Blues Point General Overview
The Site chosen for the group project is Blues Point reserve; a headland located north of the CBD. Within this site is situated a small, dilapidated toilet block which is nested alongside a sandstone cliff with large ominous fig trees rooted within it’s surface. The Site’s stakeholders include visitors, residents, fishermen, tour guides, photographers, firework watchers and many more. As a result the site has a variety of uses and functions and demands appropriate toilet amenities for possibly large amounts of people. At the moment the toilet does not address these needs satisfactorily. In response to these observations a proposal of a new and improved toilet block is required. The major design issues or themes which are extracted from the existing site and toilet that need to be improved and addressed include:
1. Legibility 2. Views 3. Light 4. Space 5. Ventilation 6. Form
1. The legibility of the existing toilet is fairly poor due to its small size and subtle appearance which is nested in the cliff. Increasing legibility will increase it’s frequency of use and functionality in the site.
2.
Blues point is a famous area for sydneysiders to gather due to it’s spectacularly pristine and direct views of the harbour. This site is especially popular during the annual New Years fireworks. As a result, the site has an amazing opportunity to utilize the array of unique, breathtaking and iconic views.
3.
Light problems exist
for the toilet due to overhanging fig trees within cliff face which shade the area.
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section
DESIGNISSUES
4. CLIFF existing TOILET plan
Dead space
Dead Space exists at the back of toilet which has no use. Additionally, the toilet size does not meet the needs of the users. “The toilet here is way too small to accommodate for us.”_anonymous tour guide
5. The cliff which the original toilet is nested in creates a natural barrier agains the westerly winds. The location of the site near the water’s edge brings with it a continual, soothing breeze which is sprinkled with the salt of the ocean. Since the wind is mainly from the east the toilet should utilize the potential for better ventilation. i.e. heighten the roof of the toilet allowing a wider gap.
6. The circular form of the existing toilet foes not seem to tie in with the neighbouring landscape. However, the curvaceous form of the overhanging roof seems to hold some symbolic value which links to the flow of the water and dynamism of the cliff face.
V e n t i l a t i o n : vegetation; Inside the toilet, only small breezes are experienced. It is stuffy inside due to the design of the toilet and the location it is situated. The general wind is mainly blown from the North West direction. As a result, the wind is either being blocked by the high landscape behind the toilet or the wind is being elevated when blown through the high landscape without passing the toilet (lower landscape). Also the design of the toilet is in a circular shape, making the toilet cubicles more concentrated and dense. The area being ventilated is smaller than a normal rectangular design.
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Lighting Levels: The level of luminance in the toilet is approximately 50 lux. However, inside the cubicles (especially the female toilet), the level of luminance is very dim; up to 24 lux. At the entrance of the toilet, the level of luminance is 76 lux because there is a higher intensity of light entering the toilet. Overall there is insufficient light entering the toilet, the level of luminance is dim. There is inadequate light entering the toilet due to 2 factors: the location and the design of the toilet. The toilet is situated in front of a high landscape with tall trees and other
therefore the leaves and branches block the majority of sunlight entering the toilet. The low level of ceiling also minimizes the amount of light entering. Furthermore, due to the circular design of the toilet, the amount of sunlight reaching the toilet will be much less. In daytime, the toilet will be dim and gloomy and in evening, the toilet will be very dark and the low convenience. Issues concerned: -very hot during the day -will be very dark at night, especially at the park because not many lamp- posts are spotted. -sitting areas have no shelter. It’s only sheltered with fig trees, which can inhabit insects or other fauna. -No fence and lifebuoy at the fishing areas. -Electric source is not locked properly.
Toilet condition: -No Windows; Gap at the top allow ventilation + natural light. -Sinks/basins are quite small in size. -Toilet doors have no handle & lock and are too short.
passing-by sea vessels and people doing activities (talking, eating, running around, laughing etc.). Thermal comfort: The poor ventilation also makes the toilet very hot, stuffy and humid. During the day, the temperature inside the toilet is 29 degrees celcius. As a result there is very little air movement within the toilet. Impacts of building: -The position of the toilet among the site increases the toilet’s significance. With fishing area along the south-west of the blues Site plan (not to scale) point and the playground 20m from the toilet as well as picnic area around the site, people around the site will use the toilet frequently. Therefore, the toilet has to be redesign to ensure comfort and privacy of the users.
