Marianne Daphne Sinta

The “Unity In Between” project is located at Haines St. in North Melbourne and is in close proximity to public transportation. There are five buildings on site, and four of the five buildings comprise flexible communal spaces that can accommodate various spaces, such as spaces that can be used for work, resting, or small gatherings among residents. As well as, there are cafes in these buildings. In response to the site context and the aim for a sustainable design, this perspective drawing captures the use of brick and timber materiality, ensuring longevity and durability.

This perspective drawing not only reveals the choice of materials but also provides a view of the street interface and the facade articulation of the project. Timber screenings are integral elements of this project’s design for considering residents’ privacy and distinguishing the private and public spaces on site, as well as contributing to controlling the threshold of the private and public spaces. Behind the timber screenings unveils the central courtyard on site for residents and the public to use, and it creates a lively space, which makes a healthy neighbourhood and enhances the livability of the surrounding area.

The ground floor plan presents different spaces on site. The central courtyard and public park are integral components of the project’s design concept, allowing residents to connect, share, play, and innovate. Similarly, communal spaces and cafes encourage social interaction. Dedicating a space for a communal edible garden facilitates interaction and shared experiences and allows residents to grow their produce, encouraging physical activities and learning skills.

The cross section reveals an architectural element integrated into this project, which is the pathways between dwellings, and it also showcases the spaces inside the apartment buildings and the central courtyards. With many outdoor spaces introduced in this project, the vegetation on site is the former and current ecological vegetation that will be planted, which enhances the visual appeal of the project, supporting biodiversity, offering an ideal habitat for wildlife, and caring for Country. This will also provide access to nature and a sense of familiarity for residents and the public.

The flexible spaces that residents can use for work or leisure activities and the operable timber screenings are shown in this corridor view captured in the apartment building.

Portrayed in both drawings, the project design works with the site’s natural topography; thus, this aids in improving the health and wellbeing of Country. On the south elevation drawing, there are recessed balconies on the facade and open balconies situated on the ground floor of the apartment buildings. This creates an active street interface by letting residents interact with the public, encouraging connectivity with the neighbourhood and surrounding areas.