Playing the field

106 Architects URBIS Magazine Interview

This article was written by Justin Foote and originally published by AGM and Urbis magazine, 23 November 2015.

The transition from medal-winning hockey player to registered architect may have taken a few years, but, as Dion Gosling tells Justin Foote, flexibility in all aspects is the key to success.

Urbis: You set up Studio 106 in 2009, is this your first foray into working for yourself?

The tiled floor provides a graphic edge that complements the marble panels.  Image:  Supplied

Dion Gosling: During my sporting career I did contract work for the flexibility it offered. That gave me the opportunity to work on a whole range of projects. There was a connection between sport and architecture initially. Then there was a transition to doing retail and a bit of commercial or office buildings relating to those sports-aligned organisations. Through those networks, the residential commissions started coming in.

Urbis: How would you define your architectural practice?

DG: I wanted to create an environment that was really flexible. We’ve ended up with quite a flat organisational structure and, being small, we can work that way. It’s been positive for everyone’s interest, rather than getting stuck on one project. That collaborative approach is also something we take forward into our larger sports-related projects where we pair up, usually, with a local practice and deliver it together.

Urbis: In terms of the residential work you’ve done, has that been primarily Auckland-based?

DG: We’re doing a lot of villa work in the inner-city area as well as a renovation in St Heliers. We’ve got a two-stage new build in Taranaki, also, so there’s a bit of a mix. The other work we do – the sports stuff and the like – is nationwide. We’ve become quite adept at remote delivery.

Urbis: How is renovation design changing? Are we moving away from the contemporary box on the back of the villa?

Natural materials of marble and timber provide a sense of calm. Image:  Supplied

DG: I think there’s more consideration of context. Our St Heliers project, for example, where we’re working with one in a row of three units – that project is all about peering through the surrounding building stock to open up the views. We set up the idea of moving through the house, and what you experience as you move into some common areas and how you create multiple uses out of individual spaces. Is it just a hallway or can it be a playroom as well? What other purpose can these spaces serve?

Urbis: In a rural setting, where views are not an issue, do you find you tend to design something more enclosed?

DG: It’s about a sense of scale and intimacy. In Taranaki, we just did a simple box with a low-pitched roof and large eaves. Glazed walls and set-backs meant we could open up the view from the courtyard to look right through the open-plan living area, giving the client that connection to the outside while still having an intimate space that was protected from the wind.

Urbis: What’s the process for you when working with a residential client?

DG: It comes down to understanding what the homeowners’ rituals are and what their daily patterns are and how they might use the space during the week versus the weekends. We use cardboard models as a part of that process; it’s amazing what that can do for understanding. It really facilitates discussion, you can remove walls if you want to and, at that initial concept stage, it doesn’t feel as fixed as a computer render might. I’m a big believer in using models.

Urbis: Do you find being able to look at a 3D model is beneficial for the client?

DG: Absolutely. There’s a lack of preciousness at that stage, when ideas can still be tested. Once it sinks in that it’s a collaborative process and that everything is up for grabs, is when you get true results.

Urbis: In terms of spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms – the rooms that get updated the most – how do you ‘build in’ an element of future proofing?

The kitchen connects spaces while also remaining highly functional. Image:  Supplied

DG: The key with those rooms is the experiential aspect of them – the bathroom, in particular. When you enter a bathroom you want it to be a place of rest, almost like an interior oasis. We recently undertook a renovation of a 1960s townhouse. The idea was to go back to a simple shower curtain, but then you get that awful image of a mouldy plastic shower curtain.

So we looked for something you could draw open and which would dry easily. We ended up with a piece of linen that we just looped over the rail and is really easy to wash. We incorporated sauna spruce – a contemporary way of getting some warmth into the space.

With the kitchen, it’s about connection to other spaces and to the outdoors. Gone are the breakfast bars that seal off the living or dining room, and those awful corner cupboards – both of which were supposed to be about added functionality, but I’d argue how true that was in reality.

We’re seeing a trend towards the galley kitchen as a means to open up the spaces and improve the social flow around the kitchen. That’s not to say that the current mode of thinking won’t change; but certainly the ability to connect more spaces, rather than having the kitchen as a barrier, really makes sense at the moment. Also, a kitchen that is simple and functional and not too precious is a big part of future-proofing.

