Thesis Statement

Hypothesis
By exploring how high density living can occur within an envelope of hybrid programmes, will open possibilities for high density living to be more about spaces for public use with multiple functions.

How is our design unique
We’ve chosen to expand the initial boundary of the site, seeing as, we’ve seen potential for this site to be expanded horizontally in order to make more direct physical connections to its surroundings. The original site characteristics are not changed or made anew, but rather, explored to capitalise their potential. We want to work to maximise multiple use of spaces throughout the day by allocating programmes into hybrid configurations based on complimentary time cycles. It is important that activity is constant and not controlled by private or public rhythms. 

Trying to challenge the verticality that has dominated the typology of high-rise residential, by exploring how this typology could be altered into a horizontally integrated volumetric density. We aim to design the site as the beginning node of a network of connected volumetric densities for the city, where each subsequent node to be configured by the program generator. Programs aim to be hybrids of multiple functions in the categories of: Living, Educational, Commercial, and Leisure, with consideration of existing activities which are already present in the site, and of time cycles and surrounding attractors such as, Flagstaff Gardens and the Victoria Market. Hybrid programs seek to enhance the experience of high density living, by simultaneously providing new public spaces accessible to the wider community.

Rule Based System
Rule based systems will dictate the design of programs according to:
- typology
- volume
- relevant/existing environmental conditions
- connections
- proportional allocation of public/private programs
- circulation and access
- wider use cycles for spaces

Public vs Private

We understand that hybrids feed on the meeting point between the intimacy of the private sphere and the sociability of the public sphere, which is why we aim to offer a high degree of spatial affordance and appropriation possibilities through non-prescribed spatial design.

Scripting, Material Systems

We aim to develop, via Grasshopper, a fluid structural/material system to facilitate the exchange between private and public space through time cycles.

Diagrams

Diagrams will supplement results of the program generator to form our rule based system, dictating the spatial design of hybrid programs.

Title and Team Name

• Urban Hybrids _High Density Living
• Urban Associates

What else can our thesis do/be?

The possibility of bringing more freedom of movement for pedestrians, by discovering potential connections and nodes of density and intensity within the city’s existing urban fabric. We are trying to capture and capitalise on the present for the future.