Project 1

The design approach for the site has many interconnected narratives. The site itself is a giant form of ecosystem that portrays various dramas at different times of the year including landscape, water tides, and migration of flora (cross-pollination) and fauna. The project intends to examine the needs of the community at the macro-scale and needs to conserve the ecosystem at the microscale this leads to the 'Placemaking strategy for community interaction and social sustainability within the residents of the Hobsons Bay. The existing nature showcases the yesteryears of the ancestors of this land that expressed a great affinity towards nature thereby the project narrates the story to the public and respects its culture as nature aids a great help in human's mental and physical wellbeing and reduces stress.

The site consists of an abandoned silo and a few commercial buildings around it that portray a dull environment. The only active and busy element is the road network on the site. Further analyzing the site potentials the importance of activeness needed to be incorporated into the site which does not only help at micro-level interaction but also helps at macro level public interaction. 

The main component of the site and its areas is the abandoned silo that seems lonely on the site. It is an important landmark of the site however which is not in use anymore. Taking this as an opportunity for the design every aspect of the silo is explored internally and externally. Silos look abandoned from the outside but contain a plethora of stories to tell you when inside. This is a triggering element in the design which in turn becomes the spirit of the design that is embraced by the housing and used by the public. The public interface in the site softens the threshold otherwise which is seen at the site a macro scale this public interface becomes an integral part of the urban fabric of the city which has a waterfront and the pier at one end and another side is the public interaction at the silos. This idea was highly influenced by the theory of Public life by Jan Gehl,

"A good city is like a good party-people stay longer than really necessary because they are enjoying themselves truly." - Jan Gehl

The site consists of a primary road on the east side and a secondary road to the north, it has a vast view of a lush green field towards the southern side along with a water body located within the fields. The design approach is articulated such that the library block in the building experiences a maximum view of the field and achieves an ample amount of natural light. The building also portrays different experiences at each level of the building.

A major focus is to achieve maximum openness and have a connection towards the southern view of the site containing the green field and the waterbody. Exposed Brick is used in the design to have a natural connection with the site and give a brutalist effect.

The design intends to explore the local architecture. Pandemic has compelled all of us to stay local which has, in turn, reduced our commuting time and distance. This leads architecture to become more resilient by facing contemporary issues. The proposed architecture includes residence and working spaces that amalgamate to celebrate the essence of Living and working locally yet connecting globally. This local architecture aims to be resilient to the challenge posed by the climate, economy, and social aspects. Facing the current urbanism, the architecture of the design enables people to stay local. Rather than commuting to work, people could utilize the same time for themselves or family. 

20 minutes neighborhood is an approach for an economically, climatically efficient, and sustainable locality, this hybrid structure is located in Geelong CBD where most of the kindergartens, schools, universities, pubs, supermarkets are within 20 minutes' distance. The project shows the working patterns and spatial character that depict apartments present in the project zip the public interphase with the work-spaces in this local architecture design and facilitates WORK-LIFE-BALANCE