P32 45 culturetecture nan tien

CULTURETECTURE REVIEW Thida Sachathep IMAGES Woods Bagot

The Architecture of a new Higher Education Institute informed by Buddhist Teachings The Nan Tien institute and culture center is Australia's first government-accredited Buddhist college located in the south of Sydney. It has been acclaimed as an architectural and engineering milestone that has pushed the boundaries of construction. After 15 years of planning, design and construction work, the opening of the facility is marked by the vision of the monks from the Nan Tien Temple. The temple itself was established 30 years ago.

ARCHITECT: Woods Bagot

LOCATION: Wollongong, New South Wales

CLIENT: Fo Guang Shan International Buddhist Association AREA: 6000sqm

COMPLETION DATE: September 2014

BUDGET: $50 million

BUILDER: Richard Crookes

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: 360 Degrees

SERVICES: Medland Metropolis

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: Brown Consulting

PROJECT MANAGER: APP

CIVIL ENGINEERING: Cardno

SITE REMEDIATION: Douglas Partners COMPANY PROFILE:

Woods Bagot is a ‘people architecture’ company. They place human experience at the centre of their design process in order to deliver engaging, future-orientated projects that respond to the way people actually use space. They do this as a global design and consulting studio with a team of over 850 experts across 17 studios world wide.

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Nan Tien Institute and Culture Centre

WOODS BAGOT

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CULTURETECTURE

SPACE AGE Large interior volumes allow for congregation and interaction.

site (using the contaminated land, the views, connections to the environment and the master design plan).

The Building Focusing specifically on the design of the building, curved walls and large window openings have been utilized in order to create a distinctive look. Precast concrete was used to create the shape and form of the structure.

Additionally, the conformation of the pods was made by pouring concrete into a custom-made timber and steel mold with the intention of exposing the imprinted texture of the timber boards and to form unique shapes.

The Project

structure. The aim was to create a journey,

Furthermore, terracotta tiles and screens

encompassed by different moments, destina-

were installed on the North-East and West

tions and entrances.

facades, speaking directly to the Nan Tien

educational facility based in Wollongong. It is

The Concept

Temple and Pagoda located on the opposite

situated opposite the Nan Tien Temple, which is

The main emphasis for the design of the

the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern

building centralized around it being a gateway.

Hemisphere. The combination of a higher

The multiple ‘pods’ acts as mini-campuses and

education institute with a multi-cultural art

embodies different characteristics, making

Environment & Health

gallery appeals to a wider audience.

people of all ages feel welcome whilst having a

As the architecture of the building highlights and

strong relationship with the environment. The

supports the education (and ways of teaching) of

the symbolism of the lotus flower; a pristine, yet

focus on health and well-being is acquired

Humanistic Buddhism, it not only promotes the

beautiful bloom that arises from the mud,

through natural light and ventilation throughout

teachings but also celebrates and embraces the

Woods Bagot was able to design a space that

the space. It has been designed in such a way

changes that have passed. The whole campus

parallels with the Humanistic Buddhist teachings

that it mimics the journey towards enlighten-

emits a civic presence, that allows for others to

of Fo Guang Shan. This type of architecture

ment with continuous ways of sharing

gather, support, enjoy, communicate and partic-

avoids hierarchy, is of modern design age,

knowledge and wisdom, simultaneously,

ipate in cultural activities.

values the void and is equipped with

through interactions with others and the space.

Designed by Woods Bagot, the Nan Tien institute and culture centre is a new tertiary

By reflecting on the Buddhist teachings and

emphasizing the natural environment, instead of materialistic and excessive ornaments.

The structure of the building comprises of

An important symbolism in the Buddhist

side. The ‘’wave-like’ patterns created by the screens, emanated a sense of moving but also providing environmental shade to the interiors.

The design of the building reflects the Nan Tien Institute’s aim to foster holistic education.

religion is the lotus flower. It was chosen to

The first campus building caters for 300

reflect the original site, a former garbage tip

students and is designed to provide an

forming four distinct ‘pods’, establishing the

that was bought by the local council for one

environment conductive to teaching and

public spaces between them. Each pod is

Australian dollar. By using the lotus flower as

learning in the 21st century by creating a

linked to the other with a pedestrian bridge

a metaphor, designers were able to cultivate

setting for community interaction, education

allowing continuous movement throughout the

architecture from the attributes of the former

and cultural exchange.+

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CULTURETECTURE

Nan Tien ceiling nd lighting detail

TEMPTING Nan Tien Institute and Cultural Centre is adjacent to the temple

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HeartFelt® ceiling system wins prestigious Ret Dot Award for best product design HeartFelt®, a new modular linear felt ceiling system with unique design and sustainability qualities, was awarded the highest distinction in the Product Design category of the Red Dot Award 2017. In a field of 5,500 submissions from 54 countries, HeartFelt was judged to be the standout by an independent jury of 40 designers, professors, and journalists. Designed in collaboration between Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Hunter Douglas, HeartFelt is made with felt, a natural and soft material that offers excellent acoustic properties and a warm appearance. “We came across the idea of using felt as a ceiling material due to its excellent sound absorption qualities,” says Founding Partner Biarne Hammer. "Schmidt Hammer Lassen approached long-time collaborator Hunter Douglas, a global leader in window coverings and a leading manufacturer of sun control systems and architectural ceilings, and the process of bringing an attractive and sustainable ceiling solution to market began." https://vimeo.com/181500130. In addition to felt’s aesthetic qualities, granting a “texture [that] awakens your senses” according to Hammer, it has excellent functional qualities for interior architecture, including light reflection and sound absorption. HeartFelt uses Cradle to Cradle-certified materials, guaranteeing sustainability, while also offering customisability, in a diverse range of options with respect to panel size, joint width, mounting height, and colour. HeartFelt® conforms to all required building certifications, including the European Indoor Environmental Standard, making it appropriate to offices, schools, healthcare facilities and other functional properties. No finishing coat is applied to the panels, making them 100% recyclable. The carriers and hangers are similarly recyclable, made from aluminum and galvanised steel.

