COMMONWEALTH PARK MULTI-PURPOSE STRUCTURE
TOWNSEND + ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS
CATERGORY: PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE
The brief aspired to provide a structure that can provide shelter, toilets, food and drink all at the one time, without one function being compromised by the other. A structure that is greater than the sum of its parts where the practicalities work seamlessly allowing the beauty of the location to be amplified by the architecture. The fulfilment of these elements required exploration of appropriate siting options (to ensure contextual response) and rigorous coordination of service integration (to ensure functional response). The simple forms of steel box and soaring roof delineate the more private functions (toilets) from the public functions (refuge, fold-out table, bottle refill). The architecture successfully expresses a complex brief in simple formal language. The project delivers a "building in landscape." Although the multi-purpose structure is a robust and striking form, it defers to, and sits comfortably within, the landscape of Commonwealth Park. The structure facilitates the appreciation and enjoyment of the site.
The multi-purpose structure provides a truly flexible building that sits comfortably within a mature landscape setting. The concept of the circular base that allows junction of paths from any direction provides the client with maximum flexibility when setting long term visions for the precinct.
PROJECT TEAM
Architect/Practice: Townsend + Associates Architects
Practice Team: Alessandro Rossi (Graduate of Architecture), Bruce Townsend (Design Architect), Catherine Townsend (Project Director), Zlatko Nemet (Senior Draftsman), Ben Walker (Architectural Graphics), Soo Kim (Architectural Assistant), Bones Northcott (Model Maker)
Consultant Team: Northrop (Bryan Cossart, Structural Consultant), Cardno (Electrical/ Hydraulic Consultant), Redbox (Landscape Consultant), Rider Levett Bucknall (Cost Consultant), Duncan Marshall (Heritage consultant)
Construction Team: MI Associates (Project Manager), GE Shaw & Associates (Construction Manager)
Photographer: Cameron Bloom
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