ArchiPro Australia is launching!

106 Architects ArchiPro Australia Foundation Member

ArchiPro Australia is launching 22 October 2021, with tailored Australian projects, products and professionals. With a mission of simplifying the building process and a belief that architecturally designed spaces should be more accessible, ArchiPro is the platform transforming the architecture and building industries by seamlessly connecting those within it.

ArchiPro will launch in Sydney in 2021, with a glamorous opening event (subject to Covid-19 restrictions) designed specifically to showcase the ArchiPro experience to the Australian industry so they see first-hand the benefits of partnering with the platform.

Last year 70,000 people from Australia used ArchiPro, representing 110% in user growth when compared to the previous year. It’s evident that Australians love using ArchiPro and we are now committed to growing this audience by providing our Australian users access to a curated pool of trusted businesses operating within their local market.

ArchiPro’s deeply rooted commitment to simplifying the end-to-end building experience and to the disruption of the traditional and expensive advertising industry remains our core business objective.

With 106 Architects already in bed with ArchiPro in New Zealand showcasing Residential, Recreational, Community and Masterplanning Projects, we are excited to be a Foundation Partner with the Australian arm.

“It’s great to be a foundation partner in Australia to support the launch of ArchiPro. Our partnership aligns with the 106 Architects’ national presence in NZ and recent expansion to Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast – together we’ve got ANZ covered! The platform is such a great resource, is easy to access, and with an amazing visual interface, I am sure our Australian audience will enjoy the curated site as much as our NZ community. It’s wonderful to see others mirror our commitment to the value of the digital world in what we do – welcome to Australia ArchiPro!” Dion Gosling – Director, 106 Architects + Third Place Thinking.

ArchiPro will also be partnering with Woods Bagotone of the world’s largest architectural practices, which will supercharge the adoption of ArchiPro in the Australian market. This partnership is an exciting collaboration that will accelerate ArchiPro’s opportunity to digitally transform the architecture and building industries in Australia.

Here’s what they had to say: “An incredibly useful resource ensuring our teams are at the forefront of intelligent research and sourcing of exemplary products, ensuring only the best for our projects and clients,” – Tracey Wiles, Principal Australian Interior Design Leader, Woods Bagot.

With many opportunities for our clients and our collaborators, we are excited to be involved with this launch and look forward to supporting ArchiPro’s journey in inspiring people to build architecturally designed spaces through their beautifully designed and simple to use platform.

For more information on our Foundation Partnership with ArchiPro Australia, contact:

Annie Salter
media@106architects.com

We are hiring! Architecture Graduate – Melbourne

106 Architects | We are hiring - Architecture Graduate

Need a change to your current office environment and life challenges? Are you seeking to make a worthwhile contribution to interesting projects?

𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗘:

106 Architects is a small, well-established architecture practice that provides specialised global professional design and project management services for a range of clients. Our collaborative design team works with clients who are focused on sports, community, and leisure projects, as well as bespoke residential developments. Our work takes us throughout NZ and recently, into Australia.

We have carved ourselves a special niche in the sports, recreation and leisure sector, and are committed to making an outstanding contribution to global sports, leisure, and community-based architecture.

We also work on residential projects – individual homes as well as developer-driven multi-unit housing.

𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬:

We are looking for an experienced architecture graduate or technician to work in our Brunswick studio to assist our Director in the development of our design packages for our sports and residential projects.

In this role, you will:

→ Undertake research, design analysis and investigations;
→ Develop conceptual ideas into detailed construction drawings and documentation;
→ Produce client presentation material as well as planning submissions;
→ Communicate and liaise with clients, other team members, consultants, Council officers, and contractors;
→ Work with agreed timeframes, project briefing, and set budgets;
→ Prepare design reports, contract documentation, and technical details;
→ Undertake site monitoring, record keeping, and contract administration;
→ Deliver the design from concept to completion;
→ Need the ability to produce clear communications, with an understanding of the English language critical.
→ This role is full-time, however, for the right candidate, we would consider part-time, within family-friendly hours.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚:

