements gave a new identity and characteristic to the repurposed multi-level car park. Seeing the lease for this project that originally built for 5 years has been extended by another 20 years, it shows that the repurposing is successful and satisfied the community.

Fig 5 & 6: Peckham Level before it is repurposed. https://www.dezeen. com/2015/11/20/carl-turner-architects-collective-pop-community-ltd-peckham-car-park-conversion-studios-workshops/ Fig 7: After repurposed, minimal changes on the exterior of the building. Photo taken by author using Google Street Map. Fig 8,9 & 10: Interior space after adaptive reuse. Photo taken by Tim Crocker. https://www.wallpaper. com/architecture/peckham-levels-carl-turner-architects-london Fig 11: Section drawing by Carl Turner Architects. https://www.dezeen. com/2015/11/20/carl-turner-architects-collective-pop-community-ltd-peckham-car-park-conversion-studios-workshops/

AFTER

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2.4.2 CASE STUDY 2: QV8 APARTMENTS QV8 apartment in Melbourne is a project by Breathe Architecture and developer Grocon. The brief is to adaptively reuse the underuse top-level carpark of QV1 Residential Tower into 8 luxury apartments (Cheng 2015). They car park is divided into 8 apartments by re-use the existing shear walls, each of the apartment span across the site from north to south. Jeremy McLeod, design director of Breath Architecture stated that the challenge for them for repurposing the carpark are the ‘significant services of the tower above and the constricted ceiling heights within the existing carpark structure’ (Cheng 2015). The low ceiling heights of the apartment reminds the occupants of its original function as a car park. This feature is compensated with deep north facing balconies, ample of vegetation and beautiful view over the State Library of Victoria. (Breathe Architecture n.d.) With careful design consideration, it is possible to create a luxury living environment out of a car park.

Fig 12: QV8 Apartment before repurpose.Image by Bonnie Herring. https://architectureau.com/articles/ breathe-architecture-convert-a-disused-carpark-into-bespoke-apartments/#img-6 Fig 13, 14, 15: QV8 after repurposed. Photo by Peter Clarke. https://www. breathe.com.au/project/qv8

BEFORE

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AFTER

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2.5 TOTAL HOUSE RESEARCH & ANALYSIS (CREATIVE STUDIES) It is important ot identify the essence of Total House in order to create a successful adaptive reuse architecture that understand and respect the heritage significance of the building. First and foremost, part of it is a multi-level above ground carpark which represent the time after Post World War 2 when car ownership increases rapidly. Total House carpark has the distinctive characteristics of carpark typology which is the low ceiling height and ramps.

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Adding on to these characteristic, are the architecture language of Japanese brutalism shown in the post and beam structure on Level 7, the detail of concrete balustrade, the use of exposed concrete and the block mass form of the architecture.

The diagram investigate the relationship between the structural elements. It is a simple concrete post and beam structure with concrete slab. The type of concrete slab is flat plates

because the lack of beams. This may lead to deflection if more live load in introduce into the space. Level 7 is currently fuctioning as a open air carpark. It is the space

between the office block and the carpark. Not only the ceiling height of the carpark is a lot higher than the lower level, it also has a visual connection from the office balcony.

3.0 CONCEPT DESIGN

3.1 THESIS STATEMENT V.2

Due to the increasing awareness of climate change and the advancement of technology for other urban transport options in recent decades, car ownership has been declining, which means the decreasing of the needs for car parks. Based on City of Melbourne CLUE 2019 report, car parking occupied 4,610,000m2 of the city land use and is the third top built space after residential and office spaces. The trend of decreasing car ownership will eventually lead to the increasing of underuse multi-level carpark in the city. Instead of demolishing the carpark, we should opt for adaptive reuse as it is the most economically, environmentally and socially sustainable way to revitalize a place. Currently, there is a lack of in-depth study on the adaptive reuse of car parks typology. This thesis will research the characteristics and qualities of car park to find out the design opportunities in this typology, therefore create a set of design strategies that could be used to repurpose carpark.

3.2 RESEARCH & ANALYSIS OF CARPARK TYPOLOGY To create a set of design strategies for successful adaptive reuse of carpark, we first need to understand the qualities and structure of the common carpark typology. We will be focusing on analyzing and understanding the conventional parking which has diverse types of floor, ramp systems and column placement.

