The End of the City

THE END OF THE CITY RMIT SEMESTER 1 2020 MASTERS STUDIO

THE END OF THE CITY ALEX RAYFIELD BRIDGET FOLEY LIAM KUHNELL MARYANNE WAITING NOUR EL-LEISSY TIFFANY YU

DAVID PRIVITELLI JESSE OSADCZUK NATALIE ANGUS NICOLE FRANCISCHELLI STUDIO LEADER - EVIE BLACKMAN

INTRODUCTION

STUDIO AGENDA Our cities continue to grow and their edges keep disappearing, it is unclear where city ends and rural begins. Rural contexts are often thought of as the picturesque and endless expanses of green space however are they really just another version of city?

We inhabit a rich urban context. Melbourne in 2020 has nuances, strangeness and accidental greatness in its urban realm. This studio takes the city as a contemporary resource of urban infrastructures, observe and learn from it.

Students developed catalytic and systemic design propositions that were tested against the particularities of specific context.

Being one of the few building typologies that occupy our coastlines, the lifesaving club will be used to investigate these ideas. The typology of the lifesaving clubhouse originated in Australia.

We looked beyond the limited historic examples of clubhouse to local urban ecologies to find a new relevance for this building.

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Lifesaving clubs inhabit a clear threshold between city and nature, they bookend our city. However, they are positioned in the everchanging environment between sea and land, which by no means is a permanent edge to the city. We speculated on how architecture can better address this condition and considered what really is the end of the city?

This studio was run in partnership with Emergency Management Victoria and Lifesaving Victoria.

PUBLICATION STRUCTURE This publication is structured into two sections: Guidebook - 36 lifesaving club case studies; Victorian bay clubs, surf clubs and interstate clubs.

Proposals - 9 proposals for a new Wonthaggi Lifesaving Club.

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GUIDEBOOK

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01 mount martha lifesaving club a club located on the beach between the mouth of the creek and yacht club - entry to the beach is through the carpark and the club building - a random assortment of structural beams - varied roof overhangs with one random hipped roof

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02 dromana lifesaving club a club hidden from the street with an old scouts house attached - disconnected relationship between the existing building and club - multiple programs and facilities surrounding the club creating shared multi use space - extra storage shed separated form building - rock wall defining edge of beach

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03 portsea surf lifesaving club a newly constructed club on the edge of a sand dune - two entities into the site: the main entry is lost as it is dominated by vehicle access and rear entry is bordered up due to its unresolved connection with the public into a ‘private’ club.

- the new buildings footprint has increased causing instability issues - surrounding vegetation is partially destroyed due to change in sand dunes slope

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04 altona lifesaving club - clubs location creates a strong presence in community and strong connection with public space - use of material creates clear programmatic identity - public toilets and showers are integrated as part of the building with separate entry and access from the main building - club is designed taking into consideration police patrol targeting drag racing

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05 williamstown lifesaving club - proximity/ views to area that needs to be patrolled is not ideal, hence the reason patrol is done from their front yard - location of ptv, parking and kiosk allows for strong connection with public space despite being placed away from city centre - kiosk allows for community gathering spaces and creates sense of inclusive environment -building position allows for clear circulation be- tween coast and main road. connecting the street and water

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06 jan juc lifesaving club - building is divided into three main entrances - the main entrance facade is pushed back to create public meeting/ gathering space - existing vegetation and new large structure blocks views to beach from ground level - only connection between the club and water a steep emergency vehicle ramp - observation tower is suspended from the building - the only views are seen from the observation deck accessed through stairs or ramp. forcing you to move through building to access views

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aquatic store

beeson reserve

cafe

function room

patrol

observation

beach

storage

07 edithvale lifesaving club - all entries to the clubhouse, public program and beach converge onto a central meeting point - facilitates a sense of community between club members and public - the club connects the train station to the beach visually through the park and void - certain porosity with semi-open spaces, glazing and framed views - terrace wraps around private facilities to continuously emphasise the view and relationship to the water

