Tutorial Week 10

Spoke to Davor about concept development. Same issues came up from previous weeks tutorial. He had too main criticisms which I agree with, and instantly understood.

1. This idea of the research institute in the mixed-use precinct is too broad and is frequently seen throughout Brisbane. The government recently built the 'Ecosciences' precinct which is a highly collaborative research facility for 1000 odd scientists. 'Science at the precinct focuses on climate change, protecting our natural resources and environment, and ways to grow our farming, forestry and marine industries so they are competitive and sustainable.' 

I have to be careful that the precinct and function of my proposal is not redundant or unnecessary. It is also important to consider what will be needed in 10-20 years time. Buildings which may be functioning fine now may be influenced by rising populations and the pressure of local and global issues.

2. I was very adament on demolishing the Myer Centre building to make way for my new precinct. This was due to a few reasons:

• The building has no real identity link to Brisbane other than the function it serves.
• The building basically deactivates and ignores the activity of Elizabeth St which has an effect upon nearby sites such as Queens Park 
• Retail in 10-20 years will be another ball game.

While these are all valid reasons, I think I need to reassess the building to see what can be done to the existing structure and envelope in terms of the new proposal.