Democracy is the outcome of peace, and peace reassures democracy to be passed on rightfully to the next generation. Democracy is never a thing done; it needs to be constantly reminded so that we do not forget that it stands firmly against war and any injustice. The Hall of Democracy is an architectural reminder that the essence of democracy is peace. To achieve this, the design incorporates the Australian way of celebrating peace and memorializing war – that is the ANZACs.
‘ANZAC’ stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. These became known as ANZACs and the pride they took in that name continues to this day.
The ANZAC day is perhaps the most important day in Australia because it not only commemorates the 8000 ANZACs who died in Gallipoli but also the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in WW2. The ANZAC day is the Australian way of reminding us of those who died in military operations when pursuing peace. In a way, without the ANZACs, we would not have the peace we have today. The hall of democracy is designed in such a context, and it wants to remind us that democracy was fought and preserved by the ANZACs. Therefore, the best way to celebrate democracy is to commemorate the idea of ANZAC. Though Brisbane currently has an ANZAC square, as an architect, I believe the concept of ANZAC can be extended much more and its meanings and ideas can be presented in an architectural manner that promotes and enhances the theme in many design elements
Materiality
The design mainly consists of three materials, they are tuff, ironbark, and concrete. They were chosen due to their unique characteristics, which help to enhance the concept of democracy is peace. Tuff is a widely used native material in Brisbane, it can be found on Queensland Parliament House and Anzac square. Ironbark can be found in the Botanic Garden right next to the site. Lastly, concrete gives the design a grand, solemn, and respectful theme.
Margaret Street View
Our built and designed environment/space is a product of our Society and Civilisation that is essentially formed by architecture. Architecture generates social space and influences social action and indirectly society. ANZAC day is rather important in Australian society, therefore I wish to use its preconceived social influence on society to remind us of the importance of peace.
William Street View
Architecture is essentially the shaping of space. Though I believe the architect today holds the social responsibility of delivering a message to future generations via architecture. I believe these messages should be sustainability, technology, and collaboration.
Ground Level Floor Plan
Level 1 Floor Plan
Level 3 Floor Plan
It seems that we have forgotten what democracy represents these days. Democracy is the result of peace; they complement and coexist with each other. This notion is fundamentally my motif of this design. Therefore, I designed this hall of democracy/ANZAC memorial hall in hoping that it would not only remind us that we should cherish democracy by honouring the people who made it happen, the ANZACs, but to also realize that we must preserve peace so that democracy can be everlasting.
Ray expresses his interests mostly in architectural design and construction documentation. He has a comprehensive understanding of building design at different stages. His ability to adapt almost all the mainstream computer programs allows him to propose designs that are only limited by his imagination. Most importantly, Ray’s manifesto shares his insight of architecture, that is, “architecture is nothing if it does not contain the seeds of a better future”.