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members entry

public entry

storage observation cafe

boardwalk to victory park

beach outdoor showers

08 chelsea lifesaving club

- ramp entry bleeds into a public meeting point surrounded by amenities, cafe and beach access - observation room and terrace are a formal addition to the main building - the club is the end point to the adjacent park and boardwalk - connecting different contexts and activities together - public facilities are dispersed into victory park, reducing the footprint of the clubhouse

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public entry to beach & viewing platform

clubhouse entry outdoor training

public toilets outdoor showers storage

beach access

09 gunnamatta surf lifesaving club - the separate entries to the beach create a divide where the public are able to completely bypass the life saving club and its community - very isolated club with only surrounding vegetation and 3km away from the closest town fingal - access to the club is limited to only a narrow concrete path wrapping the edge of the building - site topography and club position inhibits any views to the beach from the clubhouse

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access bridges

toilets

observation decks

change room observation room

solarf

carparka

unction room

storage rooms

path

ccess

kiosk

10 mentone lifesaving club - function: life saving club + kiosk - multilevel rooftop visitor spaces in line with the sites topography - building has connections to walking paths, bike path road and beach across multiple levels - beach frontage facade utilized for function hall, observation and storage - public amenities are connected to the club with beach and rooftop access - building is split into visitor services and storage on beach ground level - public areas limited to showers toilets and external spaces secondary to the building itself

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outdoor deck

storage rooms

function room

access

change room

observation deck

path

toilets

observation room

shower

signage

11 beaumaris lifesaving club - function: life saving club - access available from a car park and through a path from the road - one small observation deck not undercover - observation room and function room combined to take in the bay view - public amenities are separated completely from the club building - large deck to the rear of the building disconnected from the beach frontage - storage facilities to the beach frontage

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carpark

bunks

members change rooms and toilet

services and garden

storage

observation room kicthen

access ramp

deck to bar bar

meeting room

entrance

storage cafe/kiosk

first aid room

sign in room

function deck

function room

12 torquay surf lifesaving club - function: life saving club + kiosk - prioritisation of views given to observation, first aid, kiosk, bar and community function room - areas split into public, semi public and private club use - building offers many different connections to differing levels of topography externally - public amenities such as toilets and a BBQ area are completely separated from the building - five large storage areas open facing the beach with a ramp for access to the sand - the observation tower is accessed via a spiral staircase within the meeting room

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solar panels observation room

public toilet

storage area shower

13 sandringham lifesaving club - the club is nestled within the landscape - the club reveals itself through a descent of the meandering paths leading to the beach - the balcony area is used for social events or lifeguard operations - the club consists of a single multipurpose room used for lifesaving-related activities and programs

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solar panels

flagpole

observation room

storage area kitchen/kiosk

shower

14 hampton lifesaving club - the club uses the differing levels of topography as points of access - there is a strong sense of surveillance with security cameras and abundant lighting - the function hall is a community space and holds activities such as yoga and sunset watching

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storage showers

storage area training room

observation room

15 point leo surf lifesaving club - the club’s adjacency to the camping reserve allows its monumentality acts as a beacon within the small town - storage containers are used to accommodate its growing membership - as point leo is a surfing locality with a population of 158, the club generates commerce and social activity for the small town - the storage area and location of rescue crafts crosses public and member-access paths, raising safety concerns and hindering rapid access to the beach

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public toilets

eld

sfi

on

ac

be

ath

ep

bik

e

pd

caffe di lido

outdoor showers observation tower caged storage area

entrance rescue boat deployment door

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tpa

foo

h

ac

be rescue boat slipway

16 port melbourne lifesaving club like a tonne of bricks - two tone brick construction - curved roofs: an obvious allusion to the aquatic nature of the building - integrates commercial function into the slsc: caffe di lido - rescue boat slipway runs down from club to water for direct access - outdoor showers for public use - an unassuming building that serves the needs of the slsc in an understated way

