Programming and Development

Masterplanning and Proposed Infrastructure:

The master planning of the site located within Vernon Circle, Canberra, connects the major routes and places of interest, such as the retail and commercial precinct, entertainment the schools and universities, and the law (police, courts etc.) (Refer to ...).

The new precinct proposed for development will include the VOICE building (the hub), as well as outdoor amphitheatre space, restaurant and bar facility, and general park and green space. This development enhances the usability of Canberra's city centre, and provides pedestrian accessibility to all the major areas. 

Amphitheatre space provides an area for large groups to gather or small public events to be held. 

 Access from amphitheatre space to the VOICE building.

Eastern View, proposed space for public facilities or restaurant/bar.

View from Entertainment/High Rise Residential precinct (City Centre). Obviously safety needs to be resolved on the bridges, with the inclusion of side rails or barriers.

This new precinct provides pedestrian bridge and path access from these specific areas, mainly from the cities centre/entertainment precinct. The bridges pass over the road (Vernon Circle) at a height of 5 metres, which I feel is sufficient.

Main Building: VOICE

These elevations and sections show the building form in context to its position in the site. The elevations reveal the complexity of the exterior. The sections reveal the internal functions including the core and structural columns that give the building structural integrity.

The building represents a 'Virtual Orientated & Interactive Communication Environment', better known as VOICE. The structure itself boasts a large curvilinear conceptual structural form, with various exterior treatments to compliment its form and function. A central well is also a dominant feature, as it connects the buildings internal spaces through the large void that it is, as well as filtering the building with central light. The light is distributed and filtered with internal shading devices to compliment the internal spaces, as well as provide control of natural light. Roof space and access is provided through the internal staircase, which would house the buildings services outlets as well as the vertical transportation (elevator) services. 

The third and final level boast large floor to ceiling space, social media outlets, private individual booths and interactive partition screens. These spaces and technologies allow for the exploration and sharing of information amongst the public, and as well individually. Connecting the vistors to their social media outlets is also aimed at sharing information, having a general concern or enquiry and sharing it with your friends and community.

The second floor is the central control/management of the distribution, collection and general maintenance of the virtual facilities and technology of the building, and connecting the nodes. This floor serves as an open office for staff to facilitate the supply of 'direct democracy'. Virtual meeting rooms also are provided for both staff and the public to use/hire depending on the situation where a group requires privacy when connecting with other nodes or exploring political information/government policy etc. Open plan floor space also provides lounge and breakout space.

The programming and planning of the ground level is as shown above. After experimenting with spatial form and functions, this is the final constructive layout. This floor boasts a large news and reading facility, which will provide news and media virtually to patrons who may sit at virtual stations or chose to sit in comfort, or stand, providing a range of personal choices/options. This ground floor is also the 'hub' where information on the building, its services etc. can all be accessed via large interactive screens. This is central and directly in line with the entrance. Bathroom facilities are also available, and will obviously be completely reliant on artificial lighting and ventilation. With that in mind, it is crucial that sustainable energy options are explored and integrated.

The programming of the main building is divided between three levels. 

The ground level will house a news and reading room, with integrated virtual technologies, as well as providing an information area for patrons to discover the purpose of the building and to guide them in the right direction.

The second (middle) level will house the management and control facility. This space will be used by officials who monitor virtual activity and ensure that information and data is being correctly distributed and received etc.

The third level will house the 'virtual world', where patrons can share interactive materials and information amongst the public, as well as discovering information and sharing it privately in booths. This level will also have an emphasis on the role of social media, with express booths to allow access to the multiple social media outlets. This will provide communication with the wider community with fresh information, concern, etc. can immediately be published to others, rather then waiting to get home and use their own devices. This also provides social media to the public who may previously not have access to. The option to post as a guest to a specific group/webpage set up for the 'virtual parliament'/ the peoples parliament.