RIPPLED LANDSCAPE As social media facilitates more decentralized forms of human interface, the role of the communal facility to serve as a centralized public space for physical and social interaction becomes ever more important. In designing the Gunyama Park and Aquatic Centre we ask ourselves a set of questions to provoke and stimulate our design intention. What is the purpose of a communal facility in today’s connected world through social media? What experiences could we provide in the Gunyama Park and Aquatic Centre that can reach beyond the limits of social media? What are the ways in which architecture could play in shaping these experiences?
In response, we propose a spatial framework that allows for the discovery of human senses through quality of space and enhanced hybridization of programs. The “L” shape aquatic centre is proposed to sit along Joynton Avenue with entrance located on Zetland Avenue. Primary leisure activities of swimming pools, hydrotherapy, health and fitness centre are placed within the long wing, while administration, changing rooms and support functions are stacked within three floors in the short wing. In the ground floor, pools of different shapes and sizes are composed playfully to provide memorable experience for visitor of different ages. Two featured pools are elevated three meters above ground to provide an unique swim experience with visual connection to swimmers in the lower level. Up in first level, health and fitness centre are positioned to take advantage of the views into the swim hall, creating a seen and be-seen relationship. Structure of aquatic centre is formed by rippled geometry spanning across the site longitudinally to create both a semi-enclosed and covered experience for the visitors. Under the curvaceous roof
light is filtered through series of troughs. A triple height triangular foyer forming a view of forced perspective directs visitors into the different functional spaces within the aquatic centre. By the south end of foyer is the grand step serving both as connection to the upper level and spectator seatings for the outdoor pool. Rippled geometry is deployed to organize the park activity through contoured surfaces with hard and soft scapes to promote mixtures of simultaneous events, also serving as spectator stand. Permanent programs for the park are located on the southeast corner, leaving stage two site area for soft scape and lightweight temporary elements. Field change rooms and toilets are located in a simple structure with articulations that resembles the aquatic centre. Rippled geometry is permeated in both the park and aquatic centre as an organizational frame. It is a place where synergy is created through leisure and sport experience with spectacular spaces that promotes interaction, communication, and multitudes of social and physical exchange. It will make Gunyama Park and Aquatic Centre a celebrated place to be.
Gunyama Park Aquatic Centre
Green Square Design Competition 1 / 4