PRECEDENT STUDIES

S U R R Y   H I L L S   C O M M U N I T Y 

C E N T R E   P R O P O S A L

• Addresses Crown St as its main facade.

• New building footprint has allowed for a laneway between buildings to be created. This allows the neighboring cafe/restaurant to open into the lane, increasing public atmosphere and encouraging involvement.

• The building fabric has conformed to traditionalist urban design form of buildings enclosing space, rather than buildings within space. This is noted by the facade sitting flush against the street.

S T I C K S   A N D   S T O N E S

a new public library in Villanueva, Columbia

Villanueva, Colombia, a small town 130 miles east of Bogotá, has long been caught in that country’s bloody 44-year civil war. It is known for its oil and its frequent spasms of violence; in 2001, right-wing guerrillas kidnapped 200 local farmers. Unsurprisingly, the town’s school system is in shambles. In an effort to right Villanueva’s sinking fortunes, the Colombian government turned to architecture.

A Modernist building in dialogue with the regional design vernacular, Villanueva’s new public library features local materials such as timber and river stones.

The 37,000-square-foot library commissioned for Villanueva—two enormous wood-and-stone blocks, one on the ground and the other raised on pillars—was built piece by piece by the community it serves. The focal point of its minimalist concrete-and-metal interior is an outdoor plaza; in a town that has been a playground for rival paramilitary groups, the library has become both a refuge and an agent of change.

COOGEE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Coogee remains a multipurpose platform for public activity throughout the entire year.

There is no need to state the obvious public nature of the natural landscape that engulfs the architecture within the area. 

Beachside living dominates the influence for real estate decisions within the area, with Coogee being known as one of the most live-able beachside suburbs in the Eastern Suburbs. 

During the summer period, Coogee Beach, Gordons Bay and Coogee Bay road are flocked with a huge range of demographics out to achieve their "ideal weekend". The opportunities are endless when considering the possibilities to enjoy a beautiful summer day in the Coogee area.

The colder months in Coogee are not as dorment as one would think. The hospitality precincts surrounding the site are flourishing with activity throughout all times of the week. With Coogee being the ideal destination for a sunny winter morning breakfast with friends by the water.

There is no need to mention the nightlife of Coogee as i'm sure it is far more publicised on the local news than necessary. 

Coogee is close behind Bondi Beach as being the beachside tourist capital of Sydney. With numerous Backpackers, and tourist friendly restaurants and bars surrounding the area, it proves again as one of the most liveable areas for tourists.

The following images outline various aspects i have found interesting within the Coogee area, mainly being materiality, history and public life.

The following drawings convey my understanding of insertion and reciprocity. Clearing outlining landscape, activity and the current life of the site.

The following are my interpretive mapping boards, the first two clearly outline the driving vocabulary behind my future design direction in regards to the community centre.

As the design consists of a public structure, my main influence for the mapping excersise was exploring the current public life in the Coogee area.

P R E S E N T A T I O N

S U N   P A T H

Create a Free Slideshow