WILL ANDERSON ARCHDES 701 Book 3:
The Great Lido & Hospitality Hub
Planning Schematics The chosen site lays on the eastern edge of Bledisloe wharf and incorporates the existing Toyota building on the neighbouring wharf. The site is situated in a prime position, therefore the design of the Aquatic centre and Hospitality hub’s the view shafts need to be considered. As the site is located on the edge of the harbour a method of sheltering users from the prevailing weather needs to be devised. Connection to water’s edge is also vital to the success of the design, proposed interventions are to be situated near the main attractions. The edge condition will vary and depend on the proposed activity in the area. For example where recreational services such as kayak hire is present, finger wharfs will need to be used. In addition to this a seasonal artificial beach could be used to soften the harsh edges of the wharf around the hospitality hub.
The Public Lido Auckland is already home to an outdoor Public pool, located in Judges Bay the pool is very much a seasonal attraction. My proposition to the Bledisloe Wharf is that of an Aquatic center, with the ability to be used all year round. The Design is to engage the public with water’s edge and provide a safe place of recreation year round. The center should incorporate an; Olympic length pool, outdoor lap pools, Kids facilities, Saunas, and changing areas. Located to the south of the pools is the proposed location of recreation centers; such as kayak & bike hire.
The hospitality hub In conjunction with the Aquatic center, the existing Toyota Building is to be repurposed as a hospitality hub for the waterfront precinct and CBD. The existing Toyota building was constructed in 1963 and is currently purposed as a carpark. The building is to be reconfigured to incorporate a series or cafes, restaurants, and offices. These business will be accesses of an internalized street. There is a relationship between the proposed aquatic center and hospitality hub, this connection to be developed and linked in order to make the recreation and leisure precinct function well.
Precedent: MJMA Regent Park Aquatic Centre The Regent Park aquatic centre is a recent project from MJMA. The centre was built in 2012 and incorporates a large indoor pool, Kids pool & waterpark, Saunas, and changing facilities. Elements of this project are of interest to me, for example the use of natural light and connection to the exterior environment. Natural light is used efficiently in such a way that privacy is retained, angled celestial windows allow plenty of light into the depth of the building. MJMA have designed the project in such a way that the indoor pool still retains a large connection to the exterior environment, this is an element that needs to be present in my design.
Precedent: Bondi Icebergs Lido Constructed in 1929 the Bondi Icebergs Club is a year round outdoor swimming pool and restaurant. The pool is heated during the winter months, although Bondi’s temperate climate does not reach as low as Auckland there is still a possibility that this would be feasible. The Iceberg pools have a strong aesthetic and demonstrate good connection to the water’s edge. This connection is what need to be exploited on Auckland’s Waterfront, the sites prime position allows it to have good potential of water connection & stunning view of the harbor entrance.
Precedent: City Works Depot New & old constructions can make a lively combination. The juxtaposition of new and old construction offers for engaging dialogue between them. Where a modern construction and restaurant is placed within retro building, both old and new retain their integrity in equal partnership. The City Works Depot was constructed in 1969, it was reconfigured in 2013 to house a variety of boutique cafes, restaurants and offices.
Precedent: + Pool by Family & Play Lab The cross-shaped baths could be divided into four separate compartments with a lane-swimming pool, children’s area, sports pool and lounge. The pool was designed to be floating, therefore it allows for adaptable locations and views. The swimming pool was also brought about by crowd funding, therefore local public are engaged with the project from day one and showed a keen interest in the design. The adaptability of the pool is a feature that needs to be considered in my own design, the year round life span of the pool needs to be considered and appropriate uses incorporated into the design.
The Masterplan GREENSPACE / PARK SKATEPARK RECREATIONAL LIDO MIXED USE WATER REMEDIATION MARKETS KAYAK / ROWING CENTER HOSPITALITY NOTEABLE ARCHITECTURE MAN-MADE INTERACTION NATURAL EDGE CONDITION
The masterplan of the surrounding area has been updated and give more suitable purpose. The storm water phytoremediation system has been extended in order to hold more capacity for the CBD’s water runoff. Addition function in the area include a kayak slalom course, Rowing training facility, skate park and residential. These functions will help active the area and draw people to the site. The site of the aquatic centre and hospitality hub is designed to be access by pedestrians, trams, and limited car access. The plan for the aquatic centre is that it would be large enough to host major events such as world championships.
Hospitality Hub Concept The plan for the hospitality hub is that it becomes a collective of restaurants, cafes, and offices. The design incorporated the reuse of the existing Toyota building. At this concept stage there are plans to keep the existing faรงade on the upper levels, and juxtapose this with a crisp modern design in the atrium. I want the building to incorporate lots or greenery, because of this the internalised street will have green walls and the roof will become a landscaped area for sports. This concept has a retrofitted industrial structure, in which the restaurants and offices are housed, this leaves opens voids for maximum use of natural light.
The Aquatic Centre The concept for the aquatic centre is that it becomes a collective of buildings. Instead of a large stadium style architecture, I plan to make the design a series of smaller buildings. These buildings will comprise of: Olympic indoor pool, outdoor pool area, saunas, diving structures, rowing training facility and kayak training facility. With this de-centralisation of building mass it is hoped that the building will appeal to be more accessible to the public and encourage interaction with the water’s edge. The edge treatment of the site is to a mixture of man-made interactions such as artificial beaches, finger wharf and infinity pools.
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