Module Opening and Expanding

Here I am looking at the central hub and how sections of it could break apart and be used as connection point to other hubs.

Each line throughout the hub can be a transparent material that allows snippets of light and visual access into the hub from the external.

Open and Shut

Early consideration of movement or attachment of the hubs to one another. Some other considerations are:

• Structures pull out like a Concettina
• Separate modules connect on site
• Expanding materials to grow on site
• Folding out structure - flat pac system

Modules and Access

Looking at the main access as well as different module plug-ins for the central service hub that would be utilised in all the different governmental hubs highlighted in red.

Materiality

Light Weight : Dynamic : Recyclable

Ethylene Tetraflouroethylene commonly known as ETFE, is a type of plastic that is extremely corrosion resistant and very strong. 

It has a number of material characteristics that are desirable for a project such as this. 

Image Sourced http://www.zigersnead.com/current/blog/post/what-is-ethylene-tetraflouroethylene-etfe/

• Self Cleaning
• Extremely corrosive, resistant and strong
• Completely recyclable
• Transmits more light than glass
• Weights 1% of comparable glass panel
• Installation cost 25-70% less than that of glass panels
• Can be treated to modulate light transmission and appearance
• Dynamic Facade translucent/opaque capabilities 

Water Cube image sourced http://arc5177.wordpress.com/2011/03/21/biomimicry-in-architecture-2/

  

ETFE characteristics are well suited to the hub structures for its ease of transport, durability, dynamic facades and flexibility. 

Module

 Considering different options of physically distributing the political insertion throughout Australia.  

 

 

By using the structural constraints of a shipping container the structure can fit on a variety of existing transportation infrastructures. Such as shipping vessels, train carriages and semi-trailers allowing for easy distribution to all corners of Australia.

In these sketches I am looking at maintaining a central energy module within the constraints of a shipping container size. The other sections are pluggins that attach to it to provide specialised functions to the specific governmental agency using it at the time.

Design BRIEF

THEME GROUP

Distribution // Transprogramming

The traditional symbolism of Governance as a part of the built fabric of the city of power.

Distributed, overlapping, complex, decentralised. “Transprogramming” overlapping program within the distributed network of the “Capital”.

ARCHITYPE

o  Practical Experience

This designs ultimately aim is to make politicians more accountable to the people of Australia. Through distributing governmental layers politicians can infiltrate into society outside of the Australian National Capital. In doing so politicians will be more accessible through the built environment

o  Aesthetic Impact

Lightweight flexible structure that is easily distributed and infiltrated into communities around Australia. A place that has a sense of community, respect and an ease of interaction with all who experience it. Robust and sturdy that is intuitive to its expansive range of users.

 

o  Symbolic Impact

Provides a social hub and meeting place outside of the National Capital that is equal ground for the politicians and the community users.  A place that is identifiably “Australian”, and that is accessible by all users within the community.

Must:	Primary practical, aesthetic and symbolic functions: o  provide a built environment that allows politicians to be more accessible within the public realm o  be able to be distributed throughout Australia by means of proposed rail line and/or existing infrastructure either train carriages, road train or shipping infrastructure. (size limit 19500 x 2400 x 3500) o  enhance communities experience and interactions with the government and politicians o  be intuitive to use - identifiable by the majority of community o  ergonomically correct for users - height size standards o  provide a meeting place outside of the Capital City for both politicians and the community o  enhance symbolic functions of the Australian Government and the specific governmental agencies o  fit the context in which it is placed - various locations and climates around Australia o  provide essential practical functions such as - shelter, protection, educate, facilitate whilst enhancing accessibility to politicians o  be accessible by all community users and provide in some cases amenities for community such as disability accessible amenities and facilities o  easy mobility and assembly and disassembly o  easily stored when not in use
Should:	Secondary practical, aesthetic and symbolic functions: o  be aesthetically appealing to community and politicians  o  be robust o  lightweight o  feel “right” o  fit the environmental context (pavilion style architecture, welcoming, intuitive, technologically advanced) o  offer useful information and education the community o  allow for easily accessible maintenance of structure o  allow pluggins to attach easily with minimal specialised trades people required
Must Not:	Things the design of the product must avoid. These things would cause it to function poorly, be misunderstood or unappealing. Examples: o  be hard to use and understand o  be unidentifiable o  be uncomfortable o  dictate usage or user type o  be unstable or unbalanced o  be dangerous - eliminate risk of electrocution when wet o  be heavy and hard to move around

 

Govenmental Agencies

The design aims at dispersing a variety of agencies throughout Australia to receive input and suggestions from the general public.   

I have chosen to focus my project on two issues and agencies which I feel will play a huge role presently throughout Australia and even more so in the future. 

Firstly, with a growing population and an increase in lifestyle disease there will be even more of a strain on the public health system - the idea is to create a 'Health Hub' that can provide education, formative feedback to politicians and health services to the community.

 

 

Here is the outline of what may be required in the Health Hub

And secondly, the growing stress on the environment and its affects on the natural biodiversity of the planet is a concerning issue to many Australians - This space known as the 'Environment Hub' will provide integral education,  formative feedback to politicians and an area for exemplary sustainable living displays.

 

Here is the outline of what may be required in the Environmental Hub