Sharad Chhetri

Universal Community is a project located in Altona North among residential buildings making it the only public space in the area with potential in activating social interaction to achieve a sense of community. By implying the laws of Universal Design and the aspects of a successful public space, I designed a community centre for people with mobility impairment. Since local identity can give people a sense of belonging, the history of Altona is embedded into the fabrics of architecture and design.

My intervention not only solves the architectural issue of accessibility but forms social relation between people with mobility impairment and the wider community.

The design is a combination of wood and concrete to achieve a modern aesthetics. The walkways, glass display and the height of wall arts are all designed in accordance with regulations of universal design to be accessible for people with mobility impairment.

The back end of the building houses the self-organizing spaces that allow the public to use the space as they like without it being attached to a specific function. The spaces are activated by the changing functions and patterns of people

Most people with mobility impairment have limited movement within the community as not all spaces cater to their needs. Therefore, the library acts as a space that allows people to spend time outside of their home even if it’s just by themselves. It can also lead to other connections.

The first settlers in Altona were a tribe called the Yalukit William (Aboriginal People) which translates as River Dwellers. Therefore, the river-like footpath represents the history of the river dwellers and to signify the importance of the history, it flows throughout the site with a pond at the very end of it.