An empowering example The architectural scope of a supplement to add a Gothic resuscitation bench from 1880 in the South Melbourne has now been completed.
The project is noticeable because it was completely managed by a purely female team. The project entitled BVIA on Bank was commissioned by Anne Michaels, the director of the developers she built by women. Michael's committed Melbourne Practice Agius Scorpo Architects to design a supplement that replaces an expansion of the 1970s. The order was to design a commercial office building that was glamorous and contemporary, but the bank's attention, which was designed by the Terry and Oakden company from the 19th century, was not affected.
The seven-story addition, which is now on the bank characteristics, are inscribed on the facade, the concrete, curved glass and copper-colored elements. In contrast, the now reduced addition of the 1970s replicated the material and color palette of the facade of 1880. The part of the 1970s had decreased considerably from the road, while the newcomer sits parallel to the bank and passers -by with an activated street front and a hospitality offer on the ground floor.
“We were very aware of how these buildings would deal with each other,” said Claire Scorpo, director of Agius Scorpo. “Our focus was on creating a form that complements the bank instead of competing with it – creating an accompanying building instead of something separated and nothing connected.”
“While the bank is detailed and angular and have strong contrasts in tone and materiality, we have designed the addition so that we are softer, without sharp edges and a continuous, stabilizer -like pattern and not an articulation of floor slabs.”
One of the most important strategies to visually tie the two structures together was to integrate a large oculus on the facade as a playful scale of the ox eye motif on the bank's facade and to visually tie the two structures together.
The design has made it possible to set up an inner courtyard between the two buildings, combine the elements of both buildings physically and conceptually and increase the activated experiences of the buildings.
“Our customer has a deep connection to this place since childhood […]. She was enthusiastic about getting back a feeling of pride and glamor from South Melbourne, building on the existing companies on the other side of the street and reviving the region. The project was developed in this sense to promote activation by its programmatic mix.
“The hospitality on the ground floor and the offices mentioned above encouraged a steady presence to the day, which contributed to the economic and social liveliness of the neighborhood. It was intended that this building achieved a wave effect to support the surrounding companies and to promote a new feeling of care and community. “
Scorpo thought that it was an incredible experience to be part of a project that was made easier by a purely female team.
“From the beginning there was a strong feeling of commitment and investments from everyone involved. Women often hesitate to move themselves, but this project created space for individuals to strengthen and be recognized. Our approach was really collaborative and open, and many people noticed the unique dynamics that emerged from this way of working. “
“This shows that if they have given opportunities, women can enter and thrive in leadership roles. It is a memory that representation is important and that an integrative industry creates richer, more thoughtful and more committed results for the wider public. We all bring different life experiences and perspectives with and the wider the team the richer the result. “
The design team was also on the upgrading of parts of the cultural heritage building. This included the reactivation of the rooms in the first floor as an unusual warehouse clearance and the improvement of accessibility in the entire room.
The internal failure of the office bodies is currently being carried out by tenants.