Archetech Issue 49 2020 | Page 71

“ BAU has been serving clients with this designas-research approach for more than a decade. BREARLEY (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD AN ABSTRACTION OF TYPOLOGIES A freely interpreted and eroded perimeter block typology forms the basis of this project’s architectural figure-ground. With two street edges left in place and the two other sides adjacent to the public open space removed, the private courtyard associated with the typology is protected from the street and connected to a larger network of public open space. Two civic-scaled openings mid-block effectively reduce the block size for pedestrians and provide public access through the courtyard to the public open space beyond. A tripartite urban fabric was seen as a positive contribution to the city, with: a robust ground floor; four stogeys of middle-storey; and a slightly misbehaving attic that completes the abstraction of typologies. Within the private court, a pavilion folded into the site ensures no reduction in green open space and provides an interesting topography to an otherwise flat landscape. MIXED PROGRAMS With collection of mixed programs: active-edge retail and services at ground floor; a 104-room hotel, plus office space in the middle storey; a pre-school of 2,500m2 in the attic; and finally a community centre with swimming pool and auditorium in the courtyard; Pukou Community Centre is a destination, not just a place to find government services. PAGE 71 - ARCHETECH