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product news I editor’s pick

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product news I editor’s pick Hospitals too are specifying Nora premium rubber flooring all over the world There is a duty of care in designing for hospitals. Premium Rubber is a great fit for healthcare, as it doesn't require the same kind of maintenance that you have for some of the vinyl products which can be toxic; plus it is wax-free. “We selected a premium rubber flooring product because it was performing so well in the OR. It was even

(Figure 2) Medical Stains Used for Testing:

• Iodine 12% • Methylene Blue • Silver Nitrate

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Rubber #2

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product news I editor’s pick

Cutting edge lighting panels fit seamlessly into a multitude of application possibilities.

Pixalux structural light panels Pixalux light panels are an innovative lighting product for architectural, commercial and retail design applications. The innovative aspect of Pixalux is the ability to use a lighting source as a direct structural element. Pixalux light panels are LED edge lit panels. Patented technology enables the light input along the edge of a panel to evenly illuminate the entire surface of the panel. This is a more efficient method of lighting as it enables a large area of light from a small input. The soft diffused light produced from this process is far more desirable than typical point source lights which can cast large shadows and are harsh on the eye when looked at directly. Pixalux light panels are structural because they are made from solid sheets of acrylics that are bonded together, eliminating the need for bulky frames and supporting structures. Pixalux light panels excel in a commercial, residential or retail environment as they illuminate products evenly and provide light from above and below. In many applications the panels can replace shelving and in turn will directly illuminate products from below, enabling a greater focus on the product. Thanks to an innovative structural design, Pixalux light panels are transforming how integrated lighting is done. With a 16mm profile and strength that matches typical joinery materials, Pixalux light panels integrate seamlessly into a wide range of joinery applications.

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product news I editor’s pick Enware’s new Wellbeing™ range enhances the well-being of aged users Enware is proud to announce our new WELLBEING™ Lever Range of tapware. Designed with aged care, nursing and health applications in mind the WELLBEING™ Lever Range has been designed to enhance the well-being of users through empowering them with easier access to the daily use and consumption of water. Inspired by research and open discussions with industry experts, the complete range has been designed and developed to meet the needs of the aged care user right now and into the future.

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product news I editor’s pick

The Capral Hub App pulls together building systems products from Capral’s comprehensive product range for professionals on the go.

‘HubApp’ is a mobile extension to the successful Capral website that allows users to download and share specific technical data from Capral’s Building Systems range. The App was designed to allow Architects, Designers, Builders and Fabricators to access important product technical information on mobile and tablet devices without needing to access a desktop computer.

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product news I editor’s pick Allplastics selected for refurbishment of The Spirit of Tasmania Vessels The Spirit of Tasmania vessels have undergone a major interior refurbishment, with a redesign by Swedish architects Figura creating a stunning open plan and contemporary feel.

To complement the new interior, Allplastics’ Architectural and Building division provided Fairbrother Joinery in Devenport, Tasmania with Dekodur High Pressure Laminates. Fairbrother also supplied the ships with a range of joinery including: laminated Tasmanian oak window screens; stainless steel column surrounds; solid copper columns; a copper map of Tasmania; and 277 table tops per vessel. Only fire-rated MDF Aft of Deck 7 Entry Foyer with Dekodur/BWD wall panelling and 3mm solid copper Tasmania Map fixed to wall panelling

and FR glues, laminates, and clear polish were used, and every material was certified to meet stringent International Maritime Safety Requirements.

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The Dekodur HPL range is the latest addition to an

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product news I editor’s pick Cutting edge Real Flame Once Again Leads the Way Once again Real Flame cements its place as the leader in gas fireplace technology with the introduction of the sleek new Element 1200, which is a breathtaking addition to any space. This simply stunning fire has clean lines, a beautiful flame pattern and multiple media options. The Element 1200 is destined to complete any room and become the envy of those who haven’t invested in this masterpiece. With an impressive star rating and the latest in power balanced flue technology the Element 1200 is the perfect package for even the most discerning buyer. The power flue allows total flexibility during installation in two storey homes, apartments and commercial projects. A full remote is standard with wifi capability and an app for total control of your fire wherever you may be. Real Flame offers the perfect solution, with a variety of fireplaces available there is one to suit all homes and lifestyles. All Real Flame products are conceived, designed, researched developed and built in Australia.

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North Herts College UK - Altro Suprema

Altro Suprema – Colours to inspire!

Altro Suprema is losing the II from its name but gaining 12 new colours including three ‘flake’ designs. Harnessing the latest design trends, Altro Suprema has been developed in consultation with colour consultants, architects, and end users to create an up-to-date palette. Ideal for education and front of house applications, one of its 40 shades is certain to match any mood you want to create. Imagine a world without colour! It is almost impossible to picture. Colour is nature, colour is inspiring, and colour is the future of design. With Altro Suprema’s new range you will be able to create designs that

North Herts College UK - Altro Suprema

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