VISION 24 — STANDING OVATION
Have there been surprises for you with the result that you
hadn’t expected from the computer renders?
I’ve enjoyed sitting in the grandstand and seeing how that
structure sits there quietly by the boundary with all of the
wonderful reflections in the glass. We really focused on
internal glare control and reflectivity. We weren’t going
to design out reflectivity as it provides a wonderful depth
to the building from the landscape.
How important is it for you to choose locally sourced glass?
We had a requirement to be carbon neutral and credited.
We deliver sustainable, well designed buildings. It’s what we
set out to do and I think in our role as architects we want
buildings that can be constructed locally. It’s incumbent on
our profession. We elect, we decide what’s installed, where
they’re installed and how often they’re installed. It’s a real
role we have in crafting something out of space and it’s
our decision on the materials we use.
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What input did Viridian provide?
We’re now consulting with Viridian to customize
each glazing system. This process occurs near the
very beginning of each and every project to prevent
substitution. We worked through all of the reflectivity, glare,
light and heat transmission issues with them and that was
fantastic. We use Viridian’s system and technical services
much more directly now, to ensure Viridian is actually
at the top of our project providers to prevent product
substitution. The scope of their service is really wonderful.
Even though it’s a suburban type facility, there’s
an inevitable flow-on effect from the standards set
at major sporting grounds.
What they said is: “We don’t have a lot of money”.
This is a really tightly delivered, fixed budget. What clients
are saying is, to hell with design, to hell with in some
instances, sustainability. Just give us the space. That’s how
they feel. Our approach here wasn’t to discuss or argue
for design, but functionality. Design was something we
could incorporate. There is a strong belief in these places
as community hubs, local landmarks and even places for
moments of inspiration.