MINIMUM DIMENSIONS REQUIRED FOR CARPARKS There is a diverse variation of most practical cases. By having car parking structure, layout, a thorough understanding of the module, and design for different car parking dimensions, we were classes of carpark and situation. able to identify the opportunities For a clearer and more standard and challenges when repurposing analysis, we will be based on the space. the configuration of user Class 3 module for parking with the angle of 90-degree to the aisle, Minimum dimension for a car park we assume that this will cover

2400.0 3300.0

1000.0 4800.0

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1880

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2200.0

Structural depth Service space

99th percentile height of Australian male

TYPE OF RAMP AND FLOOR SYSTEMS According to Neufert & Neufert (Neufert and Neufert 2002), arrangement and design of floor and ramp system can be categorized into four types as shown on the side. R1 and R4 are flat floor types, which means they has a full span with minimum insertion of ramp in the structure, this allow a more flexible program and spatial arrangement as the ramp occupy only small parts of the floor. R2 has sloping floor which is an efficient design for car park as the floor act as both car parking space and circulation, but the issues are there is limited programs that could repurpose on slopes. R3 has a staggered floor structure, therefore ramps are shorter each floor, but due to the ramps located in the middle of the building, it is a challenge to create a flexible layout for the repurpose program.

COLUMN PLACEMENT These are the more commonly used column layout for a multistorey carpark, different column placement will affect the size and number of the columns. The placement will also lead R1 to different program use of the carpark. For example, C3 column placement will be favoured by program that need a clear span of space such as auditorium, gymnasium, and sport center. The façade and form design of R2 the car park structure will also be affected with the presence of edge columns. The cantilevered floor will create an illusion that the floor plates are floating above each other as seen in Total House. R3

Internal columns with edge columns

Internal columns with cantilever

Edge columns with clear span

3.3 ADAPTIVE REUSE CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS In these case studies, although car park pose challenges they were overcame and being repurposed into another functional space. The following table is a summary of the challenges of a car park and how they were solved based on the case studies we have studied. These solutions could be extrapolated to other similar project and act as a list of adaptive reuse design strategies for the interior of a carpark.

Challenges

Solutions

Insufficient or reduction of structural integrity

•

Low ceiling height

>=2.4m • Make it as a design feature of the space. • Compensate with other attractive building feature eg. large balcony space, well ventilated space.

Provide additional structural support eg. additional column support for low load bearing capacity, reinforcement for beams that are punctured for services.

<2.4m • Propose programs that do not require 2.4m floor height such eg. future transport hub, bicycle storage, toilet • Partial demolition and reuse material

Ramp structure

• • •

Insufficient daylight exposure

• • • • •

Make it as a design feature of the space. Propose suitable programs or spaces eg. interstial and informal space. Demolish and reuse material

Propose program that do not need daylight eg. cinema, nightclub Use white and translucent materials on interior structure. Open layout Create larger than average outdoor terraces. Partially demolition to create light well or atrium.

Flexibility and future proofing

•

Use of expose and easily disassemble structural elements.

Language of old and new

•

Preserve or reinterpret design feature of the original building eg. carpark signage Create contrast of the old and new function using colour, material, structural system and tectonic elements.

•

ADAPTIVE REUSE DESIGN STRATEGIES BUILT FORM As most of the multi-level above ground carpark has a standardized simple post and beam structural system, it is possible to reuse the existing structural system and continue the the building vertically, increasing the gross floor area for other functional uses. In terms adaptive reuse in a larger scale, there is a few suitable strategies such as insertion, parasites, and weavings. These strategies could be used in combitionation to create an intricate experience of old and new within the carpark.

Insertion Suitable for carpark that needs to preserve their exterior but require adaptive reuse on the interior.

Parasite This intervention well described the vertical addition of a carpark because the new structure relies heavily on the existing structural system of the carpark.

Weavings This method creates subtle differences between the old and new parts of building, It is suitable for preservation and repairing of a building that does not want a bold transformation.

3.4 TOTAL HOUSE RESEARCH, ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

ARCHITECTURAL LANGUAGE ‘Brutalism incorporated ideas of the integrity of expression of materials, structure and function. Total House reflects these ideals in differentiating the functional parts of the building andthe ‘honest’ display of its materials and structure. Total House is also an outstanding example of Japanese influence on architecture in Victoria in the post-war period.’ (VHD,2014)

Blockiness

Detailed Balustrade

Post and Beam Structure

Concrete materiality

CARPARK STRUCTURE ANALYSIS

2 types of column placements Cantilever columns : North and South side

Staggered / Half floor - one way circulation

Low ceiling height

2.3m

Edge and internal columns : Middle section

CONCEPTUAL MASSING Original Massing A 12 storeys building located on the corner of Little Bourke Street and Russell Street.

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Subtraction Total House has floor to ceiling height of 2.3m. Alternative floors are of the carpark is demolished to achieve a habitable height.

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Addition ‘Parasite’ design intervention is use for additional functional space. Structural system of the carpark is extended to support additional floors. Flexible floor plates that are easy to disassemble are used to create spaces for cars and other transport for future repurpose.

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Passive Design The existing office block has partial wall peeled off on the east and west side to allow more daylight exposure in the interior space. The floor plates of the office block are partially demolished to allow light penetration into the carpark below. Atriums also allow cross ventilation to occurs.