→ Related Bachelor or Masters of Architecture degree, with knowledge of Australian Building Standards;
→ High proficiency in ArchiCAD (3+ years) being capable of BIM/3D modelling and detailed documentation;
→ Moderate experience in SketchUp and/or Adobe CS is an advantage;
→ Have a minimum of 3 years full-time relevant experience;
→ Competent technical understanding of Australian construction detailing and building codes;
→ Demonstrate a high level of design pride and capability;
→ Be a good self-starter
→ Have professional and confident interaction with staff and clients;
→ A great team player who is not afraid of bringing ideas to the table;
→ Able to remain calm under pressure with the flexibility to meet changing demands;
→ Can build relationships, and capable of being part of a team to achieve deadlines;
→ Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗦:

106 Architects values people who enjoy working collaboratively and contributing as part of a team. In return, we offer a competitive salary and the ability to enjoy a balanced work/life mix. We are committed to career development and have a track record in providing a flexible and family-friendly, yet stimulating, environment for our people.

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬:

If this sounds like you, please send a current CV and portfolio to: studio@106architects.com

You must have Australian residency or a valid Australian work permit to apply for this role.

𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗨𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡:

You can find out more about 106 Architects on our website: www.106architects.com

Work for us! Architect or Senior Technician wanted

106 Architects | With with us - Architect or Senior Technician wanted

106 Architects needs YOU! Work on Sports, Recreation, Community + Residential projects across Australia & New Zealand!

𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬:

We are looking for an experienced Architect or Senior Technician with 5+ years experience to work in our Brunswick studio. This is a 2 month contract position with an immediate start and the potential to become permanent.

You will assist our Director in the development of our design packages for our sports and residential projects.

In this role, you will:

→ Undertake research, design analysis and investigations;
→ Develop conceptual ideas into detailed construction drawings and documentation;
→ Produce client presentation material as well as planning submissions;
→ Communicate and liaise with clients, other team members, consultants, Council officers, and contractors;
→ Work with agreed timeframes, project briefing, and set budgets;
→ Prepare design reports, contract documentation, and technical details;
→ Undertake site monitoring, record keeping, and contract administration;
→ Deliver the design from concept to completion;
→ Need the ability to produce clear communications, with an understanding of the English language critical.
→ This is a contract role based in the studio, with the potential to become permanent.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚:

→ Related Bachelor or Masters of Architecture degree, or technical qualification, with knowledge of Australian Building Standards;
MUST have a high proficiency in ArchiCAD being capable BIM/3D modelling and detailed documentation;
→ Moderate experience in SketchUp and/or Adobe CS is an advantage;
→ Have a minimum of 5+ years relevant full-time experience;
→ Competent technical understanding of Australian construction detailing and building codes;
→ Demonstrate a high level of design and documentation pride and capability;
→ Be a good self-starter
→ Have professional and confident interaction with staff and clients;
→ A great team player who is not afraid of bringing ideas to the table;
→ Able to remain calm under pressure with the flexibility to meet changing demands;
→ Can build relationships, and capable of being part of a team to achieve deadlines;
→ Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗦:

106 Architects values people who enjoy working collaboratively and contributing as part of a team. In return, we offer a competitive rate and the ability to enjoy a balanced work/life mix. We are committed to career development and have a track record in providing a flexible and family-friendly, yet stimulating, environment for our people.

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬:

If this sounds like you, please send a current CV and portfolio with samples of technical drawings to: studio@106architects.com

You must have Australian residency or a valid Australian work permit to apply for this role.

𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗘:

106 Architects is a small, well-established architecture practice that provides specialised global professional design and project management services for a range of clients. Our collaborative design team works with clients who are focused on sports, community, and leisure projects, as well as bespoke residential developments. Our work takes us throughout NZ and recently, into Australia.

We have carved ourselves a special niche in the sports, recreation and leisure sector, and are committed to making an outstanding contribution to global sports, leisure, and community-based architecture.

We also work on residential projects – individual homes as well as developer-driven multi-unit housing.

𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗨𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡:

You can find out more about 106 Architects on our website: www.106architects.com

COVID-19 – Building Site Lockdown

With the announcement from the New Zealand Government last week to elevate the COVID-19 alert level to Level 3 – Restrict, on Monday 23 March, then immediately to Level 4 – Eliminate on Wednesday 25 March, all within 48hrs, there were immediate impacts for our 106 Architects’ construction projects that were – or about to be – active on site.

For projects in Australia, we see work continue, albeit under health and safety practices that align with Federal and State Government requirements. These specifically relate to the foundation of Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws that require employers to take care of their workers in the workplace.

Current requirements include social distancing, as well, providing adequate facilities for workers to carry out their tasks safely, chiefly, personal and workplace hygiene measures. Updated SWMS (Safe Work Method Statements) will be required under COVID-19 conditions for those continuing to work.

Specific information for our Australian clients and contractors can be found here, at the Safe Work Australia site – https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces/preparing-workplaces-covid-19/building-and-construction-minimising

Our Victorian projects can find information via the Work Safe Victoria website here – https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases and here – https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/construction

In New Zealand, as the lockdown commenced, all non-essential services ceased and people were required to stay at home. We anticipate Australia to move in the same direction. Soon.

Here are some of the key items we have needed to consider with our Client/Principals and Contractors:

Payment Claims

As the end of the month approached – with it, the end of the financial year for New Zealanders – we moved to assist Contractors to receive, and then assess, their payment claims for the project cycle. For some projects the cycle was monthly; others fortnightly.

Assisting to quickly gather a clear understanding of work completed with any supporting documentation required, was a key task we faced.

Where visiting sites to inspect work first-hand would not be possible, we worked through progress with the Contractors via FaceTime, photographs, and verbal descriptions on what work had been completed and ‘held’.

This has meant that the processing of the Payment Certificate over the past week, in a difficult situation, could take place in confidence with everyone working remotely.

Trust, kindness, and supporting both Client and Contractor has been the key.

Thinking ahead, Clients/Principals could consider increasing the frequency or changing the basis of the payment to the Contractor. This may assist the supply chain cash-flow for materials and products, and ease overall financial pressure on all parties. Equally, payments could be offered directly to suppliers and could ensure a project-specific flow of goods and services can be achieved (and secured) following the lockdown period.

Insolvency and re-mobilisation are two key factors currently circulating our sector at the moment. Modifying the payment claim basis through closer help and facilitation could go a long way.

The Site and Building Schedule

The shutdown of sites happened quickly in New Zealand and will happen in a similar manner in Australia. While the site remains the responsibility of the Contractor, the unknown period of time for closure means communication between Client and Contractor is key.

Much like the landlord/tenant relationship, there may be on-going costs to the Contractor relating to specific site structures and establishment as part of general overheads, either as direct and/or indirect costs.

The Contractor should contact their suppliers and see what relief they can provide, and can feasibly pass on to Clients. There should be a sensibility to the passing on of these costs, and any that may be associated with a likely Extension of Time (EoT) claim that may follow.

The cost of scaffold, for example, is an on-going overhead, however, these particular site structures will clearly not be used during lockdown other than support or potentially to enclose a structure. On-going certification and testing will not be taking place, so there may be a basis to challenge the need for an on-going cost for something that would not be certified or used.

Site fencing and security measures should also be checked for completeness, to ensure they are well-fixed in-place for any adverse weather conditions likely to be presented during inactivation of the site.

Consideration to re-mobilisation costs and securing trade supplies following a prolonged period of inactivity should also be given (see Financial and Resource Health, below).

Contractor and Principal – Financial and Resource Health

For projects that were about to kick-off or indeed underway, the issue of financial capability and durability to ride the crisis, should be considered. The same applies to human resources or labour availability, and what sort of plan might be put in place by the Contractor for when the project sets off again.

The questions are: Is the availability of supply items a danger or risk area for a project, and what is availability like, once projects recommence?

We have projects were Client or Principal-supplied items are included in the contract. Clients need to ascertain what challenges (and alternatives) they may have as a back-up should the supply chain be affected by COVID-19. Equally, where clients have paid for their fixtures upfront, ensuring that those fixtures are assigned to them and covered by insurances as off-site goods. Seek additional security for the cost and risk of those items not turning up, or for insolvency of a supplier – standard procedures, but more important in a riskier time.

