Unity Plaza- Architecture Studio Folio PT1

About Me

I was interested in Architecture from a young age growing up in a family of builders and engineers. I am forever told to make things practical and build able which is what I would like to pursue in my future of designing. I also have an interest in communication design, designing logos and product packaging for companies. I have worked with Wellwood Walnuts, Pentland Calisthenics College and The Tasty Lyks to create their branding.

My skills consist of practicality of design, technical drawing and detailed aspects of projects. I have an interest in Sustainability and the way we need to design for our future.

I have experience in Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit, Adobe and CAD programs. This experience has been conducted through my High School and University studies being pushed further with every project and idea.

In completing this unit I aim to expand my knowledge of architecture and history through research and analysis of non-white migration to Australia, in particular Melbourne and the Yarra River corridor.

Tasks 1-3 have been completed in collaboration with Nathan Ghanakas, Nathan Flynn, Jason Fagliarone, Hugo Leo.

TASK 7: Updated Group Framework.......................................................................

TASK 10: Individual Project.....................................................................................

TASK 1: Theme Mapping........................................................................................

TASK 2: Multi-Layered History Mapping.................................................................

TASK 3: Urban Space & Monument Scale..............................................................

TASK 4: Memory Architecture Precedent - Matrimandir, Auroville, India................

TASK 5: Preliminary Framework: Themes, Sites, Opportunities, Concepts............

TASK 6: Concepts, Program, Schedule of Accommodation....................................

TASK 8: Feel, Space, Form.................................................................................... SITE

TASK 7: Updated Group Framework: Themes, Sites, Opportunities, Concepts -

Themes

PRIMARY THEMES

Non-White Migration

Transport

SECONDARY THEMES

Light Connections/ Bridges Community/ Unity Promote Peace Sport/ Games

Framework Statement

Our primary themes are non-white migration and transport both of which have shaped the site and our individual projects. We aim to create an opportunity for a collective place of memory towards non-white migration, specifically from early 1800- 2000’s. The narrative will support the idea of celebrating the diverse culture and multiculturalism in Melbourne, by commemorating displaced past ancestors and migrants from around the world. Currently Melbourne comprises of 140 cultures, and is what makes a large percentage of the population. Our objective is to promote peace and unity between cultures, by integrating communities that respectfully remind individuals of their home and sense of belonging.

The chosen area of interest relates heavily to non-white migration and multiculturalism, via the sports grounds and the Sidney Myer music bowl. New development proposal will be situated between the Yarra River, throughout the sporting precinct and up to the park off Jolimont Street. Each space will be unique to cultures and or countries that will hopefully identify these groups in conjunction. The central location (Melbourne Park) will coax people inwards to join together as a wider community whilst enabling people to reflect on the use of the land and what culture it is representing or symbolizing.

Within Melbourne, Victoria, Australia is where the Sporting Precinct lies. This space has a rich multicultural life and looks over the old Jollimont rail yards. We proposed to create a new multicultural precinct from the MCG, bridging the railways, connecting the urban space to the Yarra River. The space is open and easily accessible from Flinders Street Station, Jollimont Station, Richmond Station or via the Yarra River making it a great point of location for design development.

Spatial Plan

1. Culture Island Nathan G

2. Leisuredrome Hugo

3. Unity Plaza Nicole

4. Exodus Jason

5. Sporting Heart Nathan F

Culture Island

Leisuredrome

Unity Plaza

Exodus

Sporting Heart

Jason Fagliarone

Nicole Farnell

Nathan Flynn

Nathan Ghanakas

Hugo Leo

The Urban Context

The project locations run from the Yarra River, to the MCG throughout Melbourne’s Sporting Precinct. The most direct and controlled route is through Unity Plaza, the major connector between the 5 sites.

History Mapping

Mapping Migrant history, railways and the change of Melbourne overtime from the 1800’s to today. These maps show the connections developed overtime between railways, gold rush sites and riots.

Migrants and the Gold Rush Riots

Migrant Hostels/ Centers

Chinese Mobs/ Camps

European Mobs/ Camps

Connections/ Bridges

EXISTING BRIDGES

The existing bridges played a huge role in the placement of our projects as well as establishing connections with each other and the broader site. We have developed a series of bridges and paths connecting each other to the site as well as making that crucial connection between the Yarra River and the railways near the MCG. The purple in the map identifies the newly proposed bridges and connections from one project to the next. These bridges take on a similar appearance to existing bridges on the site as well as link to the geometry used in individual projects.

