Site History
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 Research
Showcase and Enhance Sydney's Identity and Heritage
Showcase the cultural diversity of Sydney​
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Enable the exchange of knowledge, showcase cultural activities, and promote social connection
Enhance WBPS as a city landmark
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Showcase heritage features of WBPS, preserve views to Sydney Harbour Bridge, and revegetate site
Social Sustainability
Inclusion
Environmental Sustainability
Economic Sustainability
Enrich the lives of its users
Provide basic amenities
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Provide amenities for recreation, entertainment, seating, lifestyle, and sanitation
Facilitate diverse activities
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Repurpose the WBPS to accommodate a variety of programs/function
Human Sustainability
Equity
Social Sustainability
Diversity
Make the site accessible
Coordinate site with surrounding public transport networks
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Remove existing fencing and relocate access points of the site
Guide and optimise circulation and access​
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Comply with Australian Disability Act and implement wayfinding
Economic Sustainability
Social Sustainability
Inclusion
Design Strategy Framework
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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.​
Design strategy framework
Form Research - Social Interaction
"Human movements are not linear like the way a train travels, but curve in a more organic way. With straight lines we can only create a crossroad, but with curves we can create more diverse interactions."
(Nishizawa, SANAA, 2010)
"Architectural forms can be created from human movements and, in turn, architecture influences humans. I think it's ideal when they create a dynamic interaction."
(Nishizawa, SANAA, 2010)
(Rolex Learning Centre, 2010, SANAA, Ecublens, Switzerland)
Form Precedents
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Rolex Learning Centre​
curtain wall around perimeter brings a lot of natural sunlight and views to exterior
curved forms and no walls allow users to see across the interior and move fluidly
functions are separated by joinery and raised platforms, sense of connectivity
Smart Dubai Office​
functions divided and defined through raised platforms, joinery, drop ceilings, open layout
users can see through walls, material is either of glass or sticks with large gaps, sense of openness
spaces around columns and behind main functions are provided with seats and tables to encourage informal interaction
FLYN KUPERS
Z5206393