Next Project

A Silver Lining

Part 1 Project 2020
Henrick Michael
University of New South Wales | Australia
Focusing on the rugged regional landscape and ductile geology of Broken Hill, ‘A Silver Lining’ proposes a new community library with an architecture that is grounded in the local topography. The design investigates the structure of a library as an abstraction of geomorphology, examining the prominent shear zones and belt of attenuation or line of lode of Broken Hill. The design’s geological and mining focus for the library tells a story of the land and the complex 1,800 million-year-old geological formation. It takes influence from the orebody, consisting of lead-zinc- sulphide, which serves as the heart of one of the oldest mining towns in Australia and reflects its enduring existence.

‘A Silver Lining’ connects to the surrounding landscape by conflating the solar and cartesian orientations to mediate semi-arid climactic conditions and more importantly reinforce a sense of belonging by blending with the civic setting of the site. Library carrels located around the periphery of the building establish frames to experience library spaces and the landscape. Botanic terraces are designed to provide a glimpse into complex ecological processes and the often-ephemeral plant displays found in the region of far west NSW.

Henrick Michael

Tutor(s)


2020
• Page Hits: 4795         • Entry Date: 13 October 2020         • Last Update: 04 August 2021