To best serve the city of Ryde, we believe the new civic center should be a place with dynamic and flexible spaces rooted in humane scale. This fundamental idea eventually took shape through a series of different sized boxlike structures tumbled onto the site.
The architecture consists of two tall “boxes” stacked on top of three large flat “boxes” sitting on the ground, alongside with four smaller ones. Within these "Boxes" are the "Gifts" diverse civic and public programs. Their friendly spatial scale and quality constitute a “village” in the urbanscape, inviting the public to explore within.
The two tall “boxes” accommodate administrative and residential uses. Inside these rectangular structures are series of spatial “objects”, stacked vertically on top of one another, serving different functions: Civic Council Chamber, Committee Meeting rooms, Offices and Residential Units.etc. The space between the “box” and the “contained objects” serves as a breathable double skin system. The vertical apertures between these "objects" enable the "chimney effect", enhancing ventilation of the entire building. As a result, cooling effect and fresh air are provided for the offices and residences.
The flat “boxes” situate on the undulant ground with various orientations, opening and connecting with the urban context. They function as foyers and receptions for the tall “boxes”. Public programs such as Performance Space, Community Meeting Rooms, and Commercial spaces are contained within. In between these “boxes” is a dynamic circulation system consists of pathways, green landscape and public plaza. These open spaces provide pedestrian connectivities and inspirational places for public to roam and mingle.
Last but not least, our team think "out of the box" literally by unfolding the imaginary flaps of the aforementioned "boxes", utilizing them as connecting agents and structural supports between the buildings, as well as canopies to shade the semioutdoor public spaces beneath.