Singaporean Architecture company WOHA and Australian-based Urban Design Practice Architectus’ collaborative project 443 Queen Street is an amalgamation of the most important design philosophies of the two companies and their culture – the fluidity of nature in construction. 443 Queen Street is a finished project built with a mixed-use purpose kept in mind; from a commercial aspect to a high-rise residential application, this building brings in the logic of sustainability to the aesthetics of a city.
“Bringing the outside in” is a design philosophy WOHA wholeheartedly believes in as a company and incorporates intentionally into all its plans. With 443 Queen Street, the architects carved out a cohesive space for the natural environment around them. Founded in Singapore, WOHA’s main design theories are derived from the local understanding of space, form, and nature. Therefore, the compact lateral space of the Singaporean land has forced their design thinking to shoot upwards making skyscrapers and high rises a common sight in Singapore and an area of expertise for architectural firms. Coupled with the tropical climate and high rates of humidity, WOHA’s design principles have always relied heavily on the project’s local environment in terms of materials sourcing, design, and construction. Frank Ching said, “Architecture is generally conceived in response to an existing set of conditions” and WOHA’s response, in line with their architectural ethos, showcases expertise in blending aesthetics with functionality and sustainability.
Sustainable Design
It is pivotal for architects and designers in this industry to place a strong emphasis on sustainability and bring solutions to these issues to the forefront of their projects. WOHAs projects often use industry design staples like green roofs and vertical gardens to blend in the design and the science of renewable energy into their construction. This sustainable design not only beautifies the 443 Queen Street high rise but also doubles as passive cooling strategies that reduce energy consumption and therefore improve the environmental impacts of living there which is important when understanding Brisbane’s natural climates. Additionally, the green terraces contribute to the building’s style and provide essential ecosystem normalizations such as air purification and temperature regulation. By introducing these green elements into a high-density urban environment, the project fosters a healthier microclimate and disregards the expenses of additional energy spent on the same. The building plan features an advanced natural ventilation system that significantly reduces the need for mechanical cooling. This system is achieved through strategically placed vents and operable windows, which facilitate cross-ventilation and enhance indoor air quality. Using glass and metal panels in facades and walls, the building’s design highlights transparency and fluidity of light that interact powerfully with Brisbane’s climate. This intentional design allows natural light to penetrate deeply through the building’s core, further reducing energy consumption and reliance on artificial light. Through this seamless consideration and integration of natural elements into this project, WOHA and Architectus create a healthy living urban environment that aligns with Australia’s nature.
Urban Context
WOHA’s designs are established in the context of the local cities and climates where they work. Aiming to address the specific challenges of urban living, they take on projects in densely populated cities like Singapore and Brisbane by creating spaces that are functional, adaptable, and sustainable. Considering the need to integrate sustainable urbanization flawlessly into the puzzle of the Brisbane cityscape, WOHA successfully pays homage to the Australian culture of respecting Mother Nature and all that it has to offer. Through urban reforestation, a harmonious relationship is established between the natural environments of Queensland and the built environment of the project. The crux of this project has always been to consider the most environmentally friendly and sustainably viable option for structuring a living environment. In the same vein, WOHA has expertly reflected the cultural contexts behind this method of urbanization.
Innovative Aesthetics
WOHA is known for its unique aesthetic that combines modernist principles with lush greenery. Their buildings often feature distinctive, nature-inspired elements and dynamic forms that respond to their surroundings. Considering Brisbane’s nature, urban reforestation through the designs of vertical ecosystems turns this multipurpose building into a “building that breathes”. These green terraces extend across multiple levels of the building, creating a cascading effect that softens the urban landscape and enhances the building’s visual appeal. Through porous facades and leveled open terraces, the building has life dancing through it. The public reception domain creates a beautiful relationship between the building, the city, and the nearest water body. Framing the vistas, this open design allows a steady flow of pedestrians to walk through. These cluster residences take full advantage of the natural movement of air, water, and sunlight. Bringing in a touch of Singaporean design opulence, the building is covered with sleek glasses and metals. The design of 443 Queen Street emphasizes natural ventilation and incorporates extensive green spaces. The materials used in creating the building’s distinctive and environmentally conscious façade contribute to the modern design approach while also addressing post-construction impacts on nature. WOHA includes elements like terraced gardens and locally sourced bricks to showcase their expertise in blending aesthetics with functionality.
Community Engagement
WOHA emphasizes the importance of community in their designs. Their projects frequently include communal spaces and public amenities that encourage social interaction and a sense of belonging among residents. This can be seen in the floor plans of 443 Queen Street. From the reception area to the ground floor indoor boulevard that houses the restaurant and cafes, open floor plans were implemented to create a sense of community and shared life. The building’s design includes public and communal spaces in the residential areas that encourage social interaction and community engagement. As a reflection of WOHA’s belief in architecture as a way of enhancing the quality of urban life, these spaces are designed to be inclusive and accessible to all.
Founded in 1994, WOHA is a design practice based in Singapore with projects all over the world. They are known for their innovative approaches to sustainable architecture and urban development with signature styles integrating cutting-edge aesthetics with environmental consciousness This adds not only to the artistic appeal of the built environment but also to a sustainable future, all the while keeping in mind the natural and local environment around them. Receiving numerous accolades and awards for their commitment to building sustainably, 443 Queen Street is a collaborative project with the Brisbane City Master Plan (BCC CCMP). This project was built to be Queensland’s first truly subtropical apartment complex and has successfully made a name for itself. Embodying the most critical beliefs of WOHA’s architectural designs has put this project’s name on the forefront of up-and-coming sustainable projects.
443 Queen Street stands as a testament to the firm’s commitment to sustainable designs and innovative urban solutions to everyday communal problems.
