The Corruption and Crime Commission project transitioned the agency from a predominantly cellular office space across six floors to a single floor ABW workspace. The design catered for nine distinct departments/stakeholder groups, high security requirements (ASIO level 4), complex AV and ICT solutions, courtroom and interview room, and a new public interface. It also facilitated change to workflows such as: paper-lite working, public informal interface, new document/evidence storage system, room booking panels, and new security processes.
SPH architecture + interiors were commissioned to provide the early test-fit planning and PDP for the Corruption and Crime Commission and were then re-engaged to provide a full architectural service, including Superintendents Representative role during construction. The Corruption and Crime Commission had a very compressed briefing to tender period (five months) and required integration within an existing building and its services. In order to achieve this time-frame a highly structured and planned briefing, iteration and review process was established. An extensive and collaborative approach was applied which involved each of the five directorates, and nine sub-departments. The User Group process included three sessions with the Project Working Group (PWG) during schematic design including an overall facility review. This was then followed by a further four sessions with the PWG and targeted individual departments during design development, including a detailed review with the sub-consultant engineering team. These meetings tested and challenged workflows, storage needs, technology solutions, security amongst other issues.
As a result, the design was widely endorsed by the user groups and was able to quickly move through the design stage thus adhering to the tight programme. SPH architecture + interiors utilised many methods to demonstrate the design to the user groups, including 3D visualisation, graphical plans and sample boards. In doing so we were able to provide added understanding and value to the users to ensure all functional requirements were understood and achieved. The design for the project utilised cutting-edge technology and innovative initiatives. The Corruption and Crime Commission’s relocation provided an opportunity to re-brand and readdress the publics perception of the organisation. The aim was to present a transparent, open and welcoming public entry with a classic, modern aesthetic that extends and develops into the Public Examination Rooms with increasing levels of gravitas. The design concept was a sculpted interior terrain with manifestations of geometric contouring that wrap, envelope, direct and lead. Intuitive wayfinding is further explored through a variety of visual prompts that draw focus towards significant points of distinction. SPH architecture + interiors successfully implemented their workspace design strategy 15% under budget and within the clients critical time-frames.
