Architectural Design Studio A: Music Venue PT3

Project 2 is a group project in which the venue for the site is addressed. This section is an engagement with architectural program and spatial arrangement within an iconic building whilst exploring various geometry.

Students are to spatially design the site and identify spaces and sub spaces finding architectural standards for each. This project will address limitations and potentials of the site to create a uniquely iconic building fit for the precinct.

At least one of the groups project 1 auditoriums must be placed within the site. This auditorium can be adjusted to fit within constraints of the geometry to allow an increased functionality.

Site Analysis

The site is located within Melbourne’s Arts Precinct. Bordering City Road, this site gets a fair amount of noise and traffic passing through on a daily basis. On average during work hours this site will be passed by 30 vehicles a minute, consisting of cars and trucks. This traffic produces a decibel reading of 60-90dB when in close proximity to the roadside during off-peak times.

The site backs onto the existing ballet center creating a solid concrete boundary wall. Rather than creating a dead and unwelcoming space the wall will be used in the future design process. The site is across the road from high rise towers so gets shadowed by a few taller buildings. This can be beneficial for high winds and direct sunlight.

Existing vegetation and greenery on site are either in pots or are weeds which will be removed to keep the area and any new plantation free of pests and out of control matters.

Images

1. View above site from the second main access level. Identifies restrictions of the site such as roads, vegetation and neighboring buildings.

2. City Road Towards Site. Shows main path of traffic movement and road access.

3. Fanning Street. Building height and proximity on the Western side. This road sees minimal traffic so would make a good entry for parking or stage access.

Vegetation

Zones

The diagrams look at existing and future conditions of the site. From noise levels to find the best placement for auditoriums, to views for restaurant seating. The site analysis enables an outlook to the potential of the site and how people interact with the neighboring surrounds.

Future Development of the Site

“The Melbourne Arts Precinct is being transformed into one of the great creative and cultural destinations in the world thanks to a bold, city-shaping Victorian Government vision. $1.46 billion has been announced to fund the first phase of Australia’s largest cultural infrastructure project.”

(Creative Victoria 2021)

An upgraded and re-imagined Arts Centre Melbourne Theaters Building, beneath the iconic spire. A new Centre for Creativity, run by Arts Centre Melbourne, with spaces and facilities for Victoria’s small to medium and independent arts sector, a new performing arts gallery and an expanded Australian Music Vault.

A unique new 18,000 square meter immersive public garden in the heart of the precinct, including space for outdoor art and performances. NGV Contemporary, a new gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design – set to be the largest of its kind in Australia.

New connections and improved access into and through the precinct.

Underground shared services that will ensure the seamless and sustainable operations of the precinct and its venues. The Victorian Government has committed $1.46 billion in the 2020–21 State Budget to deliver Phase One of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation and lay the groundwork for Phase Two.

The QR codes link to the Vimeo videos showing the proposed transformation. They walk through the statistics, changes, new features and how people will engage within the site.

(Creative Victoria 2021)

Potentials & Limitations

Potentials

• Access from Arts precinct

• Multiple road access and 3 views outside (some see buildings)

• Main access on 2nd level so can have room for parking and loading bays below.

• will get lots of passers by due to proximity to arts precinct

• Can go as high as need be but need to watch out for wind tunnels between other buildings

• Get people in cafes/ restaurants that walk past in proposed gardens- need to be significant feature

• Nice precinct

• Already have a designed landscape (proposed) for pedestrians

• Room to go vertical for a more eye catching design

Limitations

• Small area 2000m2

• Odd shape (triangular)

• Look into buildings nearby

• Wall on one side to 30m

• On main busy road (City Road)

• Vertical circulation needed between auditorium, foyer, backstage areas due to site area limitation (disability access)

• Safety of parking and loading bay entry/ exit of 2 roads (Fanning Street or City Road)

Standards Area

Foyer/ Lobby

Reception

Toilets

Waiting Area (seating)

Cafe/ Food

Auditorium

Backstage

Rehearsal rooms

Change rooms

Green Room

Store room

Loading Bay/ Props

Toilets

Restaurant

Toilets

Kitchen Reception

Bar

Dining Areas (function Rooms)

Cool room

Store room

Deliveries

Offices

Office (40 people)

Conference room (40 people)

Toilets

Meeting rooms

Parking Spaces (100 Spaces)

Staff Parking

Truck Loading bay

Rehearsal Rooms Dressing Rooms

Total Area Per Space

Relationships of Space RESTAURANT

REHEARSAL STUDIO FOYER

GREEN ROOM DRESSING ROOM

CONFERENCE ROOM

MEETING ROOMS

FOYER

MUSIC/ LIGHTING BOX

LOADING BAY

OPEN SPACE/ GARDEN PARKING

Precedent Studies

The precedent studies look at both geometric form and a layering technique we would like to capture in our iterations. The layering technique can be presented as both horizontal or vertical layers carrying a different aesthetic and feel of space. Using elements such as a split or gap could enhance the quality of the space, enabling light filtration and views to the other side through transparent materials, providing an element of fun.