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TOTAL HOUSE : MATERIALITY

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The language of old and new is convey through the differences of material and also the interaction of old and new building parts. To contrast the cold concrete material, warm timber structure

and cladding is used to create a juxtaposition of old and new. Furthermore, timber structure are light weight, hence it is more structural feasible to be added over the concrete structure.

TOTAL HOUSE : PROGRAM ARRANGEMENT The program arrangement is formed based on several factor. First, there is a graduation of more public programs to private programs from ground to upper levels. Secondly, the requirement of daylight exposure is take into account, as transport hub and gallery require lesser daylight exposure, they are situated on the south side of the building, whereas the microbrewery is situated on the north for visitor to enjoy the warmth during the colder days. Third, by analysing which program benefit more from outdoor space, they are located on the level 7 of the carpark. There is a possibility for the microbrewery to run rooftop bar and the gallery could host outdoor exhibition.

Atrium

Office

Atrium

Gallery

Microbrewery

Carpark / Future transport hub

Retail

Vertical & horizontal circulation

4.0 SKETCH DESIGN

4.1 ADAPTIVE REUSE DESIGN STRATEGIES In these case studies, although car park pose challenges, they were overcame and being repurposed into another functional space with minimal demolition. The design strategies are split into two parts: the interior and the built form. The interior design strategies are a set of intervention the repurpose space within the carpark, wheras the built form strategies shows how the addition of new form interact with the old form with parasite intervention. The set of adaptive reuse strategies formed through the thesis project provide a body of knowledge to repurpose a carpark with the understanding of the existing form and order. This allow future practitioners and developers to consider the practice of adaptive reuse for the carpark typology as it is a more environmentally, economically and socially sustainable method to provide a new functional and experiential space for the urban landscape.

ADAPTIVE REUSE DESIGN STRATEGIES

INTERIOR

BUILT FORM

ADAPTIVE REUSE DESIGN STRATEGIES: INTERIOR The following table is a summary of the challenges of a car park and how they were solved based on the case studies we have studied. The solutions are then simplified into 5 key interior strategies that could be extrapolated to other similar car park repurposing projects with non-invasive interior intervention.

Challenges

Solutions

Insufficient or reduction of structural integrity

•

Low ceiling height

>=2.4m • Make it as a design feature of the space. • Compensate with other attractive building feature eg. large balcony space, well ventilated space.

Provide additional structural support eg. additional column support for low load bearing capacity, reinforcement for beams that are punctured for services.

<2.4m • Propose programs that do not require 2.4m floor height such eg. future transport hub, bicycle storage, toilet • Partial demolition and reuse material

Ramp structure

• • •

Insufficient daylight exposure

• • • • •

Make it as a design feature of the space. Propose suitable programs or spaces eg. interstial and informal space. Demolish and reuse material

Flexibility and future proofing

•

Use of expose and easily disassemble structural elements.

Language of old and new

•

Preserve or reinterpret design feature of the original building eg. carpark signage Create contrast of the old and new function using colour, material, structural system and tectonic elements.

•

ADAPTIVE REUSE DESIGN STRATEGIES: BUILT FORM As most of the multi-level above ground carpark has a standardized simple post and beam structural system, it is possible to reuse the existing structural system and continue the building vertically, increasing the gross floor area for other functional uses. In terms adaptive reuse in a larger scale, after analysing for the most suitable design intervention of design responses of new structure to existing car park structure(refer Appendix & Exploration 3.2), parasite were chosen for it’s high visual legibility and low invasiveness of existing building fabric. The idea of parasite is convey by using the existing car park as the ‘ground’ or ‘footing system’ of the new structure in order to build vertically. As city land is limited, vertical addition is a desirable way to repurpose and revitalize the underused car parks.

Parasite ‘The seam between the old and new is celebrated, and we are made aware of the existence of the different parts, and of their respective place in time.’ - Francoise Astorg Bollack

KEY STRATEGIES

Feature The unique architectural language of Total House is enhanced through highlighting the existing structure and translating them into the form and details of the new structure. By focusing on these characteristics in the old and new, cohesion could be achieved thoughout the building while conserving its architectural heritage values. Refunction Using the space and structural features of Total House for another suitable function. Through this strategies, designer is able to explore and realised innovative ways to repurpose the old while minimising the environmental impact of constructing new spaces. Compensate Car parks of Total House could gives visitors unpleasant feeling and spatial experience. That could be compensated with other desirable qualities in the building. This contrast of experience will enhance the spatial perception of the visitor, leading them to notice their surrounding environment more.

Demolish & Reuse When the option of demolishing is inevitable, the demolished structure should be salvage and reuse in another form to minimise wastage produce during the adaption of Total House.

Flexibility Spatial design and structure of Total House allow transformation for future change of need through ease of disassembly of structure and material.

