New South Wales Sites
Walsingham Community Preschool ( a pro bono project)
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Landscape Architect: David Duncan - Aspect Studio
Location: Pretty Beach NSW
OVERVIEW
As part of the Continuing Professional Develop reporting for 2008 that AILA Registered members are now required to report on, the AILA National Office spotted a particular activity being mentioned amongst David Duncan’s list of reportable activities.
On further investigation, the project being reported on turned out to be a Pro bono initiative to develop the design of all external areas for a new preschool building. The project involved:
- Collaboration with the architect , engineer, builder and steering committee
- Design concept presentation
- Construction Certificate Package for submission to Gosford Council
- Tender Documentation
- Construction Supervision, etc.
Other key principles of the project:
- blurring the landscape and architecture, both how the surface materials are used and the spatial flow.
- using the carpark as a play space after drop off time.
- deconstructing the convention of a carpark.
- a true partnership. between landscape and architecture
Being pro-bono with limited not for profit funds ,the team of volunteers now need to canvass the local community and garner support for this project.
David said “Personally it is satisfying as it shows the role that an landscape architect can have in a community project. My role has been pivotal, particularly with the building, based on sustainable practices, using low cost materials. We want a high quality finish for the children. Of note, it is also a partnership with the primary school so is a joint venture of sorts where resources are combined. A room is to be used as a community 'hall' and may be open to Markets etc. It is a loose fit project.
For my personal development , it has been an experience working within a committee, developing the design, a very strict budget and also canvassing help, support and funding so the project can be built. This is also within my own local community.”
All work on is being undertaken outside of David’s regular full time employment. It is a way of contributing valuable skills to a very worthwhile community project and gives immense satisfaction.
Credit also goes to Milosh Obradovich, from Site Studios. He has completed a number of buildings using sustainable materials on virtually no budget. This included a community hall in Marrickville built for $60,00.00!
David Duncan is an AILA Registered Landscape Architect &
Associate Landscape Architect Aspect Studio
introduction / images / location / Projects
2008