NEW BRIDGES

Legend

Mixed Use (Car, Pedestrian) Rail

Pedestrian Vehicle

New Bridges

TASK 10: Individual Project

My project will connect themes of non-white migration and transport by incorporating the 3 elements of civic, movement and landscape infrastructure. Creating a space that aims to bring the community together to experience their traditional culture through events, cuisine and sports, whist making the most of the location. This project will address the themes outlined in task 7, with light influencing design decisions and atmosphere of the space.

Proposing to create a bridge which links the railways to the Yarra river will allow a connection with the other 4 group projects. The proposal will celebrate and memorialize elements of migration, specifically from non-white backgrounds.

The bridge will accommodate a civic plaza with interactive spaces, community centers, dining and office options. The interactive spaces will allow people to explore the gold rush, riots and transport throughout history relating to non-white migration. Landscaped gardens will create a lush atmosphere in, above or below the bridge which will house a collection of introduced and natural species which grow in harmony with each other, bridging the gap between the prior land owners and migrants to Australia. I aim to use traditional architecture methods and materials to connect with the multicultural societies of Melbourne.

The projects location cuts through the outdoor oval in front of Rod Laver Arena, joining the railways and MCG to the Yarra River. The location provides easy walking access from Flinders Street, Jollimont or Richmond Station, or walking from car parking around the area. The site neighbors the Sidney Myer music bowl a cultural venue, named after the Russian migrant who fled to Australia in 1899 and the MCG a large part of migration history through sport and the Olympic Games in 1956.

Site

The site is situated within the heart of the sporting precinct above the Grand Slam Oval, bordering Hisense Stadium and Rod Laver Arena. This site enables a link between the railway lines and the Yarra River, housing many elements that do not currently exist on the site such as a large plaza, performance spaces, dance studios and markets.

Sun & Wind

Views Analysis

Primary Views:

CBD

Royal Botanic Gardens

Tennis Courts

Yarra River

Railways

Views play a large role in this project with the standout locations forming the buildings shape and orientation to capture the unique sites within this precinct.

The diagram to the left identifies some of these main views as listed above that would be great to capture in the project.

These views will be directed through a screen facade which will create a privacy barrier as well as a different perspective of the site.

Site Plan

Program of Accommodation

Building Plans

The following plans show the extents of the building and their function. The next few pages will go into a deeper detail about programs and some furnishings. The ground floor and level 2 are open 24/7 for public access and a transport link from the MCG and Stations to the Yarra River and Royal Botanic Gardens. This building houses many features such as a larger open plan office, function spaces, education center, and community groups to bring people together and connect their cultures and traditions.

GROUND LEVEL -

LEVEL 2 -

LEVEL 3SEMI PUBLIC

ROOF LEVEL -

SEMI PUBLIC

Ground Level 1:500

Level 2 1:500

Site Sections

Building Sections

Elevations

The elevations explored the materiality of the structure. The main material proposed in concrete due to its durability and strength. The elevations also portray the openings for maximum light and air filtration keeping the plaza cool and naturally lit.

Facade

The main feature of this building is its facade. Using traditional screens with hints to Islamic, Arabic, Japanese and other cultures through its pattern, amazing shadows are created. This not only uses the theme of light but enables some privacy from people looking upwards from the street, creating a more intimate setting for those inside. The qualities of this space will trigger memory through the symbolic hints within the facade. The subtle but drastic elements will create a sense of belonging, welcoming people to the plaza. The screens will be backed with glass panels to fit with the National Building Codes within Australia as some openings are larger than the required minimum.

On the Northern bridge connecting to the railways a pattern using the International Morse code represents the window openings. The date represented is 1901, the year of the White Australia Policy, preventing nonwhite’s migrating to Australia.

Lux Levels

An analysis solar radiation identifies that there is subtle lighting throughout the year however not a huge amount of direct light. The analysis has been taken using the Northern arm of the building.

The facade is compromised using different cultural screening methods which have elements that are symbolic to their country of origin.