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public toilets storage observation tower seating bench

undercover area

post-and-beam structure

main clubhouse

bea

ch

oce

an

17 sandridge lifesaving club the corridor - located in a small “inlet� with a more intimate, sheltered feel to port melbourne - brick construction, lying lower to the horizon - timber post-and-beam corridor form main external feature - observation tower sticks out, making it obvious - separate gabled roof, covered seating bench offers views of the water: picturesque and oddly sentimental

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main clubhouse

public toilets

“all smiles” reception venue

coppins lookout

car park

bea

ch

oce

an

ch rd

n bea

ocea

18 sorrento lifesaving club the hidden fish - located in a sunken valley a little ways away from the township - huddled by coppins lookout and all smiles reception venue - set back from the beach, necessitating bringing craft down the boardwalk steps - separate public toilets, like sandridge - not very permeable: a very private club - a hidden fish formed by the roof when viewed in bird’s eye

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single storey concrete block buildings watch tower

public toilets

elwood bathers

restaurant decking

19 elwood life saving club - comprised of three separate temple like blocks with narrow connections.

- wide bordered sloped path creating a division between the building and footpath - low-lying and elongated building to complement the wide open stretch to the beach - positioned right on sandbank with no obstruction from club to beach

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separate pathway to carpark level

main path from carpark to life saving club

public toilet block

brighton life saving club

brighton beach boxes

20 brighton lifesaving club - absence of patrol tower - consists of multiple entries in varying directions - club is situated on a lower plane to the road, hiding it from the street entry - building is split with the change facilities separate to main club

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New Walkway

Existing Walkway

New Walkway

New Extension

Tower

New Stairs

Existing Stairs

21 anglesea lifesaving club - seamless connection between existing club and new extension - bridged connection through the front decking area.

- patrol tower is perched on the cliff’s edge, distant from club for optimal surveillance - main entrances direct visitors to the upper level of the club.

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22 aspendale lifesaving club the shed - the club is showing signs of wear but has an ageless style - its simple gabled roof and regular columns give proportion and rhythm to the facade - the beach is quite thin at this point - the building appears to dig into the landscape with a large retaining wall at the rear - contemporary houses and apartments behind look over the club to the water - in comparison, the club appears modest and utilitarian

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23 mordialloc lifesaving club the duck - situated in a reserve with buildings clearly of their era (1920s, 1960s), the club comes across as overtly contemporary - angular, geometric form with minimal ornament - appears to informed by the modern australian canon - due to the width of the beach, the club is forced to be tall for effective observation - almost entire top floor is a semi-private flexible space - bottom floor is dedicated to surf club operations 50

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24 point lonsdale lifesaving club a satellite club - the club is separated in half by a dune - the beach base is drawn and photographed - behind the dune, approx 100m back, is the clubhouse with member facilities - the club resembles a wave in its roof form - the building shows signs of wear - concrete cancer and crumbling blockwork are obvious

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path

balcony

function area

stairs sea wall boat ramp

training room craft storage

25 half moon bay lifesaving club - a club that interrogates the perception of the edge, by way of becoming part of it.

- experiences restricted boundaries, resulting in a vertically-confined outcome.

- human movements arranged to arise or descend towards the site, limiting instant connections.

- sloped nature of the site forms a discernible margin between natural and sealed conditions.

- physical obstructions create complex and challenging conditions to physically unite with the water.

- the aged outcome of the building asserts the club’s profuse and personal historical contributions.

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road

public grass area

balcony boat ramp

steps

craft storage path

26 black rock lifesaving club - a club that presents an edgeless condition due to unchanging topographical features.

- unrestricted edge conditions, allowing flexibility for program and people.

- human interaction is encouraged, whereby several entrances and openings exist.

- amalgamation of water, land and infrastructural plains forms an unresolved separation of purpose.

- gradient of the site creates a controlled and segregated condition to directly reach the water.

- the club’s decrepit yet idiosyncratic condition engenders an architectural “ruin�.

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public toilets cafe / restaurant craft storage sea wall

first aid

training rooms observation tower

beach access

27 ocean grove surf lifesaving club - a club that considers the former built and natural edges to become its own unique entity.

- stipulates horizontal and vertical forms to respond to ‘dune’ and ‘stack’ conditions.

