Glowing facades and fractured geometry dominate this world-class civic space by a Queensland practice.
Whitearchitecture has created a series of integrated and contemporary sustainable buildings that will place host to major sporting and cultural events in Southport on the Gold Coast.
AECOM Design + Planning consulted on the project in terms of design, master planning and water sensitive urban design, such as the urban wetland, helping to reduce the annual load of gross pollutants into the Broadwater by 90 per cent.
Located on a brownfield site, Parklands is a robust response to the everyday functional workings of a civic space, including the Pier Pavilion, which houses a display gallery and visitor centre, an outdoor stage, the Southport Pier, the Amenities Building and BBQ pavilions.
The architecture is inspired by the surrounding boats and sails and is created by the fracturing of pure geometric shapes. The white perforated skin that wraps the buildings on all sides includes integrated feature lighting to make the structures glow throughout the night, acting as a beacon for the parkland.
Pathways are located over, through and around the buildings shaping the way in which the spaces are arranged. Along these paths, opportunities are created for resting and viewing with dedicated seating offering framed views of the surrounding Broadwater and Surfers Paradise skyline.
The site incorporates stormwater management, an urban wetland and water polishing system, solar cells for energy efficiency and the recycling of many materials on site.
The Pier Pavilion building’s dual skin screening façade shades the internal spaces from direct sunlight, minimising thermal mass radiation, and the integration of green roof areas provide significant insulation of ground floor internal spaces.
Architect Simon White said: “We are very pleased with the way the Parklands fits within the urban fabric of Southport and are confident that this space will provide the perfect setting for the community to enjoy a host of public and sporting events.”
The studio is currently working on the redevelopment of Doomben Racecourse in Brisbane, a number of apartment projects in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast as well as and a new parkland for Logan City Council.
AECOM recently picked up a Planning Award for the project at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Queensland Awards.