We chose this precedent as it looked at the drop back nature that we wanted to work towards within our design. Combining a range of diverse functions such as residential, commercial, communal areas and green space provide a good design similarity to our brief. Creating open spaces to bring the greenery upwards creates a standout feature behind the design process. As the base of a singular building is rectangular it can be moved anywhere within the world with small modifications to climactic differences in materials choice and position.

Similar to the Church Vitral below this complex breaks its floorplate into two, enabling more views to the outdoor environment as well as optimising natural light within. The geometric facade pattern on the exterior moves into the interior space, creating a seamless flow from outside to inside. This building houses large amounts of visitors every day so uses colour to guide its uses. This mixed-use development houses both retail, housing and commercial office spaces.

The Church Vitral, identifies that a large building can house a small function. The only function within the building is the church whilst the points create a dramatic raised affect connecting the people within with the heavens above. From looking at this building you don’t expect a church or for more of the building to be unusable. The main feature we liked about this building is the cutting and extrusion of 2 floor plates creating an atrium space for light to enter.

This building captures a layering technique of the facade paneling. The organic geometry is similar to the free flowing style we would like to capture, identifying aspects such as sheet music and style of performance within the design. “The interplay of positive and negative space is specifically developed to emphasize place-making and spatial quality. Consequently, light and visual connections are prominently featured... The curvilinear facade follows a concave and convex movement, generating terraces and meeting places across levels and emphasizing a welcoming urban access on the ground floor.” The carving strategy optimized natural light levels in a cramped space creating a passive responsive design.

Not only could we layer horizontally making floors each layer but vertically. The design concept shows how the construction and design can adapt for the environment and proportions of space. The design attempts to optimize natural light and work with climactic events, in this case wind tunnels. In our proposal the vertical layers will form more of a facade add on which could focus views towards the new arts precinct. 5

1. .Tapered Towers, Vancouver, Canada (Baldwin 2019)

2. Emporia Shopping Center, Malmo, Svenzia (Articolo n.d.)

3. Church Vitral, MG, Brazil (Passos 2015)

4. Atlas Medical Building, Hamadan, Iran (Abdel 2020)

5. Roman Vlasov Design Concepts (Vlasov 2018)

6. Galazy Soho, Beijing, China (Saieh 2012)

The precedent Galaxy Soho explored both a layering slab technique as well as a drop back design, creating smaller levels as the height increases. The design follows Zaha Hadid’s style of organic forms, having no corners or sudden transitions. The multi building form is bought together on different levels providing outdoor plateaus and spaces with dramatic views. Using materials such as aluminum and glass will give contrast to the Melbourne skylight and preference for concrete in design. This building is also situated within a similar context, bordering multi lane roads and facing other high rise buildings.

Iconic Buildings

What makes a building iconic?

The term “iconic” is defined as ‘relating to, or having the characteristics of an icon,’ and ‘widely recognized and well established’ such as a brand name.

“When it comes to buildings, iconic structures are game changers - representing nations, religions and economies. They interlace past societies with current cultures. They facilitate transportation and invention. From physical design to behind-the-scenes technology, these features make a building iconic.” (Anon 2019)

From skyscrapers, massive arenas and classic features all describe how a building can be iconic. It can be the technology used, the history behind the building or how people experience the space. Mostly in architecture we use the term iconic for a groundbreaking design, setting new standards to the area becoming a distinctive element in its urban framework.

An icon is a symbol or graphic representation of something for instance in Melbourne we have the Arts Centre, In which the spire netting was meant to represent a ballerinas tutu. Or the Eureka Sky deck the tallest building in Melbourne. Lastly Federation Square with its distinctive look and complex patterns.

(Echo n.d.)

(Lesh 2019)

(Flickr n.d.)

Form Finding

This enables a clear idea of the size of the site and gives a base block to morph the ideal geometry.

Twisting and scaling changes the geometry to something iconic and individual to work with.

Layering adds an the building. The layers used as levels to design.

iconic element to layers can then be create a floating

The rounded edges allow continuity of all edges in keeping with the design aim.

Add final touches such as a full length curtain wall to draw interest, and a free flowing strip to define entrances.

Form Iteration

This matrix looks at form iteration using the site boundary as constraints for the base shape and size. Between the group we looked at both geometric and organic geometry and created many likable forms. To pursue we chose to use a mix and match approach to use some straight edges as well as have some flowing lines to entice people into the music center.

Layered Geometry

This approach looked at layered geometry both horizontal and vertical. The preferred method was horizontal as is gave a clear indication of floor levels and how the programs could be incorporated. Using transparency across one main wall and colours to entice people towards the building from a distance with create a welcoming atmosphere.

