Architecture - Honours

Hall of Democracy

The Hall of Democracy is a project of rebirth, reimagination and innovation. It encompasses the ideas and notions of a new democracy, one that is focused on its image to the people and its encouragement for education, inclusivity, and transparency. At its heart, the Hall of Democracy is a project that will see Brisbane into the future with its innovative technologies, principles, and strong political vision.

Jessica Batson

Democracy for Brisbane in the 21st century is inclusivity and liberation. It promotes political power for all and encourages all ages and backgrounds to do so. It is a welcoming notion that is approachable and transparent, not foreboding, or capitalised. It centres on a political system that is based on education and awareness by equipping Australian citizens with basic political understanding. Above all, it is about growth of political knowledge.
– Definition of democracy

BEHIND THE DESIGN

1| Two masses divide the site, creating a central axis and a perpendicular thoroughfare.
2| The ground level is set back to distinguish the upper glass façade.
3| Negative space and void shapes are subtracted from the form, symbolising the “missing” knowledge of democracy.
4| Voids are explored in depth to create internal, vast atriums and enhanced spaces.
5| The western facades are pushed out to align with the ground floor, creating a platform for shading devices.

Superimposed initial sketch and final elevation

THE FINAL DESIGN

PLANS

EXTERIOR

INTERIOR

THE MODEL

What it was built from: balsa, MDF, foam, acrylic, copper wire and baby’s breath flowers.

How it was built: laser cutting of all walls and floors and human craftsmanship of copper dome.

What it can do: dome and roof lift off to expose the upper floor plans and interior dynamic. See image below.