Developing Shapes

I have begun to analyse the actual shape of the Meyer Centre, as it's where I'm locating my design. It has proven quite difficult to get very detailed design information on the centre, so I have had to base my findings on the shopping centre retail layout:

The overall floor space is over 63,000 square metres, which means that I won't be providing a detailed design for the entire complex. I will focus on the overall design and systems, along with detailed elements of particular sections that are more informed by the future scenario (such as the open space below consisting of parklands, aimed towards the CBD residents). I'm going to remove the bottom 3 floors of the centre to accommodate this open space. Since Albert Street is sloped up towards Queen Street, this will allow ample ceiling space from all access points. The upper most level will be converted into open roof space by removing its structural components. The resultant section can be seen below:

Although this is still a very rough section, it shows the relationship between the varying structural elements and their gradual transition of levels, mimicking the slope from Elizabeth Street to Queen Street. I want to reflect this form in the top level as well to allow people to move from the upper interior level to the roof space with limited effort.

I have begun to explore ways of creating this transition on the exterior of the building, while visualising the relationship between the circulation space, the main structure of the building, and the moveable facade. As demonstrated in the Giant Interactive Headquarters in a previous post, as well as right here in South Bank, landscaping can be used to successfully manipulate direction on multiple planes. I want to use this idea, as it not only provides terrain for circulation, but it also creates a more natural element that reflects the future spaces of the car-free CBD. It can also aid in creating small portions of privacy to the open space below the structure at the busy intersection of Albert and Queen Street.