Situated in the south zone, the Crown Hotel is currently in the spotlight as the race is on to win the commission for what is set to become an iconic piece among the Australian Architecture landscape; therefore careful consideration is going into the selection of a winning bid. The entrants have been narrowed down to three prestigious, international firms, Wilkinson Eyre Architects, Adrian Smith + Gorden Gill, and Kohn Pedersen. Each proposal is as conceptually thoughtful and structurally brilliant as the next, as to be expected and it will be interesting to see what sets the winning bid apart in the judges eyes and in what way BIM will help to shape the projects.
Wilkinson Eyre Architects
London based firm Wilkinson Eyre, drew from organic inspiration, finding meaning in an abstracted form of nature. Three stem-like cylindrical forms stretch upwards twisting around one another like youd imagine that of a magical beanstalk to do. Set to paint a striking image on the waterfront if selected, its crisp white outline hoping to become the talk of the world in the words of the Crown Chairman James Packer.Adrian Smith + Gorden Gill
Drawing inspiration from the site, marine inspired gestures are created through the external form of the proposal. A conceptualized shell form comprises the external skin of the structure, which conceptually parallels in reference to the indigenous peoples of Australia as pre 1788 the site usage was as a major source of shellfish and oysters for the local peoples.The project is by far the largest of the three, meaning if selected cost and time could become an issue if not constrained appropriately. This sort of design will take a lot of planning before arriving at construction to ensure cost and time minimization. I can imagine that AS+GG will look to model all spaces and systems prior to construction to ensure minimal need of on site changes, working to avoid clashes within the construction process prior to build where possible.
Kohn Pederson
The life with an edge entry reflects historic maritime themes scattered within Sydneys CBD. The major form echos that of a yacht sail, considerate of the waterfront location. If selected the final structure could stand to cost up to $1.5 billion, and become the citys 5th largest skyscraper. A Casino is also on the cards (excuse the pun) and will draw I further revenue for Barangaroo South. Green space is also including through the cantilevered terrace that will echo the larger public area below.The decision on the wining bid is set to take place this month, so all going to plan we should expect to hear the verdict in the coming weeks. We can't wait to see what technologies and systems are brought in to ensure the smooth construction and maintenance of this hotel. I'll be sure to update you once the decision has been made and I've had some more time to do some snooping. In the mean time have a think over the renders and comment as to who you think the winner should be. Personally I'm rooting for Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill.