Traditionally called ‘Jali’ meaning ‘net’, are ornamental screens consisting or geometric patterns which are most common in Indo-Islamic architecture. The purpose of a Jali is to “lower the temperature by compressing air though the openings.”

Jali have been effective in replacing glass in warmer climates however have a greater “aesthetic grace as well as environmental management within social-cultural denominations of privacy and security.”

Lux Levels

The most prominent feature, the Islamic/ Arabic star, called Khatim. The star is an unofficial symbol for Islamic culture, following its origins from the Ottoman Empire. Although symbols are not allowed in Islam, geometric design plays a large role in significant religious principals, phrases and important beliefs and concepts. Symbols are repetitive, Symmetrical, symbolic and are used as a guide from “God through prophets, natural signs as well as descriptors.”

Access

The following diagrams show the main access routes to and within the building. With 6 stairwells, 2 lifts and 2 universal access ramps from the ground floor there is an abundance of ways to circulate and use this plaza.

Legend

Access Routes

Boat Dock

Walk Entry

Car Park

Universal Access

Tram Stop

Railway Station

Circulation

Aamina

- Waitress

- Train to work

- Lives Local

Pascal & Nora

- Community Center

- Walk to Plaza

- Friendships

Connor & Isabella, Annouk & Maud

- Family

- Learning

- Dancing

- Shopping

- Games

Myriam

- Shopping

- Friends

- Central Anselmo

- Office Worker

- Train to work

Details

The following details are done to a high scale to explain the small details which control the interior spaces. From the screens to shading methods and doorways.

Facade - Screen & Glass

Interior - Doors

Facade - Shading (Vertical)

Facade - Bridge & Shading

Detail- Column

For this structure to be possible large columns need to be created. This diagram explains the load and possible structure of this project. Made of steel and concrete these columns have a high structural load capacity as well as a great look which matches components of the existing site such as the stadiums.

The diagonal columns allow a greater load away from the central pillar without bending the floors. These columns are places approximately 20m apart below the building to allow natural flow of traffic whilst also allowing a high load to be placed above.

Sloped Column

Structural Beam

Bridges

Connection was one of the secondary themes of this project. Connecting both sides of Swans Street, over the railways and above Leisuredrome were just a few bridges in this project. These bridges play a large role in how people circulate through the space and access other areas of and around the site.

Interior Renders

The interior spaces are open and welcoming with the facade screens producing shadow patterns which change throughout the day. At night the building lights up welcoming 24/7 access of the public spaces on ground level and the plaza on level 2.

Day, Evening, Night Renders

During the day there is an abundance of natural light filtering into the plaza. Come evening and night the interior lighting produces a spectacular sight. Lighting colours can be changed for event such as festivals or multicultural celebrations.

Time: 2.35min

Weblink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fekXmOfbJ4o

TASK 1: Theme Mapping Non-White Migration

Non-White Migration

Non-White migration in Australia began in 1851 with people flocking to the Goldfields in search of work and a new life. The high numbers of migration was limited in 1901 to only allow ‘White Australians’ in response to the ‘White Australia Policy Act’. This act was eased in 1950 with a change in government and abolished completely in 1975.

Top Country of Origin

China

India

Malaysia

Philippines

South Africa

Sri Lanka

Vietnam

Australia Transport Hubs

From the beginning of the Gold rush in 1851, Non- Europeans migrate to Australia. The main form of transport was boats and ships across rough seas into Ports of Melbourne and Sydney. Road transport was mainly used from Melbourne to the goldfields of Ballarat and Bendigo. Rail was introduced mainly for freight and private purposes but became too expensive to maintain, being sold off to governments.

Today we see many forms of transport which are readily available for anyone to use. The most common for migration of people is by boat or by air. These maps do not show all transport locations and paths but show the main ports of access both nationally and internationally.

Melbourne Migration Links: >1950

The map identifies the main transport link between immigrants and their journey to Melbourne. The largest link is the Sandridge rail line extending from Station Pier[11,12] to Flinders Street[8,9].

Other important places such as The Customs House[10] now the immigration museum, and the Fishermans Bend migrant hostel[1].

Migration In Suburbs

F, Jason. Group3. 2020