LEVELS OF SIGNIFICANCE This part of the thesis identified and reflect the relative importance of elements and area of Total house. The levels of significance should inform the design approach of adaptive reuse on Total House in the future as well. There is three levels of significance: primary significance, contributory significance and little or no significance. (Lovell Chen, 2018)

Primary significance Elements of this level are structures of original building that is identified as significant based on Victorian Heritage Database Report. These elements could undergo minor changes, or if the changes are major, they should represent major original site elements which is the expression of Japanese Brutalist architecture. These elements should be retained and conserved. They should not be demolished, removed or undergo major alteration to provide adaptation and development, but restricted and sensitive alteration may be considered. Elements of primary significance includes: - Cruciform column and beam on Level 7 carpark - Balustrade on Total Carpark - Balconies on Level 8

Contributory significance Element of this level are secondary elements of the site which contribute and support the whole building form and structure. These elements should be retained and conserved. They should not be demolished, removed or undergo alteration, but more flexibility is given for change to provide adaptation and development of Total House ongoing use. Addition and alteration needs to reflect the expression of Japanese Brutalist architecture. Elements of contributory significance includes: - Floor plates and columns of Total House - Ramps of Total Carpark - Glass facade of Total Office Building - Basement Theater

Little or no significance Element of this level are no original elements of the site or adaption that do not involve sympathetic reconstruction or reinstatement of original details. These elements can be retained, removed or replaced. Alteration or replacement of these elements should regards on their potential to impact element or spaces of primary or contributory significance. Elements of little or no significance includes: - Interior of Total Office Building - Interior of Basement Theater - Ground floor shops and facilities

4.2 TOTAL HOUSE SKETCH DESIGN ‘ In the nature of space is the spirit by the extension of existing and the will to exist in a certain way, columns into the addition building Design must follow closely that will.’ structure on top The interior spatial distribution and programs - ‘Order Is,’ Louis Kahn, 1960. of whole building is then design in response to the structural system. In the practice of adaptive reuse, order is acknowledged through A distinct factor that differ Total the understanding of existing House to other car park is its structure and materiality - any heritage significance condition. changes within or onto the This is addressed by extracting architecture needs to take in and implementing the essence account of the order. of existing building architectural language into the new form and Every typology has their own spatial quality. unique order. The existing multilevel carpark typology that is Also the design has minimal built in mid 20th century are demolition of existing Total predominantly of reinforced House building fabric in respect concrete slab construction with to the heritage significant of the a functional yet simple building building and the objective of block form. Essentially, the minimising construction wastage. order of multi-level carpark is a structure consist of repetition of floor plates and columns with exposed concrete materiality. The set of adaptive reuse strategies are derived from the order of multi-level carpark. In this project, Total House acts as a testing ground for this strategies. In the parasite intervention of built form, the order is followed

The structural system, building core and layout of existing building is kept other than the demolition of some floor plates in the car park to provide habitable space that has floor to ceiling height of 2.4m and above. On ground floor, some car parking space is converted into retail stores. An arcade space that connects Little Bourke Street and Russell Street is created as a design response to the surrounding Melbourne laneway and arcade culture. Additional elevator is provided to accommodate the vertical addition of building form. I believe that cars will be replaced by another form of transport service that produces less carbon footprint such as bicycle, electric car or car sharing services. Therefore, instead of car park, it is refunction into a transport hub.

Retail

Retail Retail

Retail

Loading zone Retail Loading zone

Retail Retail

The new built form act like a parasite that latch onto the structural system of existing Total House, depending the old structure to support the new addition. The old and new is made clear with the choice of material palette. New form consist of warmer colour and uses engineered timber structure. The choice of timber material is also driven by environment sustainable motive.

A1.1 A1.2

Lt B

ou rk

A1.3

NIGHT CL

LUB

A1.1 Office hallway

Demolish & reuse

A1.2 Atrium

Refunction

Design feature

Demolish & reuse

A1.3 Retail stores

Smart planning

Refunction

The fenestration of addition building form response to the Melbourne climate and is the abstraction of the detailing of the balustrade on the existing carpark structure. The blockiness of the form response to the blockiness of the architectural language of Japanese Brutalism of Total House. The post and beam is the continuity of the structual order and architectural language of Total House. These design elements on the new form is made obvious with the distinct change of materiality.

5.0 RESOLVED DESIGN While reevaluating and reflecting on the relevance of thesis hypothesis that focus on repurposing carpark typology. I have realised that Total House is not a good testing ground to investigate the repurposing of carpark typology due to its height restriction of 2.3m which is below habitable room height of 2.4m. To take out every second floor of the carpark to provide habitable space will make the thesis of repurpose carpark with minimal demolition less meaningful. Furthermore, there is a lack of addressing of the heritage significance of Total House, which is the main topic of the thesis studio when investigating adaptive reuse of carpark typology. Therefore, we taken a step back and question the future of adapted reuse building. Can we easily repurpose a building that had undergo adaptive reuse?

