Research
Pre 1788​
The Wangal and Gadigal people of the Eora inhibited the lands of the Bays West and developed a complex, nuanced kinship with communities such as the D'harawal, Dharug, Eora, Gaimaragal, Gundangara and Guringai peoples, among others.
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This is a place of sustainable, careful management of the abundant resources and where ceremony and culture have long been enacted.
1788​
Following the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, the lands in and around Bays West were divided up and grants were issued for farming and agriculture.
1862-1890
A low-level timber framed bridge was built that connected Glebe island to Pyrmont, and thus to the city. A dyke was built from Balmain across the White Bay mud flat to Glebe island.
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1862-1890​​
The White Bay Power Station opened initially to power Sydney's tram and train networks; later producing enough energy to Sydney's growing population.
1983​
White Bay Power Station was decommissioned and has stood abandoned and fenced off ever since.
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The concentration of noxious industries and their associated pollution left the Bays area unattractive and a topic of local protest.
Design Strategy Framework
Design Proposal
unity, a social powerhouse for cultural interaction and the exchange of knowledge that fosters Sydney’s identity through participative inquiry.
unity, the proposed reuse of the White Bay Power Station aims to re-develop the relationship between the communities of past, present, and future Sydney, the site, and the environment.
The hub will facilitate cultural interaction and the exchange of knowledge through the re-sharing of history and identity in Sydney.
Grounded by sustainability, unity stimulates human interaction and participative inquiry to initiate awareness between the communities and with our mutual surrounding environment.
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restore and showcase the historical identity of the site.
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acknowledge the traditional owners of the land.
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redevelop a nuanced kinship between the communities that once used the land (past, present, and a catalyst for the future).
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bring back sustainability and re-orient our mindset of the White Bay Power Station.​
unity
Mutual Grounds
The concentration of noxious industries and their pollution in the Bay West has left the soil contaminated and the area with a lack of greenery.
Mutual Grounds is a revegetated public recreational space located at the forecourt of the White Bay Power Station.
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bench seating / revegetation
bench seating/ etched unity logo
transition of materials
Identity Strip
White Bay Power Station is a heritage landmark that has stood abandoned since it was decommissioned in 1983.
Identity Strip forms the backbone of unity as it consists of an interactive wall of identity that brings together communities from different backgrounds.
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entrance threshold / signage
engraved signage on floor
interactive digital wall
Collective Study
There is a lack of public amenities in the one-kilometer radius of the White Bay Power Station.
Collective study is a public library that draws disparate groups to one space where both random and intentional interactions are made.
It’s a collection of both knowledge and individuals.
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static and digital signage
loose bench seating / side table
group table / indoor plant
Evoking Aisle
The land that White Bay Power Station sits on was inhibited by the Wangal and Gadigal people until the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.
Evoking Aisle displays sculptures from the Artitja Fine Art Gallery, specialists in Australian Aboriginal art, to reveal the identity of the traditional owners of the land.
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sculpture signage
arm chair / shell material
etched text on floor
Local Nest
Several axial approaches significant to the history and identity of Sydney have unobstructed views directly of the White Bay Power Station.
Local Nest is a rooftop restaurant that provides unobstructed views of major axial approaches.
It serves dishes made from Australian native and local ingredients.
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FLYN KUPERS
Z5206393