2018 LAGI/Melbourne
In my version of the ecological renovation of The Triangle, I added some new structures that echo the Triangle’s important landmarks: the slope, the theater, luna park, in terms of spirit and design. yet each piece is its own micro-organism. My main focus was to preserve the integrity of the Triangle and its landmarks, while making it more accessible to the public, and strengthening its connection with the boardwalk and the beach. This provides a more leisurely, touristic authority to the site, rendering it a desirable hang out spot for families, romantic couples, and friends. The Moon This structure is the masterpiece of this project, elegantly wrapping up the entire concept into one spectacular sustainable, functioning art installation. The moon itself is an 18 meters diameter windmill, covered in round white mesh cladding. What makes the moon an actual moon and not just a white translucent ball is the solar panels, that visually function as the moon’s craters, and practically function as light energy absorbents. The panels absorb light during the day, and illuminate the moon at night, creating the illusion of an actual glowing moon, hanging above the water line. Pretty on the outside, the moon is also functioning on the inside. The Vane utilizes the natural western winds and provides power for the first and secondary boundary area. In average, the windmill capacity should be 2-3 MW, allowing to produce more than 6 million kWh in a year. The moon is a major attraction; big, round and shiny, it is seen from afar, and arises great curiosity, especially at night. I imagine the moon as a landmark of the area, a beautiful addition to Melbourne's skyline, attracting people and providing them with a certain “purpose” to their pleasant stroll, a defined destination (“hey, let’s just take a walk to the moon and back”). The Floor The flooring is the first link of the Triangle site to the beach; the sand coloring and the tiny gravel imitate the sand on the beach.The gravel is cemented, that creates a surface that is pleasant to walk on, and you can see the beach from almost any point of the site. Palais Theater extension Situated in front of the theater. Its design is inspired by the main front windows (a delicate thin arch) and the barrel-like roof of the theater. The structure is made out of gold mesh cladding, so that it is light and airy, and does not conceal or block the theater itself. The golden mesh cover grants the structure prestige and somewhat grandeur, while the metal keeps it modern and fresh. and creates a double skin facade which provides shade and helps to keep the building cool and pleasant during hot summers. The building contains several cafes, art gallery, restaurant, library on the other, surrounded by naturally placed greenery, and an open air cinema. The Ponds At sunset, the sandy gravel and the shimmer of the light reflected in the pools is another link of the site to the beach. A group of shallow ponds, located on the ground floor outside of the first extension. From an ecological aspect, the source of the ponds is rain water accumulated in tanks situated beneath the ponds. Community Center A green-roofed construction, located at the other end of the ponds. The bottom of the building starts from the Esplanade, continuing the natural curve of the slope, rising up and splitting into a 2-story building. The structure is a community center, a home to afternoon activities and classes for adults and children. The roof of the structure is inspired by the shape of the roller coaster from the amusement park, in shape and direction; the building starts from street level and moves upwards, with a nice wavy finish. Community Center as Green Structure The roof - Itself is a green lung, planted with resilient greenery, providing a refreshing garden stroll with a beachside scenic viewpoint. The green roof also contributes to isolating the heat and preventing the building from overheating. The facade - Is horizontal overhangs and vertical fins, intercepting sunlight before it reaches the walls, thus reducing the amount of heat entering the building, and allowing the cooling sea breeze to blow in between and chill the building. From an ecological standpoint, it reduces the need for air-conditioning and cooling by at least 30%. The windows - Are strategically located at the top of the wall, illuminating the hall with soft, unblinding light. The opening to the Esplanade also provides soft lighting that arrives from the street. The combination of the 2 lights provides a pleasant atmosphere. Sustainability park The park is an interactive educational playground for children, made of recycled materials. Hydroponic forest A modern innovative garden, that combines technology, nature and art. The forest is made of recycled vertical pipes, with several niches in each pipe, populated with various durable greenery. The unusual vertical position of the forest makes it an interesting art piece, as well as a pleasant destination for taking a nice walk or a relaxing rest, away from the bustle of the playground and center. Jacka Boulvard In order to make the beach more accessible, and more connected to the Triangle, I widened the traffic island which is the boulevard. This leaves only one lane for each direction of the traffic, slowing it down and allowing a safer, easier passage of pedestrians. On the boulevard you can find, hip cafés and yogurt places, and of course green lungs in the form of bushes to better contain the pollution.