Post Presentation

Why didn't the protruding form enclose the whole form?

What I proposed. So on the right side the windows were minimal and repeated the amount that was on the existing. While on the left contained the main windows that would allow natural light.

Below are the alternatives that could have been done, as suggested by both Brant and Natasha.

On the right side would mean, I'd have to create more windows that would not correspond with the existing windows on the lower levels.

Light could come in through above and also allow minimal openings on the side facade, but it would seem less like it was emerging from the existing fabric (which I wanted to aim for) and more of an external building that was placed on top without it seeming to have a connection with the existing fabric.

Drainage of the protruding structure. The rainwater can be collected to form a water feature on the rooftop. This can be utilised to enhance the functions for entertaining and relaxing on the rooftop space (on both sides).

Materials and structure.

Steel lattice frame structure is used to create the form with metal panelling on the outside and an interior finish on the inside.

Project 2 Submission

PowerPoint slides seen by clicking read more

Poetic Resolution

Poetic Resolution
Presence and Identity

The forms are intended to boldly interpose on either side of the flagpole on the existing Parliament House building and as a result it has been influenced by the flagpole on top of Parliament House.

Movement
It has been influenced by movement – the flow of the glass facade slope directs the eye up to the presence of the iconic flagpole.

Emphasis
To attract viewers/passersby, emphasis on the point of attraction is through the emergence of the fold-like structures.

Unity - Balance
The atmosphere of unity aims to be achieved through the symmetrical balance – placement of the centres at either sides of the flagpole.

Contrast
The play on contrast on the exterior against the rigid light-coloured stone (existing building fabric) and the interruption of the protruding dark metal (proposed extension building fabric).

Transparency
Utilising a transparent lightweight structure to create an openness to the external environment and visible to the spectators on the various levels of proposed centres. The transparent structures to also embody/signify the voice of the people.

User Experience

Senate  Debating Chamber - open facade

House of Representatives Debating Chamber - closed facade

Aesthetic Rigor
http://design8-cheryl.blogspot.com/2011/11/project-2-submission.html

Tectonic Resolution

Tectonic Resolution
Purpose and Function

- allowing the means of direct communcation between the federal government and the public.

- this age of technology has provided means to gather in a single place to discuss matters without overpopulating physical spaces and having the possibility of not being heard.

- technology will enhance discussion and avoid security conflict, a media box is proposed within the debating chambers. And a media box within the proposed extension where the public will sit.

- the notion of Public Consultation being introduced within the legislative process requires support services. Area of preparation, research, and general office needs.

- to demonstrate that this element in the process is necessary and important -- it will become an element that is part of the existing Parliament House building fabric.

- located above parliament house for the reason of the idea of “people over government” -- from Griffin’s original plan for Capital Hill to be kept as green space and as a meeting place. It’s also directly connected with the function of arliamentary debate.

Circulation and Access
The participants arrive at the front entrance of Parliament House where they move straight through till they reach Members Hall when they either split off to either House of Representatives or Senate (depending on which they registered to). Using the existing stairwells and lift will direct them up to the foyer of DPC on level 3.

Structural and/or Operational Integrity
A wall will host two media screens in the chambers. These screens will display the participants and through live feed the participants and the MPs will be able to communicate. A room - Media Room- located above in the DPC will be where the participants gather.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure
Strategy
The project proposed is an extension on the existing building fabric of Parliament House. It sits directly above the two chambers where the location of existing lifts and stairs will be extended above 3 levels for users to access the new spaces. The new spaces are for new parliamentary function: Public Consultation, which is what the architectural entity is embody. The form of it is intended to be bold and catch attention so viewers will take the opportunity to wonder and find out and voice their opinions. Since the stairs, lifts, amenities area have been replicated up, it will seem as the metal structure is emerging out from the existing.

Logistics

Flexibility

Transformation & Interaction – Shading Device
A series of uniquely shaped cells retract back into the structural profile of the roof to allow natural daylight to enter into the chambers and views to the above sky that was once hidden in the previous structure. This system also reduces solar gain and glare. The cells also shade the interior by computerised control through an algorithm that involves historic solar gain data with real-time light level sensors.
Other windows on the centres utilise the same system but inhabitants can request to control each window.

Adaption – Flexible Space
Future change can be easily adapted through interior spaces that require utilising movable partitions rather than a permanent wall. Spaces are open to enable diverse range of function from workspace, relaxation, and entertainment.

The 3 F's

Key Aspects:

Function

Centuries ago, people gathered in a single place to discuss matters, but nowadays societies have increased in population and spaces of the past cannot accommodate them. However, print and digital media have now enhanced communication on discussion of matters of the state. We have television shows, internet sites, blog and polls but do these mediums allow direct communication with the federal government? We think not, as was explored in the first project.

Yet, allowing the public to have an active role in the parliamentary chambers may cause security concerns but not having them have a role excludes their presence and voice that reflects position in their country.

This is an age where technology is advancing and where communication can be easily exchanged through text, email, and web chats. This technology has the potential to integrate the public’s voice within the parliamentary chambers without raising security risks. I am proposing that a virtual presence within the parliamentary chambers is the solution of communication between the public and the parliament members without raising security risks.
But, support services are required to make discussion between the public and members of parliament be significant.

Centres for Public Consultation are being proposed to assist in the successfully implementation of the proposed new function of public consultation in the legislative process. Through imposing the centres into the existing building fabric of the Parliament House in Canberra, it gives the public a purpose and power rather than existing as a visitor/tourist without a voice.

Form

The forms are intended to boldly interpose on either side of the flagpole on the existing Parliament House building.

The form has been influenced by the flagpole on top of Parliament House.

Movement
It has been influenced by movement – the flow of the glass roof slope directs the eye up to the presence of the iconic flagpole.

Emphasis
To attract viewers/passersby, emphasis on the point of attraction is through the emergence of the fold-like structures.

Unity - Balance
The atmosphere of unity aims to be achieved through the symmetrical balance – placement of the centres at either sides of the flagpole.

Contrast
The play on contrast on the exterior against the rigid light-coloured stone (existing building fabric) and the interruption of the protruding dark metal (proposed extension building fabric).

Transparency
Utilising a transparent lightweight structure to create an openness to the external environment and visible to the spectators on the various levels of proposed centres. The transparent structures to also embody/signify the voice of the people.

Flexibility

Transformation & Interaction – Shading Device
A series of uniquely shaped cells retract back into the structural profile of the roof to allow natural daylight to enter into the chambers and views to the above sky that was once hidden in the previous structure. This system also reduces solar gain and glare. The cells also shade the interior by computerised control through an algorithm that involves historic solar gain data with real-time sensing of light levels.
Other windows on the centres utilise the same system but inhabitants can request to control each window.

Adaption – Flexible Space
Future change can be easily adapted through interior spaces that require utilising movable partitions rather than a permanent wall. Spaces are open to enable diverse range of function from workspace, relaxation, and entertainment.

Design Development