5.1 FINAL THESIS STATEMENT

5.2 FURTHER RESEARCH & ANALYSIS FUTUREPROOF Adaptive reuse with futureproof is to create form and structure that allow people to speculate and ponder. The design foreshadow what is going to happen. Visual cues of extra large beams or extra spacious room constantly remind the users that the building will undergo evolution. ELEMENTAL‘s half housing projects that has half finished structure allows residents to expand their housing in the future. The idea of incremental housings has high potential as a futureproof feature in Total House.

https://www.archdaily.com/447381/villa-verde-housing-elemental

BUILDING LAYERS AND THEIR LIFETIME

(Koh, 2020) (3XN, 2016) (Brand, 1995)

DESIGN FOR DISASSEMBLY

Design for disassembly is a key idea to promote flexibility in a building for future changes. As timber structural system is used in the addition floors of the project to contrast the existing concrete structure of Total House and for practical reason such as lighter in weight, we looked into case studies and research done by 3XN. (3XN architects, 2016) From the case studies we understand that for ease of disassembly, it is best to design connections that are reversible, accessible, and mechanical. New timber load bearing structure that is design for ease of disassembly has also been investigated (Fig.x).

Fig 16. 3XN Architects offices. Photo by Adam Mork. https://officesnapshots.com/2015/09/07/3xn-architects-copenhagen-offices/ Fig 17. Timber connections with bolts and carvings that can be easily disassembled. Photo by Adam Mork. https://issuu.com/3xnarchitects/docs/building_a_circular_future_3__2_

Fig 18. new timber prototype, developed by Tinus Bengt Petersen. Image taken from Building a Circular Future 3rd Edtion by 3XN Architectshttps://issuu.com/3xnarchitects/docs/building_a_circular_future_3__2_

MODERN JAPANESE WOODWORKING INSPIRED CONSTRUCTION Total House’s Japanese Brutalism has influenced from Japanese traditional timber construction which could be seen from the cruciform column and beam detail on level 7 and on the carpark balustrade. Research and case studies of Japanese timber construction helps in designing structural system of the project. With new fabrication technology and increased CNC precision, Japanese timber construction has been rediscovered and has potential to inform the new era of tall timber buildings. (Anagnostou, 2017) In this project, we have attempted to create timber connections that are both easy to disassemble and has the essence of Japanese timber joints as part of the architecture language of Total House. Although it inaccurate due to the lack of structural consultation and understanding of the new prototype, we learned that it is possible to show both essence of Total House and the practicality of design for disassembly throught the detail connections of building elements.

Fig 19. Interior of Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum. Photo taken by Takumi Ota Photography. https:// www.archdaily.com/199906/yusuhara-wooden-bridge-museum-kengo-kuma-associates Fig 20. Timber connection of Nest We Grow. Photo taken by Shinkenchiku Sha. https://www.archdaily. com/592660/nest-we-grow-college-of-environmental-design-uc-berkeley-kengo-kuma-and-associates

5.3 TOTAL HOUSE FINAL DESIGN

TOTAL

P A S T PRESENT FUTURE

Key Concept Diagrams

FORESHADOWING

Incompleteness

Solid & Void

Permanent & Transient

Key Design Strategies

MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

Ease of disassembly

High reusability

Frame & Infill

Conceptual Massing

Original Massing A 12 storey building located on the corner of Little Bourke Street and Russell Street.

Subtraction Total House has floor to ceiling height of 2.3m. Alternative floors of the carpark is demolished to achieve a habitable height.

Addition Additional functional space is build and supported by the extension of existing structural system. Flexible floor plates that are easy to disassemble are installed to accommodate current and future needs. Existing column will be reinforced to support new load from the additonal floors.

Celebration of heritage New building extension is pull back on the North to reduce overshadowing the existing Total House, providing maximum visibility of the overall building, New and old parts of building are met on the south side where the balcony used as a viewing platform of the juxtaposition of building of different time period and material.

Passive design Light well are carve through the new and old massing to allow more daylight exposure of the interior space. The atrium also provide stack ventilation effect though the building, reducing energy require for HVAC system.

Ground Plan

Upper Floor Plans

On the ground floor, retail stores are built with flexible wall where it could be move to combine multiple stores to create larger space. The retail interface is kept to keep consistence with the surrounding building interface. Total House Arcade which is inspired by the Melbourne laneway and arcade culture provides covered area for visitors and access to more retail stores that are repurposed from carparks. The repurposed and new addition of Total House is design in a modular structural framework and configuration that allow the ease of interior wall changes and expansion of space within the built framework. Column grids on the new floors are slightly modified to have equal distance between columns.

North Elevation

West Elevation

Section

detail section

The decreasing of car ownership has leads to the decision of reducing the amount of car parking space in Total House but they are not removed completely as they could be converted into a transport hub for bike parking and provide space for urban transport services such as share car. As the existing car parking floors have a floor to ceiling height of 2.3m, it could not be converted into habitable space with minimum requirement of

2.4m floor to ceiling height for other programs. Therefore, every second floor of the carpark are demolished to provide space for more flexible spatial planning in the future. Ramps are reused as informal spaces and circulation to move around the repurposed carpark structure.

