An amenities block in Canberra’s parliamentary triangle by Townsend and Associates Architects stands alone.
Even the design and planning of a block of public toilets is a serious undertaking in Canberra, Australia’s most planned city. With three government departments as clients – the National Capital Authority (NCA), Australian Capital Tourism and Shared Services Procurement – this multipurpose structure by Townsend and Associates Architects is the result of a juggling act involving three different agendas.
The request for new public amenities at Commonwealth Park in Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle arose from the annual Floriade celebration, the biggest flower festival in Australia. During spring, the lawn area is stripped out and replaced with highly designed garden beds. Australian Capital Tourism controls this event and normally organizes a set of portable loos, but there was a real need for a multipurpose structure that incorporated permanent disabled toilets and a covered meeting or gathering spot.
The operation and functionality of the amenity in the months during Floriade was the priority of Australian Capital Tourism. In fact, interest was also short term, as Floriade will most likely move to another venue within ten years. The NCA, as the controller of planning within Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle, required a response to long-term issues associated with the cultural significance of the area. As a result, the NCA was interested in the structure’s architectural expression and material choices.