Australian Identity Shaping Cities’ High-Rise Infrastructure

As Australia continues to adopt new trends in high-rise construction it is important to maintain the distinct individuality of our Australian cities.
While China and the Middle East are the “the current hot spots” in high-rise construction, Australia and Southeast Asia are also on the rise, says Peter A. Weismantle FAIA, RIBA – Director of Supertall Building Technology at Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture LLP.
With the ongoing growth of skyscraper and high-rise construction, Australian architects, engineers and urban planners are steadily implementing sustainable and green design features. From prefabricated construction and energy efficient materials to the incorporation of eco-friendly principles in all aspects of building systems, Australian design has come a long way. While these trends pave the way for a more efficient and environmentally friendly future, it is imperative that Australian design retains its individuality amidst global trends and continues to build its own unique city skyline.
Claude Godefroy is Partner and Design Director of Henning Larsen Architects. According to Godefroy, “Tall buildings should be designed differently in every city to reflect the local conditions and cultures and to preserve the singularity of each city”.
The Australian high-rise infrastructure landscape sees an “opportunity to design unique tall buildings that reflect the special characteristics of Australia”.
Likewise, technical requirements differ for skyscrapers from region to region. Peter A. Weismantle FAIA, RIBA – Director of Supertall Building Technology at Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture LLP, observes that the main factors driving variances between regions include local climate and geologic conditions as well as local building regulations and practices.
From a technical standpoint, the next generation of high-rise buildings will have to be designed in such a way as to minimise construction, time in order to achieve commercial success. Says Weismantle, “When you consider that the time it takes to construct a project like Burj Khalifa is measured in years, not months, even a small percentage reduction is big money”.
What technologies, innovations and designs should be applied in the Australian context?
While certain design processes have universal application such as site analysis, climate and geotechnical considerations, Weismantle believes that they should result in solutions appropriate for the physical conditions of the locale.
“Aspects such as technology, local labour markets and construction logistics will follow another path, but the goal is always appropriate application and optimisation”.
Godefroy adds that, “while many cities develop a generic skyline with an International style of architecture, some cities like Singapore have developed a particular and interesting tall building culture. I see Australia doing the same with many new designs for tall buildings that reflect Australian values: green, sustainable, human, daring…”
As lead designer behind a number of significant international projects – from cultural venues and commercial headquarters to complex masterplans, Godefroy will discuss extending the public realm into the sky, preserving and enhancing urban habitat on the ground floor and social spaces in tall buildings at the Australian Smart Skyscraper Summit 2017.
Looking at benchmark projects across the country, the Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017 is held on the 28th and 29th of March. Director of Supertall Buildings Weismantle will also present at the Summit, alongside a wide range of local and international speakers addressing innovative developments in smart architecture and high-rise construction. Projects such as Australia 108, soon to be the tallest skyscraper in Australia, 323 La Trobe Street, Australia’s tallest prefabricated building, One Central Park, which houses the world’s tallest vertical garden and 1 Bligh Street which has won awards for its sustainable features, including the six-star green status by the Green Building Council of Australia will all be profiled at this immersive two-day event.
The Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017 will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

More information at: www.skyscrapersconference.com.au

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