Demolished concrete structure will be reused to create street furniture within the building or downcycled into aggregates to create concrete floor or wall panels for new parts of Total House. Not only does this reduce the construction wastage, it also represent and celebrate the old structures by adapting them into a new form that serve the current society need. The balcony on the south is where people can witness the

celebration of old and new, where two contrasting structure comes together.

The vertical extension are new office space that consists of shared ammenities such as kitchenette, break room, conference room and rooftop gardens. The use of material also foreshadow the changes that would happen. Solid and light material reflects permanent and transient of building structure. The solid concrete panels indicate that the building will not be extending this direction,

where as the perforated screen indicate that the wall is temporary and expansion could occur. The expansion of the building is also guided by the structural framework to prevent situation such as overshadowing or blockage of daylight into deeper parts of the building.

CLT beams and columns

Wood fibre board/ cellulose insulation/ OSB board connect with threaded rod

Raised floor used as service space and easier to reconfigure and accomodate building services. Hollowcore concrete floor panels are lightweight and could regulate thermal condition. Curtain wall Removable screen panels

0.5

1.0

2.0m

Detail Section - Office

An attempt to design timber column and beam connection based on Japnese woodworking principle.

Mortise and Tenon joint connection

Configuration of column and beams

Structure

Services

Space

Stuff

Configuration of building elements

Exterior perspective from Russell Street - Lt. Bourke Street

Exterior perspective from Russell Street - Bourke Street

Level 17 - Office

Level 8 - Balcony

Level 1 - Retail

Level 17 - Office

Level 8 - Balcony

Level 1 - Retail

6.0 APPENDIX & EXPLORATION

6.1 BACKGROUND RESEARCH Name: Year built: Function:

Total House. 1965. carpark, office, entertainment venue.

Architecture has strong social and cultural influence of different time period. In 1960s, post-World War 2, there’s a significance increases in car ownership leading to the demand of carparks in the city of Melbourne(Heritage Council Victoria, 2014). The rapid growth in the social and economic aspect has further influence the society to embrace the modernistic design language of ‘form follows function’; which displayed strongly by the utilitarian characteristic of Brutalist architecture, in a more extreme way. Total House is one of the first and intact brutalist architecture that brings us the association of this major event of the second half of 20th century, with its hybrid but distinctly separated functions of multilevel carpark, office and nightclub (Heritage Council Registrations Committee, 2014). Late 1950s, Japanese influence was seen in many Western cultures, including Australia. During that period, the style of

brutalist modern architecture peak in Japan, which leads to the creation of Japanese brutalism inspired architecture such as Total House. Therefore, Total House is also seen as significant in the cultural aspect of certain period in Melbourne (Heritage Council Registrations Committee, 2014). 60 years has past, it is heritage listed but stuck with an owner who prefers to knock the building down. Broken elevator, leaky roof, stuffy rooms. What is the meaning of heritage listed building to a building occupant? It is now just a poorly maintained building.

6.2 WHAT IS ADAPTIVE REUSE?

Adaption /adəpˈteɪʃ(ə)n/

Define by Burra Charter as ‘changing a place to suit the existing use or proposed use.’

Reuse /riːˈjuːz/

(noun) Definition from Oxford Language: the action of using something again.

‘One of three destinies for existing structures, adaptive reuse, in contrast to demolition and preservation, perpetuates a continuum of growth and change. Routinely referred to as “transforming an unused or underused building into one that serves a new use, the practice of adaptive reuse is rich and varied and its importance includes not only the reuse of existing structures but also the reuse of materials, transformative interventions, continuation of cultural phenomena through built infrastructure, connections across the fabric of time and space and preservation of memory— all of which result in densely woven narratives of the built environment with adaptive reuse as their tool. ”’

(Wong 2016)

6.3 EVOLUTION OF ADAPTIVE REUSE The act of changing existing building for new functions is nothing new, this could be seen in Augustus’ Porticus Octaviae, a colonnad civic enclosure first built during the Roman Empire. From this single structure, the act of overwriting of different civilization is seen from the architecture layers that is superimposed on each other, creating a living collage (Wong 2016). Until 18th century, buildings mostly undergoes alterations due to practical and economic reasons. In the 19th century, due to French Revolution, the idea of ‘heritage’ become important and hence the beginning of cultural heritage conservation and the debate of century regarding to the means to handle the physical remains of the past eras.(Plevoets and Cleempoel 2019) The two opposing views that dominates the debate are from the restoration movement initiated by Eugene Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc and the conservation movement led by John Ruskin and William Morris. (Plevoets and Cleempoel 2019) Post-World War 1 period is when the international documents on modern conservation policy being formulate. According to ideas set out by the International Congresses of Modern Architecture in 1933, historic