There is a degree of increasing financial pressure and strangling of cashflow at the moment. It’s a difficult question to ask and assess, but ask: How is your Contractor placed to reignite again, once the green-light is given?

What can you do as the project owner, to alleviate any real or perceived pressure on the Contractor?

For example, do you really need the provision for Liquidated Damages in your contract, to be applied? Could you release the pressure, by granting a unilateral Extension of Time, to allow the Contractor to complete the project beyond the stated completion date, for events beyond their control?

Insurances

It would pay for both Principal and Contractor to advise their insurance brokers that building works have ceased, and confirm the shut-down date. There is a duty to formally advise of any changes to site or project conditions. At this time, it is unknown when construction is likely to resume, but we see it as being at least four weeks away.

The insurance policies and arrangements in-place have an end-date nominated for each project, however, an email trail to confirm changed site conditions is prudent. Once works are back up and running, a revised programme should be sought from the Contractor, with a new completion date passed onto the insurer. Check with your broker to additional costs, if any, there may be for extending the cover due to COVID-19.

With communication and consideration, you’ll be in good shape when construction kicks off again.

The 1st Step to Building – Understanding your Needs and Options

first-step-to-building

Summer. Wasn’t it glorious! A great time to think and relax. And be inspired.

As summer has drawn to a close so we thought it is a good time to share some insights to what we’ve learned from our sports projects, and how they could apply to your house and home project.

What’s the problem?

It is not uncommon for people to know they want to do a project – and have given it quite a bit of thought – but just don’t know how best to start…

Or worse, launched into an expensive design service without establishing the client-designer relationship, or worse still, not carefully established the groundwork for the project.

In recent months, we’ve seen the number of building permits and consents being processed by Council reach new highs. This has helped us get more feedback on what the market is doing, and what thinking people are doing at the moment.

The Scenario:

We’ve found an initial Needs and Options Review is the architect’s best ‘pencil’ for good early groundwork. It works as a diagnostic tool for your project – and can save a huge amount of heartache. It allows you to start with an exploration designed to precisely understand your requirements and potential roadblocks are, and gives you:

→ Needs-based findings and recommendations;

→ High-level design options;

→ A Plan to move forward;

→ A Timeline and rough order of cost for budgeting.

The Process

We’ve used this process on a much larger scale while doing our sports projects – which typically involve a large number of groups and a diverse range of people. We saw an issue in these projects, of people starting design and construction before they had fully done their research and homework. BEFORE they had critiqued their ideas and assessed their needs.

These projects can have several conflicting groups – all locking heads on which way to go. So what better way to bring them together and moving in the same direction, than each understanding what the other needs?  It’s on this basis that everyone sees a different perspective, and actually, the group gets a much better outcome.

Our view is this applies across the entire construction industry – it’s not limited to designing sports facilities. It also happens in residential projects … People are trying to run before they have mastered the walk or set the training programme (sports pun intended!).

The consequence of inadequate upfront research and discussion of needs and options is like… building a house on bad foundations.

The foundations are the most important part of the whole house because everything is built on top. It’s very expensive to change the foundations once you have started to build. But it’s very easy to change them if they are simply lines on a plan.  It’s amazing what comes from sketch lines and diagrams, rather than hard-and-fast computer models.

Ultimately, a little more time spent upfront on research and assessment will yield a better result – economically and design-wise – long-term. Be careful about entering the design phase too early.  There are snags if you’re not prepared, and you might just pull a hamstring on the final straight!

What makes a good brief?

A good brief is gold.

There are five important steps in building:

→ Needs and Options Review – which is the first step

Design phase

→ Construction Document phase

Building and Contract Management

→ Completion phase

If you want to learn more about our Needs and Options Review and how we can move you through the five important steps of building seamlessly, get in touch today with the 106 Architects residential experts!

106 Architects | Your Residential Build Road Map

#GoneMobile – The Art of Small

#GoneMobile #StayingMobile

From Auckland to Melbourne and beyond, it seems people are trying to come to terms with the rapid growth and density of our cities. The strategy to increase density, as a way to improve the liveability and functioning of our city, causes us all to reflect on the quality of life we are accustomed to, and what we might wish for in the future. In our minds, this means thinking about the amount of space we have, how we use it, and the way people seek to interact in it.