- central locality fosters recurring use and intimate connections between individuals and the water.

- craft and beach access is indirect, due to undulating land forms and pedestrian interference.

- program arrangement is intentional, enabling public and private access to be patently separate.

- materiality is minimal, honouring the building’s soft curves and smooth architectural edges.

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public amenities road

balcony function areas

craft storage

kiosk boat ramp

sea wall

28 north bondi surf lifesaving club - a club that becomes an edged monument amid undefined borders on its periphery.

- its perpendicular outcome responds to the club’s unwavering demand and surrounding built rivals.

- adjacent road acts as the marginal divide between infrastructural existences and the club.

- curved conditions of the area are translated into its design, engendering contextual connections.

- separate observation tower generates a more isolated and controlled surveillance area.

- bordering paths enable immediate human interactions and appreciations for the club’s intentions.

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29 city beach surf lifesaving club a cosmopolitan surf club - city beach is the closest beach to the perth cbd - as such, it has multiple restaurants and cafes within the complex - the surf club occupies the front, lower level of the building - the building digs into landscape - this allows the roof to be accessible and public - due to the size of the beach the watch tower is separated and closer to the water

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30 bicheno surf life saving club + boatshed an old foreshore toilet block upgraded with the additional of a boatshed - a reduced building size which preserves the existing environmental and social life of the site - simple material palette, banded timber cladding, relates to the community historical tradition of cray fishing - a historical beacon which eliminates at night

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31 mona vale lifesaving club - the club is the connection between the park and the beach - it was important to ensure it was a seamless transition and that the building complemented the natural environment through visual connection to its surrounding - use of balconies to facilitate social interaction and engagement with the space - lightweight open structure on the second level creates visual connection for program providing openness for both community and users

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beach

restaurant, bar, gaming lounge cafe & seating

kurrawa park

32 kurrawa lifesaving club - embedded as part of the green strip along the beach front that provides community facilities - club is an extension of the public domain with the large sheltered entrance space and cafe that activates and invites the civic even when the club is closed - restaurant bar overlooking the beach views caters to the extensive tourist demographic - the site transitions quickly from the activity of the beach into a dense urban fabric of high rise hotels and shopping centers

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conference/function/training

restraunt/bar/game

entrance lobby lifeguard tower1 carpark lifeguard tower 2

garage/storage storage

access clubrooms WC outdoor deck 1 outdoor seating outdoor deck 2 slsc beach access slsc beach set up

33 sunshine beach surf lifesaving club - function: life saving club + restaurant, bar + gaming - prioritisation of views given to dining areas, bar and community function room - areas split into dining and private club use - entire club is separated and hidden away from the commercial aspect of the building - separate towers used for observation - storage facilities are away from the beach around the back of the club - long driveway from the storage to the beach

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balcony

function hall

entrance

life saving operations kiosk

34 kempsey crescent head surf lifesaving club - views are highlighted by major openings that focus on the beachfront, creek, township and tourist viewpoints - the orientation of the site was predetermined and limited to a strict rectangular boundary - the roof is the fifth elevation and can be seen from several iconic viewpoints - it was important for the club to suit the quiet atmosphere of the town and remain vernacular and non intrusive - the kiosk opens up to the carpark, generating commerce and social activity

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public toilets caravan park

bluff rd

bbq/lookout

hockey grounds

an

oce

car park

skate park

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ch

bea

devonport lifesaving club

seating

playgrounds

private sls clubhouse

public cafe & restaurant

the breaking wave - located in devonport, tas. completed in 2011 by jaws architects - surrounded by other places of leisure and sporting: an axis of athletics if you will - a much more monumental, large-scale slsc compared to the previous case studies - folding, sculptural roof alludes to waves in the water - separation of public (cafe, restaurant) and private (clubhouse) spaces, adjoined by a central atrium

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Scarborough beach pool

Scarborough life saving club

Patrol Tower

Outdoor ampitheatre

36 scarborough lifesaving club - multiple activities placed along the long stretch of the beachfront - continuous pedestrian promenade connecting each building - main transport route leads directly to the Scarborough life saving club.

