This is a simple yet technologically advanced built form; a piece of living art, a three dimensional “sun dial” that is able to resonate with the time of the day and the activities within it. This built form was designed to continuously interact, change and positively react with its environment.

A semi buried shell emerges from the earth with purposefully semi translucent and interactive facades. These facades are mostly LCD glazed panels that are ever changing from opaque to translucent, protecting art from the sun during the day and liberating it to the night sky. In places, stained glass facades and digital screens are used to illuminate exhibits to the outside viewers. A waterfall on one side melts the building into the Brisbane River. From the top, the roof opens in two sliding sections with spotlight beams to signifying the creativity of light, fire of creation. On the ground level, three long and shallow reflection pools with several noisy waterfalls will direct the attention to the building.

The LCD façade responds to solar radiation; allowing glass to change from opaque to clear whilst maximising daylight to internal spaces. Power, heating and cooling demands are met by utilising the Brisbane River as a source heat pump and placing photovoltaic cells throughout the facades and controlled with appropriate internal zoning. Natural ventilation is possible during times of low ambient temperatures and humidity by opening the roof and facades. It is estimated that a 60% reduction in energy is achieved when compared to conventional design.

Utilising intelligent building materials and incorporating intelligent technology with advanced engineering techniques allows this proposal to transcend what is normally regarded as the traditional boundaries of architecture and to penetrate the domains of engineering and technology. The fusion of these three great disciplines provides a unique proposal for the Gallery of Modern Art.

2001

2001