Chosen Form

The final form looks at both an organic and free flowing geometry as well as having a layered aesthetic. The panel on the lower levels provides a point of entry drawing users towards the main entry points. The height can be adapted in accordance with the programs to allow more or less levels whilst accommodating the requirements of the brief. The cut out side of all levels creates a curtain wall for facade paneling. This creates a consistency across all levels whilst maintaining the iconic layering element.

Iconic Building Design

Is it an iconic building?

The brief required the building to be ‘iconic’ within its urban framework. Looking to other iconic buildings especially in Melbourne we associate iconic with height, new technology or a graphic representation of something else.

For instance this building represents sheet music by the facade wrap creating lines with consistent breaks, with the dark solids being the lines and the glass facades being the breaks between the lines. The building also takes on a ‘dancing form’ twisting around. “Music is liquid architecture; architecture is frozen music”(Johnann Wolfgang von Goethe) was the main theme and symbol for the facades form and position.

As everyone perceives the building differently the experience will change and if people see this as an iconic building within an already iconic precinct. In comparison to the future development of the same site, this building suits its location, features and programs accordingly in comparison to the box they have designed to place there.

Form Finding Auditorium

Start with hexagonal typography as it had the best Sound Pressure Level and Reverberation Time.

Extrude geometry for better seating, SPLA and RT(30). Can not be longer that 32m as loose stage viewing for far seats.

Drop ceiling to reflect add seats. This shape at the normal towards and not the stage.

reflect sound rays to shape directs sound towards the audience

Add roof angles to better direct sound reflections to required areas. Position more around back of auditorium for early reflections to back seating.

Extrude stage outwards and up for final form.

SPLA STALLS

SPLA: 39.4-54.2dBA

RT: 1.7-3.1Sec

BALCONY

SPLA: 40.7-46.9dBA

RT: 1.95-2.7Sec

SPLA 39.4 dBA

Overall the balcony allows an adequate amount of seats (700) whilst not taking up a huge amount of floor space. The simulations for Reverberation Time and Sound Pressure Level(A) are evenly distributed and show for a promising sound quality throughout the spaces. The Ray visualizations show a large proportion of rays reaching all areas of the auditorium. The green colour shows early and direct reflections and the red shows late reflections (after 50ms).

For this auditorium to fit within the building geometry the roof will need to be lowered and adjusted to maintain similar RT values.

Final Auditorium

The final simulations with the roof adjustments follows a similar range of data. The final simulations were run with the materials used within the auditorium. Walls: Ply, Roof: Acoustic Plaster, Stage: Velour and Wood Stage Floor, Seating: Occupied, Floor: Carpet.

The visualizations show rays of sound in 2 bounces off the roof and the back wall combined with balcony roof. These will be the predominant reflections which can be altered throughout the design process.

Overall the results are great for the auditorium environment and for sound quality.

Materials

Floor- Polished Concrete

(Anon

The floor slabs will be a polished concrete adding class and sophistication to the interior spaces. Concrete is extremely durable and long lasting, whilst enabling a reflective finish. Concrete is a great reflective material for both light and sound. The dense nature will block noise from other levels of the building as well as exterior road noise.

(FRITZ 2010)

Facade- 10mm Laminated Glass

The main facade material will be glass. Glass enables clear views out from the building capturing elements such as the proposed gardens and out towards the greenery of Kings Domain and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Glass also enables a large amount of light filtration opening up the spaces. Laminated glass has higher acoustic properties to toughened glass which will be beneficial on the lower levels where most of the road noise is heard.

(Bennetts

Facade Layers- PET Foam with Vinyl-ester wrap

The layers of the facade will use polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foam and will be finished with a vinyl-ester wrap. PET is a lightweight and sustainable material whilst being structurally sound for the external conditions. The wrap will create a waterproof barrier and with added colour can create a unique pattern to the exterior of the building.

n.d.)

2019)

Interior Walls- Natural Oak Timber

The wood paneling creates a unique atmosphere that matches the characteristics of the auditorium. Using a natural oak, the light colour enables light to filter into the space creating a large welcoming environment. Timber has a strong dampening capacity so will absorb and reflect noise from the foyer from getting into the auditorium space.

Curvecrete is a sustainable and cost effective cladding method. Using a zero waste curved concrete paneling system, creates not only a unique feature but has an incredible design impact. Due to the mass blocking nature of concrete the panels will reflect unwanted sounds from entering or escaping the building whilst creating a continuous strip that leads the viewer up scale of the building.

Facade Twist- Curvecrete

(Prohasky 2019)

(MantelCraft 2021)

Site Plan

Level Basement: Parking

Level 1: Auditorium / City Road

Level 2: Auditorium / Backstage

Level 4: Foyer/ Main Entrance