AZPML | Zaera-Polo Llaguno

Parramatta Square

AZPML | Alejandro Zaera-Polo, Maider Llaguno

Because of the typology of the program and the important location within the city infrastructure, and its future CBD, it is important that the building produces a striking effect on the skyline and its closer context. We believe that the land­mark’s design should embody this spirit of technological connectivity, interaction, and complexity, becoming a symbol of growth and innovation.

In addition to these cultural conditions, defined by a free flow exchange of ideas and knowledge, the site is also defined by similar specific functional constraints. Sitting in between the railroad system and main Parramata’s square, the buil­ding should provide a coherent solution to the surrounding dynamic flows and the necessity of permeability between the CBD and the transport interchange.
The design epitomizes the excitement brought by this new changing reality, referencing the elements that produce this new super-linked environment, and celebrating Parramata’s transformation into an international CBD and innovative technological breakthrough.
The two towers are raised from the bottom to the top with slight displacements in between floors.
The movement of the buildings, in constant flux, creates a multifaceted envelope which seeks to find a solution for the different project constraints.
- Minimize the impact of the ground floor footprint and allowing pedestrians path and views between the towers.
- Multi-orientated facades to emphasize the interaction of the towers and its surroundings (mainly the train station and the square) and obtaining 360 º panoramic views over the city.
- The lower facets, pointing downwards, will reflect the intensive street and train station flows of Parramata’s 24 hours active space, creating a strong interaction with the immediate surroundings.
- Based on passive design strategies, the upper facets will include high performance glass with different frit den­sities (or external louvers) depending on orientation. South oriented façade should be a fully transparent single glass façade to maximize the potential of natural light and minimize reliance on artificial lighting.
- Generate setbacks in the facades closer to the existing buildings.
In the interior, the commercial floors have been designed under the principles of flexibility, efficiency and a high degree of transparency to allow long views.
The structure is reduced to a central core and vertical elements in the façade, allowing us to have a columns-free plan with surfaces up to 1550m2 and an efficiency ratio of 87. By placing the vertical communication core in the center, all the office space is surrounded by the glass façade and allows natural light penetration creating a perfect environment to stimulate innovation, creativity and public engagement.

Data sheet
Proposal / International Competition
Parramatta Square Stages 5 and 6 design competition - Parramatta (Australia).
Client: Parramatta city council.
Competition: 2013
Area: 140.000 sqm commercial
Height: 200/220m
AZPML Team: Alejandro Zaera-Polo, Maider Llaguno, Pep Wennberg, Ravi Lopes Calamita, Valentina Esposito, Matteo Giammartini, Maria Melo Bento, Giuseppe Picciulli.
Local Partner: Terroir