The sole principle of the ‘cracking effect’ represents the notion and theoretical beliefs that human understanding and behaviours are both reflected in the materials used for the constructions of buildings. Materials therefore in this context is viewed as certain kind of shared understanding in terms of societal values, implied divides based on numerous factors including religions, ethnicities, preferences and so on in relation to the varied groups of residents living within certain areas. The usual terminology for such ‘materials’ definition in this respect is what we usually refer to as social differentiation.
HOUSING PROPOSITIONS @ 609 WELLINGTON STREET PERTH Social differentiation is dependent on certain related and co-related variables. These variables, in turn, hinge on factors arising from occupation, education and wealth, generally. These variables therefore can be summarised as ‘classifying’ certain group of people belonging to same pattern of preferences as well as economic conditions in separating themselves through their preferred way of life, common interests as opposed to another group of dwellers from nearby neighborhoods. In short, this always creates evident sets of varied cultures simply based upon such ‘classifications’. This can also be easily linked to the abovementioned associated concept of ‘materials’ used for buildings.
The cracking concept when put into the context of Perth City is ‘subtle’ yet evident in separating social aspects of the environment between Perth CBD on St Georges Terrace, and the site on Wellington Street. One notable distinction is the street elevation that plays the rhythm of Wellington Street. This has transformed Wellington Street through the use of existing materials surrounding the site environs, and from the adjoining heritage buildings.
Corten steel, on the other hand, also represents time, while being the sole concept of this building. Corten steel is an excellent use for sculpture. Such weathering steel has been developed to eliminate the need for painting, while posing as stable rust-like appearance after being exposed to fluctuating weather throughout several years. Corten Steel when used as cladding for those one-bedroom and double-bedroom apartments is an indication of permanent tenancy – which implies the notion of tendency to be residing for long, or ‘indefinitely’.
Bricks (red bricks) have been there readily available on Wellington Street. Therefore, these red bricks truly pull off the cracking concept. These bricks are mainly found onsite around adjoining buildings. The rustic look arising from these red bricks is particularly fit for cracking concept indeed. Recycled ironbark timber represents the typology for this sort of housing, which also represents time. These timbers are predominantly viewed as the skin on the Wellington Street façade with strips. In addition, these timbers usually have the impact of reducing direct visuals into the apartment and hostel units by onlookers from outside the street.
SRD765 Architectural design & Resolution Name: Leslie Lai Student ID: 212079889
FLOOR PLAN
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ELEVATION
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FACADE
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FACADE WALL
TIMBER DOOR
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