O d o u r : There is a strong odour due to poor ventilation within the toilet.
A c o u s t i c s : The toilet has a noise level range of 60 to 70 dB (decibels) with an average of 68 dB; this is analogous to the level of a normal conversation. The main sources of sound coming towards the toilet include tides and waves splashing on the shore (gentle),
SITE
Context plan (not to scale)
Positive aspects: -The convex shape co-operates with the landscape and accentuates the notion of a vast view. -The toilet is predominantly colored in green with the walls tiled in various shades. This allows the building to blend into the surrounding context and be subtler in it’s existence. -Quite atmosphere; sounds include: ships/ferries, waves, human activities.
Negative aspects: -Stuffy/hot -Dead space at the back -Poor lighting -Narrow/small area
F e a t u r e s : a maritime theme with stainless steel custom designed equipment. →Activities include vspring mounted boat, whale sculpture, swings, and spinning rides. -safe capacity: 15000
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SUMMER SOLSTICE 3 PM
SUMMER SOLSTICE TOILET BLOCK
9 AM
S u r r o u n d i n g the road. Also, there is S u n & w i n d : the sun shining from the roads & buildings: also a ferry wharf which The sun in the morning westerly part, the east
Observation:
-elevated above and behind the toilet exists a lookout with unobstructed views to the Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge -There is a small park behind the toilet, up on the cliff, where visitors can go for relaxation. (several chairs placed.) -Various types of vegetation. -Very quiet and relaxing as not many people go to the site -Playground occupies a foreshore location and has excellent harbour, city and bridge views. →Playground features
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-The eastern section of the Reserve features a maritime-themed custom designed playground. -There are accessible toilets, seats, picnic tables, a bubbler and a recycling station. -The mature Port Jackson and Morton Bay figs provide shade and give the Reserve its distinctive character. -A Managed Access program operates on New Year’s Eve to ensure that all visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. -Dogs are welcome in Blues Point Reserve however they are not permitted within 10m of the playground.
A c t i v i t i e s : -fishing,walking, jogging,wedding p h o t o s h o o t s , afternoon tea, family gathering, parties, firework watching etc..
-contrast between suburban and urbanized areas. The site is located right opposite the city, only separated by the sea. -Not many tall buildings found on the site, only the seidler building; an old residential apartment. -Mostly low-rise building (approx. 4-5 floors). Main functions of these buildings are mostly for residential purposes. -Surrounded by the sea that is connected to Circular Quay, Luna Park, and other suburbs. -The only obvious road is the one from the residential areas towards the port. -The natural environment interacts well with the visitors.
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Site is accessible either from the Blues Points Road by car or bus. There are several bus stops along
is within 5 mins walk from the toilet block. However, parking spaces for public are limited around the site. -Entering the Blues Point Reserve, one can walk to the toilet which is approximately 60m from the entrance. This is quite a distance for the elderly. Upon reaching the toilet, one can further walk to a viewing spot on top of the cliff by the stairs just righ beside the toilet. Also, there is also a famous spot for fishing on the southwest part of the Blues Point, accessible on foot. H u m i d i t y : The humidity level of the toilet is around 79% which is very humid and will making users feel uncomfortable.
rises from the east therefore the trees do not offer shade. This results in a greater luminance around the toilet. While there is a noticable luminance during the morning, during the afternoon, it is quite the opposite. With the northeasterly wind- blowing and additional shades from the trees as the result of
part of the Blues Point where the toilet is located is noticably windy and cold (especially in winter).
Wind
Speed:
The maximum windspeed is 8 km/h and the average windspeed is around 6 km/h. This is regarded as a light breeze which can be felt on exposed skin and will rustle leaves.
V e g e t a t i o n : -characterized by its famous fig trees, mainly mature Port Jackson and Morton bay figs. Dense fig trees around
the site provide shades also giving the reserve its distinctive character.
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The above diagram shows how the initial design shape adapted from. Apart from the bad design of the toilet, the strongest element is the curved shape at the front of the toilet as not only it cooperates the shape of the cliff, it only gives a sense of movement.
