temples of the periphery

Project Name // The Bar

Year // 2020

Location // Campbelltown //-34.066735, 150.806341

Program // Australia Post Distribution Centre

Type of Procurement // University Project

Subject Coordinator // Guillermo Fernández-Abascal

Tutor // Jack Cooper + Eduard Fernàndez

In collaboration with Liam Vongmany

EXTERIOR RENDER // THE APPROACH

ELEVATION //

Wedged amongst the contrasting typologies of Campbelltown is the site for the new regional distribution centre of Australia Post. This elongated strip of land sits at the intersection of suburban hills, commercial warehouses, construction sites and transport infrastructure; an isolated moment of relief from an otherwise chaotic peripheral urbanity.

PLAN //

The logistics of distribution are articulated in a linear line of production spanning the entire site, with the building separated into 5 bays. These structural bays define both programme and actor. The central bay is a runway for large vehicles where both unloading and loading of packages would occur Whilst along its periphery are the five main programs of the operation; which are administration, loading, organisation, storage and dispatch. Intersecting The Bar are perpendicular bridges that establish efficient pathways from one side to another housing office spaces and amenities. Through its linear form the building connects major arterial roads. Thus, defining the building at the scale of infrastructure.

SECTION //

The Bar both divides and unifies the site’s conditions, forming a barrier between suburban and commercial, freeway and bushland; connecting domestic and industrial realms. The 500 metre long structure sits 20 metre elevated off the ground on a series of columns, freeing the ground plane for public occupation. Two separate modes of circulation are created, where large vehicles are restrained to travel in a linear fashion within the confines of the distribution centre’s structure, whilst the ground plane becomes free of intervention. Hence, establishing an environment open not the public within a typology that is commonly heavily restricted, whilst ensuring the safety of the public and the efficiency of the operations remain uncompromised.

FACADE DETAIL //

Wrapped in a polycarbonate skin, the distribution centre is naturally lit during the day. However, at night time the unarticulated façade is dramatically brought to life, not through the architecture but the distribution. Hence ,the inner workings of distribution are projected onto the façade.

VENTILATION DETAIL //

The distribution centre utilises cross ventilation to allow fresh air into the building through the facades. The building also houses a series of axial jets fans hanging from the catwalk. These fans direct the pollution from the vehicles in a linear manner expelling the polluted air. The catwalk allows the building to be serviced and maintained.

PHYSICAL MODEL //

The model accentuates the elevated road establishing the monumentality of the distribution centre. Furthermore, the model emphasises the ramp which allows the trucks and vans to enter the facility.

PHYSICAL MOCK UP //

A large pre-stressed concrete slab, forming a bridge, supports live loads. The Steel construction on top allows for the necessary large spans that are essential for a distribution centre. The stairwell which houses fire escapes and elevators breaks the envelope as well as the consistent grid of trusses to accommodate the catwalk.

DIGITAL MOCK UP //

The complexity of a distribution centre accommodates both human and non-human users. The distribution centre deals with large trucks, forklifts, machinery, packages as well as people on site.

INTERIOR RENDER //

The complexity of a distribution centre accommodates both human and non-human users. The distribution centre deals with large trucks, forklifts, machinery, packages as well as people on site.

EXTERIOR RENDER //

The distribution centre features a polycarbonate facade to create visual relationships with the public. The translucency of the facade projects movement inside via shadows; dramatically communicating what occurs within this “neighbouring” building. The contrasting connections such as the main roads which connect freeway to freeway, and the pedestrian walkway, bridge the gap between nature and suburbia.

Through this, we hope to blur the monumentality of our distribution centre to not create a restrictive and anxious atmosphere but create one that promotes harmonious occupation.