Through the anti-capitalist lens, the project explores the idea of rejecting the obligation to conform to society's idealistic 9-5 working day. The project is based around Max Richter's orchestra that plays for a sleeping audience, which is the act that will be taking place in the design, taking a metaphorical stance against capitalism as shown on display along Swanston Street. The design toys with transparency, where the outside world can see in, but the users inside the space cannot see the exterior reality.
Site Axonometric
Looking at the immediate context of 133 Swanston Street, we can see the high urban density amongst the area, with foot traffic being the main component. Addressing the street interface, we can see that the project aims to invite passers by to interact with the façade of the project, and even walk over the top of the glass zones.
The Ceremonial Process
Researching the sleep orchestra composed by Max Richter, this ceremony is a series of stages that facilitate the sleep of the participants instead of committing to their day jobs. The REM facilitators are the organising party that are responsible for all stages in the ceremony.
Plan & Section
The triple tiered structure has a vertical assembly of program, with user facilities down below ground level and organiser's space and equipment storage, above. As can see from the plans, the building is accessed through a nearby staircase that leads underground. The section highlights the atmospheric qualities of the space, and upheld with a steel structural framing system that hosts the double acoustic glazed glass panels.
Detailed Façade Section
As illustrated through section, the glass panels provide transparency for the outside viewer so that they may see what occurs on the inside, but due to One-Way Blackout film, the participants are unable to see outside, therefore providing them with false privacy. The double glaze is lined internally with acoustic film that assists in noise reduction. Not only does this curtain wall provide visible and auditory privacy, but it also greatly minimises the harsh effects of the sun and exterior heat.
Fragment
This portion of the design can be described as a mobile representation of the conceptual and formative ideas of the project. Using the same parametric bed design for the interior sleeping space, this same piece is placed on a platform and using the Melbourne CBD tram railway, finds its way around the city. This provoking act can assist the agenda of anti-capitalism through a moving installation.
Perspective Render
Illustrated from the viewpoint looking South along Swanston Street, the image shows the contrast in architecture between the new and the old, and showcases just how visible the entire design is, creating false privacy at an incredible scale.
David Romero, Site Axonometric
David Romero, The Ceremonial Process
David Romero, Plan & Section
David Romero, Detailed Façade Section
David Romero, Fragment
David Romero, Perspective Render