- designed to entice visitors who activate the site and participate in multiple activities offered

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PROPOSALS

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members change craft storage

sunken courtyards

training storage first aid room

public toilets training room

observation tower

01 wonthaggi lifesaving club - natalie angus - a club that becomes part of the edge through uniting with its immediate and peripheral influences.

- publicly asserts its presence, forming transparent connections between people, program & water.

- respects the site’s past historical and cultural nuances through sunken courtyards.

- accepts the present by way of engendering opportunities for viewing, reflecting and understanding.

- alters for the future through shrinking and expanding of spaces for peak and off-peak demands.

- concedes the life and death of the club through program operation and exhibited outcomes.

- a building that ultimately acknowledges what once was, what is, and what could be.

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to road

main entry

boardwalk

coast banksia woodland

sandy wet heathland mosaic

boardwalk

coast heath scrub

carpark

tiered seating clubrooms

observation tower public toliets secondary path

rest stop

natural sand play area

storage

first aid nature sanctuary coast dune grassland

02 wonthaggi lifesaving club - nicole francischelli a lifesaving club incorporating a man-made groyne - an amplified environment that strongly response to the regenerate of local fauna and flora - the groyne absorbs the site natural systems and accumulates sand and vegetation along its path - a linear design which exaggerates two types of edge conditions, to encourage more birdlife and vegetation to grow and shared laneway for water flow and human foot traffic.

- a language of tetrapods allows for adaptability and permeability - entries and spaces are framed to reveal particular vegetation, animals or views 84

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03 wonthaggi lifesaving club - alex rayfield the what and the why - interest was in the preservation of the current condition of the edge - the proposal aims to preserve and heighten learning and knowledge transfer - the addition of library program to the surf club does this - formally, the proposal tests the possibility of the shed in civic architecture - promotes an architecture of frame and skin sheltering a space - skin is semi translucent - spaces within the shed are made private through the insertion of further enclosed space

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00 wonthaggi lifesaving club - alex rayfield

the proposal is interested in facilitating learning at the edge of the city architecture frames moments of knowledge transfer, both formal and informal - diagram exploring how the network of barges connect place to other places (top left) - section demonstrating how enclosed spaces within the shed frame flexible space (top right) - plan of the barge, greyed (enclosed) areas frame flexible space (middle left) - plan of the shed - allows regular beach occupation to continue (middle right) - architecture is diminished by landscape, but houses moments of learning (over page right) 90

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patrol pontoon

bathroom/change

conference

outdoor shower cafe/kitchen

relaxing netted zone

central hub netted walkway educational space sand build up

storage/washdown & patrol rooom first aid training facility

04 wonthaggi lifesaving club - bridget foley - exploring the symbiotic relationship between industrial and natural environment.

- visualising the club as a refuge between the hustle of the city and the solace of the sea - using the repetitive nature of the simple frame to form the basis of my building - pushing the boundaries of how open the club can be opposing the traditional bunker style - reinvented patrol tower as a pontoon on the water - allowing the natural environment to seep into the frame

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to street entrance

to sanddunes

to campgrounds

campground entrance

to beach entrance to water

to pontoon

street entrance Life savers beach entry

public beach entry

beach entrance

street entrance

beach entrance

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training room toilets

sand dune outdoor terrace

observation room

community space

05 wonthaggi lifesaving club - maryanne waiting - the club is nestled both within and above existing sand dunes - the club sits on the threshold between land and water and acts as the gateway to the beach - the building transforms to reveal and conceal different moments such as canopies and roofs that become entrances and walkways as the ground plane evolves - the canopy sits above the thoroughfare and defines the space below as the main entrance - from one approach the club gradually slopes up to reveal the sea, while from the other end the club sits resiliently along the shore

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now

in the distant future

art studio becomes part of the bunurong marine national park

- the club is designed to adapt programmatically and embrace being submerged - some spaces cease to exist while other spaces adapt as they are inundated with sand and water - beach-goers pass through the thoroughfare and consequently engage with the club’s presence on the site

