Thursday 30 April 2015

Australian Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter) – Champions of Change Charter | michael banak architect

Australian Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter) – Champions of Change Charter | michael banak architect



On Thursday this week, architectural leaders from 10 of the top architectural firms in Australia, signed a Charter for the Australian Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter), Champions of Change initiative. Principals of the 10 firms met at the AIA offices at Tusculum and agreed to work together over a 12 month period to promote and support equitable workplaces within the architectural profession. Firms signing the charter included; Crone Partners, Cox, Architectus, Hassell, BVN, SJB, Woods Bagot, PTW and Batessmart.
The Champions of Change Program has a simple theory behind it; men of influence have the capacity to change the status quo.
Crone Partners look forward to learning more about how we can contribute to this program and as a collective group find creative ways to help change the work environment in Australia. Our aim is to be a more rich, diverse and flexible work place attracting the best talent into the architectural profession and providing men and woman with equal opportunities.

Wednesday 15 April 2015

megablock stage 1 is under way at filinvest city | michael banak architect

megablock stage 1 is under way at filinvest city | michael banak architect



Project Megablock is a BPO office development located in Alabang, Philippines designed for Filinvest land Inc. BPO stands for Business Process Outsourcing and a good example would be a telephone company that outsources its Help Desk services overseas. The design took into consideration BPO working environments, including a daytime and graveyard working shift to cater for companies all around the world. Food and Beverage retail outlets and an expansive green space were designed by Crone Architects, providing areas of quiet respite for BPO workers and other workers in the Northgate Cyberzone Precinct of Filinvest City.
The development has 4 office towers of approximately 20 levels each and a total GFA of 180,000m2. The floor plates have an NLA of 2,000m2 giving a NLA/ GFA efficiency over 90%. The floor plates are designed to be open planned, with large structural grid bays and side core arrangement.
Below are recent site photos of the stage 1 works.