Sofia Zielonka

My proposal for the retrofit of the Monash Sports Centre looks to create a more light and open space which will positively benefit the mental wellness and health of users whilst contributing to a netzero building.
I decided to look at the development of post Covid design and how spaces will adapt in response to the change in human interaction as a result of the pandemic. There have been an alarming number of studies detailing the increase in people struggling with mental health issues due to the pandemic. As such, my proposal looks to generate a space prioritising the mental health of users to set a precedent for future developments on campus.

Two sets of design principles were created to help centre the project and highlight the main areas for development.
It was broken down into the precinct design and wellness principles. The precinct design principles focus more so on the architectural and NetZero elements including passive design strategies and adaptable floor space. Whilst the wellness principles helped to ensure a range of different approaches were being used to address the topic with flexibility in aim to positively influence all users experience on site.

Zooming out, the centre aims to become a provider for the wider campus and a precedent for mental health, generating a range of space both internally and externally that provides users with flexibility to use the space.
Additionally, employing adaptations to minimise use of electricity through natural light and ventilation alongside an increase of solar panels, the centre should look produce excess energy which can be distributed across the campus.
And finally, introduction of a rain water catchment system working alongside the centres water saving tactics, will allow excess water to be used throughout the campus perhaps for watering the ovals and grounds.

Focus was placed on creating a space that enhanced user's physical, sensory and psychological comfort both internally and externally of the building. This diagram shows proposed external design adaptations. It demonstrates a range of ways in which the design principles have been expanded. Presenting where each adaptation works to improve mental wellness.
Ultimately, the introduction of outdoor functional green spaces and additional seating accompanied by advanced shading devices encourages people to use the site for a variety of reasons. This in turn, promotes socialising and wellbeing.

Whilst conducting research on wellness design, I identified a notion that was interesting. The importance of recognising introverts and extroverts in architecture. The usage of open plan design was not always the perceived answer. Using this research, I designed breakout spaces that catered to both of these types of people. Incorporating public and private breakout spaces for people to unwind in their own way. The renders demonstrate how each of these spaces could be presented whilst also addressing the key themes of connection to nature and flexibility to inhabit a space. This combination aims to enhance positive feelings of calmness and a sense of control.

The final page displays two renders of key spaces within the centre that have been modified to best fit the proposal.
Render one is the basketball court. It displays the facade upgrade on the South side of the building. This is the main frontage seen when driving up Scenic Blvd. Additionally, there have been smaller windows placed on the Eastern facade. These added windows alongside the newly developed saw-tooth roof enables natural light to softly stream through to the courts.
Render two exhibits the proposed healing garden that will be in the centre of the building. It will act as a safe space for users and encourage reflection, meditation and relaxation.