view of Astro's new main entrance
seen before reaching the 'forested' courtyard


Astro's new broadcasting studios and offices has a green agenda; to retain as much as possible all the natural features of the Site, and also aim to utilise daylight and wind energies and building materials that lend themselves to minimising waste of any form. This view shows how the two sides of the building share a common centre, whose main feature would be gardens and water elements. This public realm comprise several terraces and balconies and a large area where tall trees are planted. On the outside, the facade emulates the two aforementioned spaces coming together. This symbolism shows solidarity and cooperation, a conceptually powerful stance promoting Astro's corporate image and philosophy. There are level chages between the two sides, and these are resolved through various pedestrian ramps, walkways and link bridges and also stepped ramps.

The proposed concept for Astro consist of a layout that defines the administrative area as a specialty zone, with ambient details that give it a special quality. Such makes the distribution of the project budget specific, the workstations commanding an efficient arrangement, but not necessarily high costs.

The surrounding architecture comprising existing windows are treated to 'disappear' with the application of tall full height dressing, whether curtains or wall decorative panels that allow views out but not revealing the short windows, or optionally we seek the opening to be enlarged, this requires some expenditure to the facade and entails some work to the building elevations on the external. We will provide services to Astro to make this application to the Authorities. The idea here is to reduce the impact of the existing shell, and to renew the ambiance, making the interior a simple envelope.

With the use of timber or some other warmer materials for static areas to the layout, we differentiate break out or meeting areas to that which is circulation or common areas. Here we use quality carpet, and with that we achieve a simple scheme with conscious effort to put the costs where it matters most. The lighting will pick up special areas, and recessed ceilings and troughs will delineate territories where it is visually required to give good reading of the design intent.

From our own experience we are proposing for at least two to three break out areas for the general staff, as we find communities and 'families' of workers work well to give the sense of place and belonging to this quadrant. We know any group of up to 30 persons need at least one break out area, or a place they can go to for contemplation and resort.

The association of spaces to artwork and well appointed cultural elements will make this design unique and iconic. The introduction of art and specialty forms that are reminiscent of user cultures, sculpture and decorative artistic crafts placed in strategic areas act as visual anchors but more importantly they weave back our sensitivities to our work place. This is clearly a very abstract but practical choice for users, given Astro's own commitment to the arts, and the betterment of society's connection to all artistic forms of media and its physical manifestations. Such is the concept that we hope will make this ID one which brings out the personality of the workplace and that which can evolve over time, and one that allows a dynamic interaction and participation from the user.