Design Concept

drawing inspiration from a fertile valley

BUILDINGS THAT ARE ALIVE

The concept of the campus hub is to change and evolve like a living organism. This will be in line with the seasons and weather conditions. The idea of the campus hub is for it to meet the diverse needs of students and provide a high stimulus enriching environment in which to study and connect.

Site Response

Two activated facades Two activated facades to correspond to the traffic through the site.

Connection with Stage 1 + 2 Use the campus hub as a bridge to connect stage 1 + 2

Connection with Transport have the site be in direct connection with the proposed transport hub

Orient the building so that it provides diversity of light spaces Have the building form orientated and sculpted to take advantage of the sun path.

Provide protection from the wind orient the building so that it provides users protection from the wind and does not cause a wind tunnel

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biomorphic forms and patterns

The biomorphic form of the campus hub was inspired by the valleys of the East African Savanna. Wilson’s savanna theory suggests that valley was is most optimum landscape environment for evolutionary development. The valley contains multiple prospect points, a water source, protected areas from the harsh elements and is ecologically diverse. The form developed from the starting point of the flat plain. It was then manipulated to better emulate the shape of the valley with its high sides and low bottom. Finally the form was further manipulated to accentuate walls of the valley to provide two prospect point depths and aesthetic interest.

flat plain valley extrude form

Massing

Program

The required functions for a campus hub are fitted into a 7 storey volume. By breaking up the form into individual blocks there will be better opportunities for engagement and application of the 6 principles.

Articulating Spaces

The campus hub will be undulated to form the shape of the east african valley and to provide prospect

Evolving Spaces

A biomorphic shape has been formed by using parametric design to imply the evolving of nature

Green Spaces

Green spaces will feature heavily indoors and outdoors to aid in the reconnection with nature. It will also serve the duel purpose of study and alternative learning spaces

Response to Principles

The campus hub form has been designed to reflect the various aspects of the redefined principles outlined in the background section. In particular the hub responds to the prospect principle in the shape of the massing. In addition to prospect the campus hub features a series of outdoor terraces that are intended to be used as not only outdoor space but as vertical circulation.

The idea of the hub is for the glazing of the walls facing the centre of the valley to be able to be opened up and for the users to be able to use both interior and exterior space as if there was no distinction between the two. This design move responds to the 5th principle, connection with natural systems. By allowing for the building to open up people are forced to be ‘outside’ while experiencing a level of elemental protection. The ability to be in a well-ventilated space also has some benefits in the current COVID-19 climate. Research suggests that less virus is transmitted in a well-ventilated space such as an outdoor market compared to an enclosed space such as a shopping centre. When universities look to the future where global pandemics may be more of an issue it is important to respond for the architecture of future campus buildings to these potential threats.

Mystery has also been considered in the design of the form. The proposed entrances have been placed in the centre of the valley in an unexpected place. There is a journey that one must undertake to find the entrances and it forces the users to walk around the building with the valley initially obscured, therefore when they finally do see the valley it is even more welcoming.

prospect

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The redefinition of Browning’s principles determined that there needed to be two main prospect points in the exterior of the building, one short and one long. The long prospect in the high point of the hub allows the user to view the park as well as the transportation hub. The short prospect looking into the interior of the valley allows the user to connect with other users of the building and provided visual interest.

connection with natural systems

Source: Grimshaw Fishermans Bend Masterplan

Connection with natural systems will be achieved in the design of the campus hub by using the terraces to host a myriad of local native plants. The landscaping will need to be designed to further promote the use of the outdoor space for the users and allow them to also have a tactile connection with nature. The plants that will be used may also have a deciduous element or have a visual change throughout the seasons in order to visually cue the users to the passing if time.

mystery

N

By creating a shear façade at the southern side of the building providing a visual obstruction for users approaching the campus hub the building will promote curiosity. As users walk around the campus hub approaching the two entry points they will slowly start to the view the large valley structure that the terraces provide. Creating intrigue.

visual connection to nature

The visual connection to nature has been achieved by placing green space in the valley, also green space will be placed in the interior of the building in a series of courtyards.