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RonPrice
Joined: 27 Oct 2004
Posts: 34
Location: George Town Tasmania Australia
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 Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2007 5:15 am Post subject: Technicalities are Impressive:New Gateway To Hobart Tasmania |
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Graceful though the ABC’s sandstone frontispiece building in Hobart is, it is simply a facade, joined to a modern, somewhat soulless modern building. The sad joke is that this, one of the newest of the national broadcaster’s conglomerate of buildings, was sited so that the north aspect — source of light and welcome winter sunshine — was to be taken up by a carpark. Most of the ABC offices face the south and west. The result for the ABC was a building that was: cold in winter, hot on a late summer’s afternoon and the lights had to be on all day.
However, it is the carpark that now is a new entity, and has a new vibrancy. The dirt piles marking the beginnings of a number of coordinated buildings which will make up the Bahá'í Centre of Learning for Tasmania have been replaced by one of Australia's most environmentally advanced buildings using non-polluting materials and the latest technologies to save power and water.
The Baha'i Faith, a religion founded in Persia in the 19th century, emphasising the essential oneness of humankind and of all religions and seeking world peace, believe in the essential inter-relationship and interdependence between all of humankind and their respective environments, between the global picture and local initiatives.
“We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment outside us. Man is organic with the world. His inner life moulds the environment and is itself deeply affected by it.” Such are some of the sentiments which Baha'is find has a great deal of contemporary relevance. And these new buildings, the new Baha'i Centre of Learning, reflect these sentiments and beliefs.
The Bahá'í community looked for a design that would be in tune with nature and would not impose upon its setting. They also wanted to add a welcoming note to travellers driving into Hobart. When it came time to plan for this Centre of Learning to be sited on what was formerly an ABC carpark, the Bahá'ís looked for a design that would also provide for the city much needed meeting spaces catering for smaller groups or conferences. These spaces were intended to be family-friendly, community-friendly and eco-friendly. As a series of buildings designed by Stuart McKenzie Hall, Kelvin Dennis and Sohale Aftlooni, the results are impressive.
The technicalities of buildings of this Baha'i Centre of Learning are impressive. They include:
A highly efficient thermal envelope to reduce heat loss and keep heat energy generated by the sun inside the building.
Walls highly insulated with non-toxic, recycled materials. The walls are also allowed to ‘breathe’ by avoiding the use of toxic oil-based paints and membranes.
Thermally efficient windows and doors.
Mechanical control of fresh air and air stratification using heat exchangers.
Energy efficient lighting and water-efficient ultra-low flush toilets. Reuse of all rainwater for use on the surrounding gardens.
Rainwater stored in four large subterranean tanks, and all tanks and piping made from healthy alternatives to PVC.
Natural light in all rooms, but no glare. Cross ventilation from windows that open at different heights on opposing sides of each space.
Trees, trees, trees and an extensive public gardens--and more.
Come and visit. The official opening looks like some time toward the end of 2007. Any time after that if you are ever headed for Tasmania and Hobart, drop in. Eat your lunch in the gardens and enjoy the peaceful environs. You'll be glad you did.-Posted by Ron Price, George Town Tasmania. 
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Ron Price is a retired teacher, aged 65. He taught for 35 years in pre-primary, primary, secondary, post-secondary and seniors schools. He has been a Baha'i for 50 years. |
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RonPrice
Joined: 27 Oct 2004
Posts: 34
Location: George Town Tasmania Australia
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| Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 8:38 am Post subject: Video of the Lifting of the Dome |
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This is to let you know that a video of the lifting of the dome onto the Centre of Learning on 9 July 2007 can now be viewed on the temporary Centre website at:
http://tasbcl.googlepages.com
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Ron Price is a retired teacher, aged 65. He taught for 35 years in pre-primary, primary, secondary, post-secondary and seniors schools. He has been a Baha'i for 50 years. |
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