RETAIL KIOSK, HELENSVALE.
This Helensvale-based centre will offer local residents and visitors a new shopping experience in an environment that breaks free of the conventional shopping centre configuration that predetermines many modern centre designs.
Here, the centre is turned ‘inside out’, with a network of ‘walkable streets’ allowing the modern Flaneur to shop in an inviting and naturally ventilated environment. Given the centre’s setting in a coastal suburb, interaction between the centre and its surroundings is an important part of optimising community use, and creating an external retail Laneway.
A Library Plaza embedded in the site has been rejuvenated with a new retail kiosk designed to provide a shaded edge to the sun-exposed concrete plaza. The main kiosk structure pays homage to the curved concrete forms of the adjacent library building, forming an enclosed edge to the plaza that frames and connects.
This structure was enhanced with a sculptural awning employing exciting new construction and documentation techniques. Parametric modelling has been used for our sculptural awning to streamline the workflow from the schematic design to the finished product. By modelling our form on a parametric platform, we could control the exact curvature and dimensions of this organic form. Our manufacturers were able to create an exact replica of our parametric model at micro and full scale. By partnering with a Gold Coast based production company, we were able to minimise transport times and expenses. The form was then created in segments, transported to site, then erected in place. The new sculptural form will provide additional shaded protection to the underutilised library plaza. |