buildings should be preserved only under specific conditions and were to be seen as ‘isolated monuments’ in the modern urban fabric. This leads to a clear split between conservation and modern architecture. Conservationist aim to conserve the residual of the post-war period and adapting it to the modern world, while supporter of modern architecture disregard exisiting architecture as they are consider as obstacle to the development of new techniques and towards the future. (Plevoets and Cleempoel 2019) In 1970s, the concept of ‘adaptive reuse’ was then established as a creative discipline with theoretical bases as a result of the reconsideration of the concept of conservation which is reflected in 1964 Venice Charter, stating ‘the conservation of monuments is always facilitated by making use of them for some socially useful purposes.’ Another defining published text is Architecture as Palimpsest by Radolfo Machado, he states ‘If an original building is considered as a first discourse that conditions future formal discourses to be inscribed upon it, then remodelling can be conceived of as rewriting.’

Year

architecture vs conversation

significant event

significant architect/ theorist

France revolution

- Eugene Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc - John Ruskin - William Morris

- Architecture - Conservation

19th C

20th C

1960s

- Architecture = neo-gothic - Conservation

Architecture = modern architecture

Conservation

Architecture = contemporary Adaptive Conservation architecture Reuse

Post World War I Athen Charter

Venice Charter

- Carlo Scarpa - Raphael Moneo - Sverre Fehn -Radolfo Machado (Architecture as Palimpsest)

Origi

1300

1400

Castelvecchio Museum, Verona O: 1356, castle / ruin T: 1973, museum

military

church

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Rome O: 306, bath / ruin T: 1564, church

Selxyz Dominicanen bookstore, Maastricht O: 1294, church T: 2007, bookstore

commercial civic/ infrastructure

Original typology

factory/ warehouse

ruin / castle

1200

Fondaco dei Tedeschi, Venice O: 1228, trading center / custom house / post office / monument T: 2016, commercial and cultural center

Vindrac-Alayrac Culture Center, Vindrac-Alayrac O: 1400s, church T: 2020, cultural center

1500

1600

inally built timeline

1700

Library Escuelas Pias, Madrid O: 1729, school / church / ruin T: 2004, library

1800

1900

Neues Museum, Berlin Kolumba Art O: 1855, museum / ruin Museum, T: 2007, museum Cologne O: 1853, museum / ruin T: 2007, museum

Park Spoor Noord, Antwerp O: 1873, industrial zone T: 2009, park & recreational center

OFF Piotrkowska, Lodz O: 1889, factory T: 2011, creative space

2000

Kunsthaus Tacheles, Berlin O: 1907, former arcade / ruin T: 1990, art center

C-Mine, Genk O: 1908, coal mine T: 2010, creative hub

Park Avenue Armory, NYC O: 1881, military facility T: ongoing, convention and event space

Station Atocha, Madrid O: 1851, train station T: 1992, commercial complex

Former prison, Hasselt O: 1859, prison T: 2012, university

Palais de Tokyo, Paris O: 1920, museum T: 2014, museum

SESC Pompeia, Sao Paulo O: 1920, factory T: 1986, social center

6.4 ABSTRACTION OF TOTAL HOUSE SIGNIFICANCE

SIGNIFICANT OF TOTAL HOUSE architectural significance

social significant

Japanese Brutalist Architecture

Car ownership Total House

Basement Entertainment Venue

social significant

ESSENCE OF TOTAL HOUSE Japanese Brutalist Architecture

Concrete materiality / stylistic language & elements

sustainable transport (bicycle storage) Total House

Atmospheric quality

Basement Entertainment Venue

delivery bike rest spot?

Car ownership

6.5 EXPLORATION OF MASSING & PROGRAMS

6.6 EXPLORATION OF ADAPTIVE REUSE BUILT FORM

During the thesis project, I referred to Francoise Astorg Bollack, Old Building New forms : New Directions in Architectural Transformations on the conceptual approach of adaptive reuse in existing building. He had categorised projects into 5 types of intervention, drawing conclusion to different type of conceptual strategies. This comparative studies present useful insights on suitable adaptive reuse built form design strategies that could be applied on the car park typology. The following exploration investigate the suitability of each conceptual strategies on an above ground multi-level carpark and in this exercise using Total House as a testing ground.

Two criteria are used to evaluate each strategy in relate to the carpark typology is made: Legibility - This measure the visual interaction of the new and old form. High rating indicate strong clashing of new and old, whereas low rating indicate a more subtle design response Invasiveness - This measure how much of the existing structure is demolished. High rating indicate high amount of demolishing work.

