The Foundry
Design Competition Only -
A building of international standard for Melbourne. It adds positively to the skyline, it strengthens the street grid, vistas and patterns of the city.
It creates a point of difference, its own expression, yet it is a good neighbour to the surrounding buildings.
It strengthens and bridges the surrounding commercial hubs of Melbourne, provides through a cross-site link, a mix of facilities to assist the users of the city. It allows filtering and movement through the site, continuously activating the streetscapes, the new laneway and the retail arcades.
The innovative approach and careful proportioning of the entry element adds a new and innovative character to the streetscape, but closely relates to the neighbouring buildings in colour, material, scale and detail.
The form of the tower maximises the opportunity offered from the site without impacting on surrounding buildings, and the amenity of the precinct. The tower becomes identifiable from afar, yet sits comfortably in the city skyline. The 3-dimensional modelling of the façade, creates a visually rich screen of constantly changing patterns of light and movement, expressing its internal functions whether plant, workspace, breakout or lobby, adding an ever changing layer of visual delight to the cityscape. It activates the streetscape at all times of day and night.
It interlaces and connects to a vibrant retail centre, with clarity of planning, circulation and zoning.
Service, parking and cycle access are carefully considered, providing simple and secure facilities without impacting on the pedestrian movements through and across the site.
A simple palette of materials detailed carefully, espouses an impression of simple elegance. The lack of applied decoration masking the design is clear. Decoration is applied through the layering of light and shadow over the building.
A solution inspired by a pattern, formulating a structural response, creating a visual expression, responding to the urban fabric, iconic by its reserved stature.
Timeless, subtle, elegant, simple = iconic