The Place To Be

DESIGN SUMMARY


I thought I would do a brief summary of my entire project, to accompany what can be seen within the A1 panel, prezi presentation and model. 


FEDERATION MALL
"a hive of activity"


The Federation Mall responds to the need for accountability and transparency within Parliament. The design provides a place for innovation, learning, collaboration and celebration; allowing a free flowing mutual understanding and education conversation between the general public and parliament. The design adds a new layer of activity to the site.


Inspired by the concept of the hive, the design also responds to the key issue within the current design of Federation Mall, the lack of access and activity through the site.


The pavilion spaces provide a variety of uses to facilitate the main ideas of innovation, learning and collaboration, bringing a new realm of culture, diversity, arts, music and mainly LIFE into the site. The pavilions provide open plan and mainly flexible arrangements inside, to allow for different uses in the future. The hive facade techniques and roof openings allow the presence of the surrounding Parliament House(s) to be felt; especially the view of the flag through the pavilions roofs. The information centre pavilions (one positioned at either end for easy access for those entering/leaving the site) provide the backbone for the concept, with activity hubs located within. These activity hubs provide a digital interface that allows for learning facilities (ie. current parliamentary debates, issues, proposals), as well as surveys and public feedback. 


The celebration space links the pavilions, and provides a truly useable, public space. It facilities performances, protests, gathering, relaxing, public events and celebration. A raised stage area allows for public performances, and layers in the landscape relate to "the flag, the hill, the wall" identity and presence concept. The celebration space allows for movement THROUGH (rather than around) the site, framing the parliamentary flag. 


The mobile activity hubs use the existing rail infrastructure network, disassembled as "flat pack's" in containers. These are then assembled on site (they can travel using trucks, etc. also) with digital interfaces installed (iPad's) that allow for similar activities as noted within the activity hubs in the pavilions). These connect wirelessly to the "queen bee" of Federation Mall, and allow for Australia wide interaction. This allows for parliamentary presence across Australia, with the design linking with the design of the proposed Federation Mall.