Legibility: Invasiveness:

Insertion ‘The container is the carrier of memories and emotions, and the insertion provides ‘the new’ (new uses, a new sensibility and a new relevance for the existing structure which is reanimates) literally.’ This method encourage the uses of existing structure building skin due to its heritage lineage. Modern carpark in the city lack architectural and historical significance hence this method will not be as successful on car park typology. In the case of

Total House, this method is worth of testing, as it is a heritage listed building. As carparks are consider a modern infrastructure, there will be lesser visual impact between the existing skin and new interior due to the lack of historical presence. To use only the skin of carpark and carve the structure within the carpark, it will involve high amount of demolition.

Legibility: Invasiveness:

Parasite ‘...the new piece attaches itself to the side or the top of the original building and becomes one with it as it depends on the original structure.’ The seam of old and new is celebrated and the bold design response make visitor to be aware of their existence at different time period. As carparks in the city are usually sits right at the boundary, any extension of space needs to be built vertically. The existing

structure is then be treated as a footing system of new structure, conveying the idea of parasite intervention. It is suitable strategy that could be generalise and implement on general carpark that require an increase of gross floor area. The clash of old and new are clearly visible when implement on above ground carpark and as it relies heavily on existing structural system, it require minimal demolishing of old structure.

Legibility: Invasiveness:

Juxtaposition ‘...the addition stands next to the original building and does not engage in an obvious dialogue with the older structure...This formal separation of two worlds adds to the value of each.’ There is a subtle interaction between the old and new form. The new building usually follow a certain design order of the existing building but create a visual separation using distinct styles, material palettes, colour, textures or volumetric abstraction.

It is not a suitable intervention with general car parks in the city with the lack of style and ground to build beside the existing building. To achieve that visual separation means the demolishing of existing carpark structure. In a high building density area, visual separation of new form will result in new project looking like any two building sitting side by side in the city.

Legibility: Invasiveness:

Wrap ‘This type of intervention weaps the older structure in a new mantle: the addition may spread an overhead umbrella to provide protection to a buildings that has become fragile or it may encapsulate an older, smaller structure in an all-around enclosure’ This intervention essentially provides protection to the old existing building or put it in a glassbox to exhibit the old building.

The carpark is not a fragile piece of artifact that needs to be encased and protected. The concept strategy is fundamentally not suitable for the carpark typology.

Legibility: Invasiveness:

Weaving ‘The architect proceeds by editing the existing elements of the older structure, leaving some intact, foregrounding some features, and underplaying or eliminating others while working the new elements over and into the existing fabric. It becomes impossible to have an image of the new as a separate object because it has become inseprable from the old.’ The weaving intervention is mainly seen in ruins or building that is partially damaged. To weave the new elements into

the existing fabric of carpark means replacing functionally usable element of a carpark for a new structure. It also means going against the idea of minimal demolition.

These diagrams is an attempt to use the conceptual strategies mention in the previous section on the base on program and massing.

6.7 EXPLORATION OF DESIGN STRATEGIES

Design devices to create A Dialogue Hyperbole The significant architectural characteristics of Total House is enhanced through highlighting the existing structure such as the ramp, balustrade and the post and beam structure. By exaggerating the old form through a new touch, it will bring attention to the heritage features of the building.

Homonym Using the space and structural features of Total House for another suitable function. Through this strategies, designer is able to explore and realised innovative ways to repurpose the old into a new meaning while minimising the environmental impact of constructing new spaces.

Juxtaposition The old and new space of Total House is juxtapose through material. This contrast and dissimilar character will enhance the spatial perception and experience of the visitor, resulting in further appreciation of the heritage building.

Motif The motif of Japanese Brutalism exhibit on existing structure of Total House will be abstracted and translated into different scale of forms in the new design.

Foreshadowing This strategy is used to hint the future change that is going to occur in the building by using structural system that could be disassemble easily when the spatial changes are needed.

Total House Architecture language:

Inspired by:

Blockiness

Balustrade

Crucifrom Structure Kagawa Prefectural Office by Kenzo Tange Concrete materiality

Carpark structure

Derived from:

Brutalism ideal of differentiating functional parts of the building

How the new form create dialogue with the old form: Motif: New addition blocks will mimick the blocky and dramatic form of existing Total House. Foreshadowing: using engineered timber panel and recycled concrete panels contribute to the form of blockiness. Precedent: Prostho Museum by Kengo Kuma

Japanese carpentery technique

Brutalism ideal of ‘honest’ display of its material and structure

Rise of car ownership post world war 2 which has cultural significant value for Total House

Motif: Timber connection that uses japanese carpentery technique. Large scale - column and beam connection; small scale - door knobs. Juxtaposition: Contrasting old and new space, form and structure using two different material: timber (new) and concrete (old). Both structure expose keeping the ideal of ‘honest’ display.

Hyperbole: Highlighting the ramp with paint and lighting to bring people’s attention to its significant past as carpark. Highlighting existing balustrade by installing lighting to illuminate it at night. Homonym: Adapting structure (ramp) and spaces (2.3m carpark space) for other suitable use needs. (resting area, bicycle storage)

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