Summary of Case Studies

Case Studies: Contribution to Design Outcome

Case Study #1: Re-Start Pedestrian Mall

Paddington Exchange’s pedestrian orientation as inspired by Christchurch’s Re-Start Mall has been achieved through the use of various atrium spaces, complete site accessibility (for disabled person also) and connected exterior spaces. The use of shipping containers for modular design aspects, and the materiality these bring to Paddington Exchange have also been borrowed from this Case Study and provide the centre with a rich and tactile material palette when combined with the timber weatherboards (from Case Study #4) and existing concrete and glass.

Case Study #2: M.C Escher

Multiple vertical and horizontal access points throughout the centre have been a direct influence of M.C Escher’s work. Through various forms of circulation methods including: lifts, stairs, escalators, ramps and landscaped ramps, interaction ‘hot-spots’ can be generated across the whole centre and can result in incidental experiences and exchanges between users and facilitators.

Case Study #3: Metastadt

The modular design benefits as highlighted  in the Metastadt example in Germany have been achieved through both the use of retro-fitted shipping containers and specially designed Amenities Pods. These modular design elements allow for the easy removal, maintenance and modification of various aspects that require regular up-keep throughout the life-span of the whole centre. This flexibility allows for the adaptation and evolution of the centre in cohesion with its surrounding context and users.

Case Study #4: Queenslander Typology

Being set in amongst a rich Queenslander context, Paddington Exchange responds to this with sensitivity and respect through the use of similar materials (i.e. timber weatherboards and corrugated iron), spacious exterior ‘verandah’ spaces, and climate sensitive design (using passive design elements, taking advantage of cross-ventilation opportunities, adequate shading and using landscaping for control of water storage and drainage).

All in all, I have found the exercise of completing these Case Studies to be highly beneficial to my final design outcome as one can see by the implementation of certain elements from all the case studies into my architectural entity, and for the expansion of my own personal knowledge and design repertoire.