Projects
The Making of 1 Bligh Street, Sydney
I recently attended the premiere film opening for the making of 1 Bligh Street titled ‘Heart of Glass’. The documentary is produced by Peter Hyatt of Hyatt and Associates and follows the 12 year journey to build 1 Bligh Street located in Sydney CBD. Winner of the DEXUS/City of Sydney design competition, 1 Bligh Street signifies to Sydney a departure from conservative office design and development.
1 Bligh Street is designed by Architectus of Sydney and Ingenhoven Architects of Germany. Taking advantage of the prime harbor location, the building establishes a strong connection to the water and adjacent Farrer Place. Large floorplates of 1,600sqm are column free with uninterrupted office, toilet and fire stair views to Sydney Harbor. For more information about the design of 1 Bligh Street check out the Architectus website.
The ‘heart of glass’ is a naturally ventilated atrium which extends from the ground floor to the rooftop. The floorplates are inter-connected by stairs, bridges and balconies. Level 15 and 28 contain external terraces with local planting. At ground floor the building appears to float above the pedestrian who sits for coffee in the cafe, weaves along the green wall or observes the artwork by James Angus. For more technical specifications and sustainability information head over to the 1 Bligh Street Website
In the middle of the global financial crisis the cranes of 1 Bligh Street remained in operation. The documentary follows the design (vision, concept, sustainability and technology), complications and delivery of 1 Bligh Street. I recommend enjoying this the same way I did – with a choc top and popcorn!
Please see below documentary trailer (1:34 mins):
Please see below full length documentary (53:00 mins):
Since competition, 1 Bligh Street has won the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat award for most outstanding new tall building in Asia, the first Australian tower to do so, as well as three awards from the Australian Institute of Architects for best commercial building, sustainable building and urban design.
Here you can also find other videos including a time lapse construction sequence.
Further Reading/Media List:
Australian Design Review, “1 Bligh Street” 22 December. 2011
Australian Design Review, “1 Bligh Street” 01 March. 2012
SMH, “A place for Sydney to look up to 14 July. 2012
SMH, “World class cities are built from good ideas” 07 September. 2011
The Fifth Estate, “1 Bligh Street – behind the cool facade” 17 February. 2011
I would love to hear your feedback in the comment section below. Please let me know if you would like further information about 1 Bligh Street, a part of the project team I would love to help you out.
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