Location:
Southport, Gold Coast.
Date Completed:
2023
Key Issues / Drivers / Challenges:
Incorporating a large existing facility with multiple stakeholder needs, including self-sustainability in disaster mode; mitigating impacts to residential properties adjoining; maintaining site security; retention of site vegetation; and providing suitable breakout spaces for staff to relieve high-stress working environments.
Summary:
8LA were part of the multi-disciplinary team led by Architectus for the design of a new DEMC for the coordination of response to disasters and other events. This facility will benefit Gold Coast residents in the event of an emergency by ensuring that response and recovery activities involving a wide range of organisations are highly coordinated. Key to the design includes consideration of sustainable landscape treatments, retention of existing vegetation, water harvest and re-use, and shade to reduce urban heat island effect. As a high-stress space, consideration of maintaining views to external spaces and a series of outdoor relaxation and break-out spaces were important in deriving an appropriate workplace for emergency workers, who may at times, be locked down in the facility.
