Urban Design

To begin the project, a survey of the surrounding context must be undertaken. 

Located on London Circuit in the heart of Canberra is the site for the urban project. Analysing the surrounding context through the set of diagrams below gives evidence of the design resolution. 

London circuit is a busy road located next to a busy pedestrian space which can create a dangerous scenario. 

Surrounding context provides guidelines across the chosen site which enables a grid like pattern to be traced. Bailey's arcade, next to the Sydney building, provides a circle guideline. I've understood this circle to become a circle of connection between the site, Petrie Plaza and part of the Sydney building. Highlighting this idea in the design brings that idea to life.

The form was created by moulding clockwork to fit within the gridlines. This involved subtracting pieces from the sides, but also altering the height to resemble the slope of the land. To create the fluid connection of the building with the land, the building is submerged into the ground, creating under-croft areas and large voids. To bring light into those under-croft spaces, skylights are installed to open the space up and create a natural connection to the above ground plane. Bringing that fluid movement into the path of pedestrians, a series of ramp are used throughout the site making it wheelchair accessible and creating a smooth transition of space. The lighter materiality as seen in the paler colour is subtle introduction to the site from Petrie Plaza. The heavier materiality is to signify the solid forms of the surrounding context, including the heaviness of the land.