Obligation Hygienic problem Lack of wind due to the location and the circular shape produce bad ventilation. Moreover, the cliff blocks the NW wind in the morning. Dead space at the back of the toilet. Lack of lighting. Ergonomics issue. -‐Height of the toilet seats and sinks are too short making it inconvenient for the elders.
Consideration Breaking the circular shape of the present toilet and dividing washing basin and toilet cubicles into different space preventing any contamination of the water basin and odor. Breaking the shape of the circle, leave more surface area and giving more ventilation with open area in the middle (based on the precedent study of Centennial Park). Using the existing curve shape, and extend it on both side, creating a long slightly narrow toilet thus the dead space is avoided. Moreover, by doing so, it creates more space for the cubicles and washing basin. Adding skylight; using translucent material; provide higher ceiling for good ventilation Provide a higher and more suitable human scale toilet seats and sinks.
DESIGN PROPOSAL
Observation (1:50 model) The North-East wind In this model, it has only two main openings, which are at the upper front and back of the toilet. According to the wind tunnel test, the open area in the middle will going to be very windy as it is located in between the two blocks, thus forcing the air to flow through that big space. *
Cubicle’s model
Observation (1:30 cubicle model) The North-East wind There are three main openings on the model, which are at the upper front and back side as well as at the bottom of the wall. These openings are made for better ventilation. As can be seen during the wind tunnel test, the canopy over the openings tends to direct the air upward. The positive pressure of the upper wind flow creates a negative pressure on the bottom opening. As a result the wind flows down into the building and through the bottom opening. *
Structural system
Diagram
Wind tunnel test
Model making
Toilet’s model
-The openings at the bottom should not be located too close to the ground to prevent animals from coming in.
Rafters
Bolt RHS steel
-The direction of the wind on plan view.
I-beam
I-beam
Bolt
Universal beam
Metal plate Screw
-Higher gradient slope for roof is needed to allow the air from cliff to enter the toiler easier. -Increase openings/ skylights
Concrete wall
Materials considered: - Concrete panels as the wall - Carbon sheeting for the roof - Steel posts - I-beams - Colorbond roof sheeting
-Louvres will be added to direct the flow of the wind.
*the site model is covered with porous cladding, therefore wind tunnel test might not be as accurate.
N SITE PLAN SCALE 1:1600
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800mm (h) Precast concrete basins
Mirror supported by colorbond steel RHS columns
A
400mm x 10mm Frameless polished stainless steel Mirror bolted to concrete block wall
Colorbond Klip-lok sheeting bolted to Batten through plywood sheeting to man. spec Colorbond Steel RHS Batten 40mm x 20mm bolted to Rafter Colorbond Steel RHS Rafter 40mm x 55mm bolted to UC colorbond 150UC Bolted to Steel Plate attached to top of concrete block wall 100mm Series Grey Concrete block (Boral ESR) cemented together to form a wall. 300UC colorbond welded to rafter 80mm (w) x 200mm (h) x 400mm (l) sandstone cladding bolt fixed to concrete block wall with steel bracing. as specified 50 x 2000 terrazzo toilet partition system screwed to concrete block wall frosted glass glazing (translucent) cleated to 300UC Colorbond steel fixed louvre system welded to 300UC 200mm reinforced concrete slab to eng. detail
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SCALE 1:50 0
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mirror mirror
Inital form to Final form Diagrams (plan)
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Fig. 1: Model Progress 1
Fig. 2: Model Progress 2
MORPHOSIS
Fig. 3: Sandstone wall
The final proposal stems from an exploration, revision, addition and solidification of the initial proposal. This process of design has been similar to an evolution or progressive change of a butterfly from a cocoon; from a simple form (cocoon > circle > existing toilet) to a more complex form (butterfly > cross-shaped wings > final proposal). i.e. a metamorphosis.
Roof sheeting
Figure 6: Top view Rafters and Battens Roof Sheeting
Universal Columns
Figure 7: perspective view in site
Figure 4: Final Model in site
Walls/panels
Figure 8: Side view
Figure 9: Front view
Figure 10: Close-up of mirror
Figure 11: Roof structure
exploded perspective
2 slant in same direction
Roof transformation diagram
Ventilation Diagram
1 slant, 1 horizontal
2 slant opposite directions
Fig. 12: Plumbing