The Water's Edge
2021 | Pyrmont, Sydney | Created with Rhino, Autocad and Photoshop
For most Australian's, water is an inherent part of the Australian identity with frequent visits to the beach being an ingrained cultural experience. For me, what makes Sydney Harbour so memorable is its ability to offer a kaleidoscope of experiences through differing edge conditions.
The project entailed the design of an aquatic centre on the busy streetscape of Wattle Street in Pyrmont, Sydney. The site has a long and ongoing history with water. Prior to 1876, Wentworth Park (opposite the site) was the swampy mouth of a creek previously known as Blackwattle Creek. Until Wentworth Park was filled, today's site was predominantly flooded. Hence, the geological formation of the site overtime sees water as a formative force in this process; beginning with the flooding of the area, leading to sedimentation which resulted in the consistency of the sandstone in the area, going through to the harbour and the creek line, through to today where the site is an urban flood plain.
The proposed water experience re-interprets this process. As people move through the different 'water conditions', each with their own characteristics and sectional experience. These four conditions are estuary, creek, urban flood plain and pool - each with their own edge condition.
The folded plate roof form acts as an extension of the tree canopies in Wentworth Park. The roof ends with a horizontal folded plate on either side, bleeding the private space into the public. The roof form also makes a contextual connection with the terraces on Jones Street which also partially follow a folding plate pattern.
Entry Procession
The user is elevated above Wattle Street on a raised platform separating them from the streetscape’s harsh conditions. A berm lined with trees enables the idea of a tree canopy above a riparian corridor. As people walk through the platform small viewing guides allow insight into the plant room situated at the front of the site. This alludes to the notion that people as well as water are flooding the site from the bottom up, following the historical manner in which the site was flooded as well as how flooding works. Water from the plant room also feeds the berm next to the entrance platform.
Circulation
Descending from Jones Street, a person is able to situate themselves in the broader context of Pyrmont. They enter into a dimmer area of dense vegetation, walking in the direction of Wattle Street towards the light. As they emerge at Wattle Street they are faced with Wentworth Park and may enter a ramp that leads onto a raised platform parallel to Wattle Street. This raised platform elevates the user from the main street front decreasing the harshness of Wattle Street. A berm borders this platform, lined with smaller trees working to reduce noise and visually decrease distraction. A tree canopy over a riparian corridor hence transports the user into the site. As they turn the corner they arrive into a corridor that leads to a more dimly lit administration foyer. Exiting the administration foyer they turn back towards Wattle street and follow an expanding corridor into a large bright space with windows looking out to the tree canopies of Wentworth Park. Circulation starts from the bottom of the site, following a flooding effect.
Identifying Each Pool
The Creek condition is a salt pool, encouraging people to float through the space and relax. The more intimate canopy above the creek condition also draws the eye up. The pond is a water body which people can sit around but not swim in. It is a nod the fact that the water’s edge is also inhabited by ecology and marine life.
The northern end of the site has been landscape with trees and tables for seating. A grassed area allows room for laying in the sun and resting. A small outdoor drinks stand enables users of the site as well as the public (e.g. light rail users) to access a drink as they relax outside. Towards the back of the site, the topography elevates around a pond, giving this area more access to sunlight.
This hall way frames the cliff face and leads to the ‘pool’ edge condition as the back of the site. The ramp follows the topography of the site, elevating at the back of the site
For passers by on Jones Street, the skylights offer a glimpse into the urban flood plain pool space adding another dimension the notion of ‘exposure’ associated with the concept.