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pool

change

wc

bunk

library part

upper entry lower entry

patrol first aid library part pool sun deck sand dune / future shelter observation tower kitchen library part pool training

washdown

showers

function

06 wonthaggi lifesaving club - liam kuhnell - function: life saving club + library - central shared outdoor showers and toilets for mixed use - areas blended between public, semi public and private club use - building offers many access routes based on topography and site inundation by climate - existing building primary structure kept and utilized as public pools/amphitheater - site can offer adaptable spaces as a result of erosion + flooding + warmer weather - library shelves are operable helping to manipulate space + change of public/private use

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upper entry pool

pool community

lls

ry wa

libra

ground entry

walkways

change

accomodation

library walls

ry libra

pool

walls

pool

pool

pool

library walls

showers

community

showers

patrol

first aid

library

library walls

washdown

pool

pool

pool

kitchen

function

training

sundeck

water path underground

library walls

storage pool

observation

undercover

ground floor plan

first floor plan

second floor plan

existing axo

primary structure axo

adaptability over time

proposed axo

observation tower function bunk

library shower

wc

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pool

patrol

sun deck

training

first aid

sand dune / future shelter pool

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entry

outdoor training

bunkers storage

wash down area

patrol

first aid

beach seating observation

07 wonthaggi lifesaving club - tiffany yu - revealing the edge of the city as a spectacle of beach activity - exhibit the vital role and drama of life saving - establish a greater dialogue between club members and visitors - employ a strategy of a slow, choreographed procession to the sea and beach - encountering glimpses of the sea and site unique to wonthaggi - opportunities to pause and frame views into life saving operations as a theatre - create tension with the notion of surveillance - both water safety and visitors within the building

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significant points in wonthaggi

first floor plan

ground floor plan

communal seating

disrupt view to the sea

public toilets cafe

bunkers

viewing stands

communal seating kitchen

create meeting points

members toilets & changerooms

outdoor training

outdoor training training & function room bump out & training equipment storage

office observation room

boat, board & ski storage

active training equipment storage first aid

wash down area

patrol room

outdoor showers

form angles to frame views

RESCUE SURF RESCUE

SURF

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08 wonthaggi lifesaving club - nour el-leissy - exploring the building as an extension of the landscape and as a natural habitat through different relationships - focused primarily around creating spaces where humans and ecosystems work to benefit each other - shape is derived from the principle of the building as an extension of the landscape and coast - additional program includes an eco museum which works to educate and for research purposes - the building language reflects the journey from land to coast. to create a seamless transition from land to water 108

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ground floor plan

first floor plan

roof floor plan

- the eco museum at high tide becomes a place for snorkelling and at low tide becomes a recreational space to explore the intertidal reef up close - off peak uses include places to hire for private functions, entertaining, discovering, eating and a place for relief - specific moments in the building are designed to create relationships which strengthen ecosystems on site - materials include timber and white concrete with native vegetation to reflect coastal conditions

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lodgings main entrance/foyer

car park

bathhouse

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camp grounds

wonthaggi lifesaving club - jesse osadczuk

boat jetty

main clubhouse

rock pool

the subtle blur - a blurring of the natural and artificial, public and private: the building cuts across the landscape, out past the existing footprint, extending the “end of the city� right up to the water - rock formations extending from the building (rock pools at base of main clubhouse) as well as into the building (main foyer entrance and baths) adds to the blur - commercial function: public baths allow use of the building by wider public, especially during the off-season months. adjacent swimming pools for slsc activities and training spark interest in the viewing public. the line dividing public and private is somewhat smudged...

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slsc lodgings

the subtle blur

creating a new typology of slsc as a REFUGE, a sanctuary and utility of water that blurs the edge between slsc, beach and ocean

entry + foyer main clubhouse

baths + pools

first floor 114

ground floor 115

new

wonthaggi slsc

the building lies low, extending to the edge of the water - the end of the city public vs private, nature vs artifice it all occupies various shades of grey

rock pool + main clubhouse

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baths + pools

entrance + foyer

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