Wicks Park Amenities
2019 Wan Country / Marrickville, NSW
Our concept for new amenities in Wicks Park was a lantern in the park – welcoming, open and light throughout the day, and a beacon in the evening.
Wicks Park is a small neighbourhood park surrounded by light industrial and commercial buildings, including warehouses, cafes, breweries, and a service station. Well-used during the day for tai chi, tennis, dog walking, picnicking and play. But at night, rather dark, and a little unwelcoming.
Safety, privacy and accessibility were key to Inner West Council’s brief. The building provides accessible toilets, is robust for ease of maintenance, capable of coping with anti-social behaviour, and yet makes people feel safe and welcome.
An impact resistant polycarbonate panel forms the upper walls and roof, giving a lantern like quality. The base is solid and private where required, and open and transparent elsewhere to maximise visibility and airflow. A composite frame of steel and recycled hardwood supports the lantern, and recycled timber battens provide both privacy and passive surveillance.
The building is sited to have high visibility from the street, is accessible to passers-by, as well as close enough to users of the tennis courts, the children’s playground, and park visitors in general.
Jury Citation, 2020 NSW Architecture Awards:
Sam Crawford Architects have balanced the need for robust details suitable for a public area and safety concerns while also providing a building that welcomes visitors. Although modest in size, this project uses architectural thinking to improve public space.
Awards
2020 AIA NSW Award for Small Project Architecture – Commendation
Project Team
Sam Crawford, Imogene Tudor, Anna Paton, Benjamin Chan, Ken Warr
Builder
Kellyville Building
Consultants
Access Consultant – Blackett Maguire and Goldsmith
Geotechnical Engineer – Butler Partners
Hydraulic Engineer – ITM Design
Lighting & Electrical – Lighting, Art + Science
Quantity Surveyor – Bylett and Associates
Structural Engineer – Cantilever Engineers
Client
Inner West Council
Photographer
Brett Boardman