PROJ ECT  B RI E F

Gordon’s Bay is the only non-patrolled beach along the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, you have been commissioned to design an observation tower by Surf Life Saving Australia and Randwick Council that will be combined with the existing Gordon’s Bay Amateur Fishing Club. As the bay is predominantly calm, a large surf life saving (SLS) club is not required, instead you are asked to design a lookout tower large enough for 3 lifesavers, along with appropriate amenities and storage. The tower must be elevated to give the lifesavers uninterrupted views across the bay.

In addition to the SLS facilities, Randwick Council wants you to design amenities with a focus on cleansing, at the moment Gordons Bay does not have any shower or toilet facilities. Given the impressive natural beauty of the area the council wants a bespoke design response that focuses on the experience of cleansing as opposed to a standard amenities block. The public facilities should pay particular attention to the experience of the users, the design should draw inspiration from the site to   create a space that considers the functional and atmospheric qualities of the space. You are also encouraged to consider whether the existing infrastructure (boat skiff, walkways) needs to be altered.

The commission also asks you to redesign the Gordon’s Bay Amateur Fishing Club and to add additional amenity and function. The fishing club will be frequently used by its members who can access the club at anytime via a secure entry. The club serves a functional and community role which should be captured in your architectural solution.

* Areas are approximate and students should propose the dimensions of their spaces based on rigorous testing.