Agenda:

 

Redefine the notion of a “third space” that allows for adaptive reuse and challenges the action of a threshold, which in turn has the potential to shift its affordances. A third space can be defined as a home away from home, an in-between, hybrid space that facilities and fosters community life, while allowing increased interaction. By using materiality and its affordances to manipulate boundaries, it can activate the site while increasing moments of social encounter. 

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Context:

 

Social and commercial context. Designing a third space for dwelling, working, playing within the urban realm that instigates connectivity, social encounter, and meaningful connections by providing an escape from the busy city.

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Site:

 

Melbourne Central bridge, Little Lonsdale Street

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Audience:

 

City workers.

 

Stakeholders:

 

Melbourne Central property group, retailers, local council, employees and citizens. This proposal hopes to benefit not only the users and audience, but affects the productivity and mental health of city workers, while benefitting society and the economy as a whole.

 

Proposal: 

 

Connecting this transitional space into a third space/hub that heightens people’s interaction through the manipulation of boundaries and materiality. Providing a place of respite for city workers to take a break, rest, eat, socialize, and do their own activities. The space can potentially become a new meeting point where people gather and dwell, or simply distance themselves thus blurring the boundaries between private and public activity, and consumer and non-consumers. Creating a sense of need in the city through this new breakout space that promotes certain activities and allows users to slow down in their busy routines.