Figure 1. The laneway-style ground plane includes a vibrant mix of retail tenancies and public art installation, promoting neighbourhood connectivity and bringing choice, interest and diversity to the space.
Wellbeing now a priority for companies
Tenant wellbeing is now a strong commercial driver in office design – companies are looking to buildings that will engage and positively impact their staff. Ultimately, our architectural design and operational features for Barrack Place had to fundamentally improve the human experience within the building. This ranged from activation of a public domain, to innovative health-based technology and activities that contributed positively to tenant’s wellbeing.
For example, a laneway-style ground plane comprises a 24-hour public arcade, carriageway and a northern courtyard, with a vibrant mix of retail tenancies that promote neighbourhood connectivity and bring choice, interest and diversity to the space.
Focusing on contextual relevance also helped meet certain WELL features, such as biophilic design for improved health and public art and heritage materials for community connection.
The incorporation of world-class property technologies prepare the building for a changing climate and future. Some of these innovations include mechanical and displacement ventilation, microbe and mould control, comprehensive cleaning programs that reduce harmful products, and pests and smart light sensors with building usage heat mapping. Furthermore, thermal, lighting and acoustic comfort solutions minimise disruption to occupants’ circadian systems.
Figure 2. A generously proportioned landscaped roof terrace at level 7 provides outdoor space for building occupants.
Barrack Place sets a new benchmark for commercial office buildings
It’s clear that the benefits of WELL-aligned buildings don’t stop at tenants or developers – the wider community is seeing a marked improvement from the addition of Barrack Place to the Sydney CBD, with associated amenities, public space and economic uptick helping to improve the city’s liveability factors. As such, Barrack Place becomes a valuable public asset, with human centric design at its core.
The WELL Building Standard™ will continue to evolve and change the way building design is viewed. As architects, we have a responsibility to keep our design principles relevant alongside this and ensure the human experience is prioritised to create healthy and positive workplaces for Australians now and in the future.
