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This project was an adaptive reuse of the Former Commonwealth Bank Building (FCBB). My design reinvents the FCBB as an iconic cultural hub with enticing, experiential spaces. It opens up the site to maximise pedestrian linkages and sight lines to the Civic cultural precinct. The upper facade with its iconic fins and bays is retained for its strong verticality. The lower facade has been opened up to encourage public realm connectivity and the original granite columns create large portal entries at street level along both sides.
This project was about creating a small laneway loft with both a private living area and an area open to the public. I have designed a multi-level loft with compact, private living quarters plus an attached public gallery and workshop, suitable for a craftsman/artist. With front and back street access, the building is attached on one side with a solid wall and is open to a lane with a cafe on the other.
This render of Solo House aims to maximise the effect of minimalism and symmetry of the original design. The night-time setting with a starry sky and living foreground allude to the remoteness of the site. Juxtaposed against the darkness outside, the internal lighting draws attention to the fully transparent glass wall that wraps the main floor. The model is untextured and surfaces appear flat and white, reflecting the Architect’s minimalist intent. Externally the environment is uncomplicated ensuring focus on the building and light source. Placement of the house off-centre in the image plays with the idea of symmetry and enables views from underneath which create a sense of grandeur and height.
Inspired by the appearance of an open book, the new Manuka Civic Library Centre will create a strong impression with a striking curved glass canopy roof facing Flinders Way. The building will be a highly visible landmark on the corner of two main Manuka streets and easily seen by commuters on Canberra Avenue. At three storeys high, the imposing new building and its bold curved roof will grab attention in its busy urban location. Structural curves soften the external appearance and tall, narrow windows break up the solid side facades of the building. From inside, the windows will provide light and framed views of the tree canopies outside.
This unit posed the questions that if great streets make great cities, what makes streets great? I chose to study the iconic Wall Street, Lower Manhattan, New York City. Once a promenade flanked by expensive homes, coffee outlets and markets, the narrow street is now known best as being a finance hub and home of the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. Today Wall Street comprises a surprising mix of architectural styles - coupling various historic and modern structures in one busy urban setting.
