contamination theme

Throughout this design studio, the idea of contamination was extensively discussed. Especially in accordance with the old North Fitzroy gasworks site which aims to provide commercial, residential and educational services to the North Fitzroy community. Our interpretation of this idea of contamination is through the overarching idea of nature contamination and the relationship it has with architecture. Thus, this mind map here shows how we bring all our contamination concepts together. We regard this as a positive contamination process, as it not just aesthetically delightful but remediates our life during the process of getting closer to mother nature.

ps: Mind Map drawn on Procreate showing how the concepts brings together

We begin our master planning by looking closely at the existing superblocks and trying to enhance the connection. This diagram shows how each typology is located. As has been discussed previously, there is a movement from S of Alexander pde to the Edinburg garden indicated here in green arrow, and we decided to incorporate that into our master plan. Our consideration of typology allocation also closely referred to this map.

ps: Site Analysis diagram drawn on Photoshop showing how the site is connected to the superblock.

Masterplan Concept

Our inspiration for the massing form sprung from Dorothy's contamination research about Genetic mutation and editing. More specifically how different elements of DNA can be changed. This research inspired us to view our site as multiple elements connected through the idea of an ecological corridor which can link to different programs around the site and to other areas surrounding the area.

ps: Site Analysis diagram drawn on Illustrator showing how the master plan is influenced by Gene Editing.

Green Corridor

Our nature contamination idea is represented most clearly through our Green corridor concept, focusing on connecting our site to the larger metropolitan area with an elevated green nature corridor which not only allows pedestrians easier and quicker access to other public services in North Fitzroy but also providing them with an opportunity to experience our unique contamination narrative.

ps: The master plan is modelled in Rhinoceros, by Zhiliang Yan (Robbie), Dorothy Tse, Jordan Chen (in order).

With all considered above, we have curated a design that hopes to respond to the social, cultural and economic needs of the North Fitzroy community. Each defined area has a different representation of ‘nature’ contamination. Building styles distinguish from each group members but work in conjunction with each other and juxtaposes between each other in a harmonious situation.

ps: The master plan is modelled in Rhinoceros, by Zhiliang Yan (Robbie), Dorothy Tse, Jordan Chen (in order).

Here is a view in the Green Corridor, showing how it can be occupied.

Dorothy commercial complex

A multi-function complex block with the concept of being able to stand on its own; which allows access to multiple living essentials such as living space, workspace, child care centre and public space. Cross programming is the main representation of contamination, along with abundant green spaces. For instance, the public spaces are in flexible use and located under the shopping centre, allied with weekend markets and public concerts plaza. Offices are facing Alexander parade to act as a noise buffer to residential, but share communal lift areas. They all exist to allow better living quality within a complex and create interesting connections within.

Here is a diagram how the multi-functional complex works.

We also want to show that my part interacts with the surrounding blocks with the use of bridges and interacts with the huge public space in the centre. Here is a visualization showing the bridging moment at the Alexandre Pde & Smith St.

Greenery contaminates our building with a more interactive way with the occupants, creating a positive impact. We reckon small tress could grow inside a brick column and surround with a slide that connects the first and second floor. The tree column could provide a sense of green in the office without overgrowing too much and interrupt workers. Moreover, the workers in the second floor could make use of the slide to slide into the pantry area and opened garden to relax. With all these features, we believe green contaminated my office in a positive and more interactive way.

Dorothy office plan

Dorothy child Day care centre

Food contamination is what I inspired for the child day care center. The holes of cheese are actually a waste product by the contamination of bacteria. However, I reckon this by-product is a way to increase openness and transparency from exterior to interior. Besides, these organic shapes remind me of children toys which share curvey outlines and vivid colours. In my perspective, a child care center should look appealing or interesting to children. And so I make circular windows at children’s eye level so they could look inside and outside.

robbie vertical education

For my Educational building, Green nature 'contaminates' into architecture via the idea of Green Invasion, which is having accessible gardens/greenery at each level, along with the visualization of green wall elements in facades design. This is a visualization of the biological garden.It intends to provide students with an interesting place to acquire knowledge, as well as providing an education that could engage more hands-on experiences (biological gardens to teach students critical biology knowledge)

The diagram here indicates the invasion process showing how the prefab garden boxes are being added onto the building. The elevation diagram here shows how the greenery changes the facade as well.

Here this view shows a scene at the balcony, where students can relax after studying and enjoy the view towards Edinburg garden. The green facade design also serves as a sound barrier against the road.

We also incorporate the thinking of giving back some places to the public, as the educational building occupies a significant portion of the site. Here at the inclined rooftop of the library, dwellers can enjoy the sunlight bath on the grassland. Also, the library underneath is open to the public during the weekend.

robbie facade designs

I consider it as an act of cultural recognition, embracing the industrial history of Fitzroy. I used waste material from abandoned warehouses, dispossessing them and turning into collage balconies for classrooms. It creates a contrast as the more modernized looking part of the building sits on top of the traditional part of the building. The interior is monotone in pastel-ish wood to create a comfortable study atmosphere.

Here shows the visualization of the exterior and the interior. Viewers will be also shocked by the contrast between them, in particular the entrance and the internal void. The interior also shows the slope circulation idea inspired by Vagelos Education Centre, which connects each level & green spaces.

robbie education plan

jordan residential

The interpretation of the nature contamination narrative was illustrated through the idea of ruins, moreover the idea of how nature can erode structures and almost reclaim the land it once lost. From a bird’s eye view, you can almost see how the residential chunk is almost split up, broken up and eroded into smaller apartment chunks, almost like rocks, with trees and vines growing up and around the spaces not allocated by the buildings.

The nature contamination narrative was illustrated through the idea of ruins, moreover the idea of how nature can erode structures and almost reclaim the land it once lost. From a bird’s eye view, you can almost see how the residential chunk is almost split up, broken up and eroded into smaller apartment chunks, almost like rocks, with trees and vines growing up and around the spaces not allocated by the buildings.

The narrative can also be experienced on different height levels as seen through the series of sky bridges. They have placed in between the trees which allow people to experience the nature vs architecture contamination narrative in the residential area in a unique way, as people can also experience the narrative on the ground and above the ground. Furthermore, this relationship between nature and architecture is also represented in the brick material (contamination). Tree nature crack area is also a public space for people to socialise just like in the narrow streets of North Fitzroy.