Analysis of Design

Program

Program has been grouped into 5 areas - Administration, Cafe, Conference & Community Workshop on the ground floor. Sports on the lower ground floor, which includes change rooms, rub down room and community kitchen.
Each programmatic element has then been placed within one of 6 'segments' of the predefined design perameters. The final location on the site of each program element has been decided after taking into consideration the needs of that service area.

The Cafe is location on the North side to achieve full sun all day.
The Conference Area has full view of the pitch making it ideal for holding special events in particular of a sporting nature. Inhabitants of all three rooms would feel a special connection to the pitch as it is viewed from eye height from these rooms.
The Community Workshop is the most organic of all the spaces, and the journey from the entry to the space reflects this - moving around the courtyard garden and gently progressing down a set of ramps. On arrival into this area the viewer is presented with a veiw across the oval through two glazed curtain walls.

Main Circulation - connecting areas of coogee

The Circulation within the building is constructed around the central sunken courtyard. Each of the 3 paths leading from the beach, tennis courts and main communal street in coogee(south of building) intersect within this area. Circulation of the community centre has been designed to be as easy as possible; program is grouped and each area can be viewed from the entrance, either across the void or beyond the central sunken courtyard.

Vertical Circulation

Athough the entire building is accessable through a ramping system, there is also a lift and staircase located near the cafe. This combination of vertical circulation in particular the ramping system was included to allow patrons of all ages to use the centre with ease in particular the elderly, wheelchair bound and young children/babies in pushchairs. The main ramp leading down through the void to the sports hall can also double up as a viewing area for sporting functions/award ceremonies etc below.

Structural Diagram

Columns have become a predominant structural element in the design for two purposes; they enable the roof structure to appear weightless and also enhance the feeling of an organic circulation as they lead the eye through the building. They have become the key support for the main ramp which allows it to appear suspended separatly from the main building structure.

Orientation of program around Voids

All the program is orientated around key voids within the building such as the sunken courtyard garden and the void through to the sport hall. This not only helps patrons locate themselves within the building as a whole but also aids in creating beautiful moments as one moves through the space.

Visual Connection with nature providing a breakdown of boundaries/threshold

Throughout the building a sense of movement and journey is created not only through the use of voids but also an intrinsic connection with nature. All areas have combinations of balconies and large glass curtain walls to enhance this connection.