Week 8 - Site Analysis

This week I visited the Paddington Central site to understand the various elements, factors and influences which are going to impact on the final design. It is noted that the site is very populated and active during the day with a major traffic corridor occuring along Latrobe Terrace. This corridor includes a heavy load of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. From the investigation I have noted some key findings which are described in the images below.

Views from site and to the site

It was found that site has various visual linkages from both the surrounding context and also the site itself. Specifically the building is visible along the Latrobe Terrace corridor completely due its scale and presence on the site. Also, it was identified that due to its height the building offers views to both the city and surrounding suburbs. For my design I wish to acitvate these view points.

Vehicle Traffic Flow

A large number of cars, bicycles, buses and trucks occupy Latrobe Terrace during the day which allows it to exist as the main corridor of access and traffic flow to the site. The traffic is two way so I must consider this within the design. I feel that this corridor should not be impacted upon as it will create major disruption for the community.

Functional Relationships

The diagram above notes the relevant functional relationships with the surrounding context. As it can be seen there are various levels of residential housing. Currently Paddington Central somewhat overwhelms these lots on a scale sense. I believe that it will be important to ensure that a greater connection is achieved with the residents.

Access

Access offers itself as a major influence in the design in facilitating the attraction and capture of users to the space. Currently there is a carpark out the back which captures all vehicular traffic off Latrobe Terrace. I believe that this should be kept as I feel that it is a factor which draws people to the space (ability to park). Also I will not disturb the entry from Morris St which after investigation is the access for all deliveries and maintenance trucks to the space. Finally, Paddington Central itself has 4 visible entrances for users. This helps to direct users into the building spaces.

Social buffer zone

Like what was said before, due to the large traffic along Latrobe Terrace a definite social buffer zone is created between the building and the public corridors. The building seamlessly shifts from internal to external space which allows for greater access to the public and a greater interaction with the surrounding context.

Overshadowing

It is noted that due to the height and scale of Paddington Central that a great deal of over shadowing would occur upon various residential lots in its immediate context. Throughout the day the building is subject to sunlight entrance and therefore creates great shadows as a consequnce. It was found that these residential lots remain in shadow for a lot of the day, which in turn is not delightful, especially in the winter months. My building will actively try to overcome this issue!

Site Section

 This overshadowing is further detailed in the above site section which showcases the scale of the Paddington Central building. It prevents the access of sunlight to surrounding buildings as a result and also completely interrupts their accessible views to the city and surrounding environment.

Traffic Corridor (including bus stops and green spaces)

And investigation was launched to examine if there are currently any parks within the Paddington area. As you can see in the above image green spaces are certainly identified but it must be noted that these are not activated space. Therefore the need for a Wellfit Centre with an urban park will notably attract various users from the community.