The Gold Coast is Australia’s sixth largest city and one of the fastest growing regions. It’s also home for one of the most popular spots in Australia’s East Coast. The Gold Coast’s population is around 500,000 and, if as forecast, it continues to grow by 13,000 to 16,000 annually, it will be home to 900,000 residents by 2030.
Gold Coast City Council, with endorsement of the Australian Institute of Architects, organized an open Master plan Ideas Competition for a proposed Gold Coast Cultural and Civic Precinct. The 16.5 hectare site is bordered on three sides by rivers and canals. Formerly a simple rural cane farm, the site is now at the heart of a growing city with views across the skyline of Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and Broadbeach.
The purpose of the Master plan Ideas Competition was to generate creative new visions and ideas for the future of this key site and its facilities stimulate community discussion about the future of the Gold Coast Cultural and Civic Precinct. The competition was won by Sydney-based office Super Colossal. You can see more images of the winning project and architect’s description after the break.
The form of the Gold Coast Cultural and Civic Precinct provides an aerodynamic solution to climate protection providing wind and solar protection which is of great importance in this region. The civic square will be a shady, sheltered space, with a large undercover area. The large area of public parkland on the western edge of the site will act like a densely vegetated green lung for the city.
The roof areas may be used to house photovoltaic cells to contribute to power generation for the precinct. The large roof area will provide ample surface area for the collection of rainwater to be reused for flushing and for watering and maintaining the large area of parkland on the site.
The perimeter skin will provide opportunities for natural ventilation to the public areas around the performance spaces and galleries. The skin may act as an open screen where appropriate and be fully enclosed where required. Workspaces will incorporate best practice for sustainable design in commercial spaces utilising innovative techniques such as chilled beams, labyrinth cooling and reusing grey water for fl ushing.
Bridges connecting residential, commercial, light industrial and tourist districts will encourage widespread bicycle use in the city, reducing the dependancy on motor-vehicles and opening new opportunities for individual transport networks around the Gold Coast region.
