Rachael de iongh

This perspective section draws attention to the main void and circulation space. It shows the integration of some of the key design principles: Maintaining structure and services, utilising the existing grid, reuse of recycled materials, opening up threshold at ground floor and the use of voids to transmit light, create a ventilation chimney and connect floors together. This section also shows key design moments, such as the rooftop garden on the top left, the double heighted open education space bottom left, the existing in-slab water heating system exposed in the central void space and the double heighted void on the right that displays recycled planters from existing cinder brick walls.

This design project focuses on 6 key design strategies that could be implemented to ensure user’s wellbeing, a consideration of the local ecology, a building that operates at net zero carbon, and considers the future of education and the building’s role in that. This image shows the key thinking behind ‘Building as an educational tool’ and the systematic approach to developing the 6 key design principles and how this is reflected through the design.

The plan was developed by analysing the established structural grid and creating a system whereby existing programs and walls that aligned with the grid were kept. This was done in an attempt to minimise waste, yet open up the program for greater interaction between users, and to ultimately future proof these spaces. Additional areas were created on the north and south facades on the western end of the building that utilised existing structures and constraints of the site to open up the threshold at ground floor.

This view highlights the contrast between the existing structure and the developed south entrance façade. The new extension pushes out from the existing building to create a more accessible entrance, yet still aligns with the existing grid.

View from the main staircase looking up towards the skylight through the main void. Highlighted in this image is the existing structural beams that run across the void and are used as mechanism to expose the existing structural systems at play. The main void space acts as a ventilation chimney and encourages passive ventilation throughout the building. The ground floor exposes the existing in-slab water heating system and the main void space is also integrated with vertical planters that reflects upon previous ecology studies undertaken in the studio atlas.

This view is taken from the second floor looking down into the main education space. This view not only shows the integration between different floors, but also the exposed ventilation system. This example of a key view is an integral part of the building as an educational tool, where ventilation systems aren’t hidden in bulk heads, but exposed. Users gain insight into their role within the operation of the building.