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.
>design strategy
#public #energize #acceptance
[300m2-130pax]
form strategy​
Spatial strategy 'Cul-de-sac' of public behaviour by SWA Group (2019) has been implemented to create small nooks for cluster or privacy.
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The joinery is backed with trees and provide clear view out into the rest of the forecourt and Robert Street. This allows people to engage with one another as well as with the surrounding environment.
natural lighting​
Seating area is open which allows for natural lighting. Trees located behind seating provided shade and create a peaceful experience to the users in the forecourt.
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artificial lighting
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Strip lighting is recessed at the bottom of the benches to emphasize the organic form of the joinery and highlight the spaces to sit.
inclusivity​
A public space accessible to all individuals, for their use and enjoyment.
The large surface area of the forecourt discourages crowding which is relevant to current events such as Covid19.
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The bench joinery consists to multiple nooks to cater to a large number of people at the forecourt for both individual and group activities.
>material board
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Existing brick wall
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Sandstone pavement, tan
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Sandstone pavement, brown
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Polished ashcrete for base of bench seating joinery
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Solid Spotted gum for bench seating joinery
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Spotted gum tree
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Zoysia grass
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Recessed strip lighting on bench seating joinery
With sustainability in mind, the existing brick wall of the boiler house is retained. This bypasses the wasteful process of demolition and reconstruction. In addition, ashcrete is used over traditional concrete. Fly ash, the main component of ashcrete, is a by-product of coal-burning power plants, such as the White Bay Power Station. The use of ashcrete demonstrates the process of recycling a harmful by-product into an eco-friendly material. Moreover, sandstone pavement is used in the forecourt not only because it is a natural, durable and eco-friendly resource with a low carbon footprint, but also to maintain the brick pattern evident in the existing White Bay Power Station. Lastly, spotted gum panels are used since it is readily available and highly regenerative. The plant itself is also used to revegetate the forecourt since it is not only a native to Australia but have been used for their spiritual properties for cleansing negativity and promoting good health.
>perspective
>details
bench seating / revegetation
bench seating / revegetation
bench seating/ etched unity logo
transition of materials
The bench is embedded into the joinery allowing the grass to grow along its edges. This brings individuals closer to nature and encourages the re-development of the relationship between individuals and the environment that was once contaminated.
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The land is revegetated with Zoysia Grass, an extremely versatile and low-allergenic grass, and Spotted Gum, a tree native to Australia and used for their spiritual benefits.
The solid spotted gum bench seating is etched with the unity logo as it represents and communicates the intention and narrative of the civic centre. The centre facilitates the re-sharing of history and identity hence the site's logo is etched onto the joinery to reveal its own identity and encourage individuals to do so as well.
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The logo means unity or connection in sign language.
The stone pavement fluidly transitions into a darker colour along the small patches of trees and soil. This change in material helps individuals with spatial placement when walking along the forecourt.
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This optimises accessibility while symbolically representing the importance of relationship between the site and the land it sits on.
FLYN KUPERS
Z5206393