At 106 Architects, we have long been exploring the efficiency of space movement, both in the way we might work, and the way we collaborate with our clients. For example, all of our studios, Auckland, Melbourne, Wanaka are set within shared spaces. Sure, we have done this to optimise financial resources and our use of space. But more so, because we feel that the dynamic and dense arrangement of skills and expertise leads to better client outcomes. Why? Because the conversation in these spaces becomes fluid, we get smarter from the shared dialogue. Moreover, we’re more actively connected to the communities in which we work. This ultimately equals better designs for everyone we touch.

Our commitment to this space movement exploration was best illustrated during the Summer of 2016 when we set out to discover the impact a reduction of space might have on our business and the way we work. Hence the #GoneMobile experiment was born.

The #GoneMobile Experiment
106 Architects created a temporary office on the site of one of our projects – the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre in Okahu Bay, Auckland. The space, a 9 m2 caravan, was of a magnitude smaller than our 90 m2 studio. During our time in the 9m2 mobile office, we observed that the space changed in response to our needs. It happened in such a fluid way that it often flew under the radar. We moved from “documentation mode” to “meeting mode” all within the same small space, and with little disturbance to the way we worked. This eliminated the need for several adjoining spaces with fixed (constructed) purposes. Spatial boundaries become reduced or even blurred, making smaller spaces smarter by design.

The other advantage of working in a small office space by the sea was that it was easy to manage, and it was flexible, even nimble. By being on the site and near our client-community, it opened up powerful conversations, while revealing extraordinary insights into how people engage with and benefit from the space and its surrounds.

The 106 team found the move into our much loved harbour-side caravan office came with increased free-flow of ideas that surged back and forth with ease. Although we were experimenting with our business space, we knew the real opportunity was how we could apply these learnings to our future Living, Sports and Community designs.

How smaller spaces lead to better connections
Before the experiment, we knew that we would come away with some great ideas on how to introduce smart design into homes – how spaces can respond to changing needs for volume, size or purpose; otherwise known as smart spaces. Smart spaces are often expressed through the utilisation of sliding partitions to control volume or changing traditional geometry to create more versatile spaces. Of course, after #GoneMobile we came away with some ideas on how to better use kitchens as a family social hub, but perhaps the more profound learnings from the experiment related to how small spaces can help effectively breakdown social disconnection.

Small Spaces in the Digital Age
We live in an age where technology is infiltrating family and community life, resulting in ‘disconnection’ in a strangely connected world. This has been topical in the media for some time and is explored in Catherine Steiner-Adairs book, The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age, Some of the themes touched on in the book mirror our findings from the experiment. For example, good spatial planning can provide a setting for users to be present and together and smaller spaces by their very nature result in this happening. As such, when we collaborate with our living clients, we are now asking the question “What do you value when it comes to your family dynamics? Are the spaces in your home helping to facilitate and support these? Can we create spaces where digital use and social engagement can live together harmoniously?

Smaller spaces lend themselves to that ‘Third Place’
Perhaps most importantly, the learnings from the #GoneMobile experiment have also extended into our sporting designs. We often consider how small, smart spaces can create more dynamic and enhanced community intersections. They lend themselves to the trend that we are highly vested in and extremely passionate about – designing community facilities so that they can become that “Third Place.” That social place between work and home where we feel safe accepted and part of a family. This is often best achieved within a small intimate setting rather than in large impersonal spaces. Creating these “Third Places” is something that we want to be known for and something which 106 Architects hopes to integrate into all our community designs in the future.

The next challenge – #StayingMobile
The team at 106 Architects is continuing to work on ideas for fun smart space experiments, which we are hoping will play out within proximity to our newest Melbourne office location. We are proactively brainstorming our next move – for now, let’s call it #StayingMobile! We’d love it if you could hit us up with your ideas on how you think we can continue the conversation. Together we can work towards optimising the outcomes of urban intensification so that lifestyle outcomes are better for everyone.