ONE40WILLIAM
by Nikita Notowidigdo

Opposing a common view that a landmark building has to be big or very tall or somewhat extravagant in its design, one40william seeks to become a memorable development by its attention to detail, sensitivity to its surroundings and relating to its users. It is a project where the new built forms not only respond to the particular qualities of the Perth climate but also to the variety of architecture found in the city, and using this diversity to create differing and appropriately scaled experiences for those using the development.

RESPONDING TO TWO PROJECT BRIEFS
Since the project was for the sale of a Western Australia (WA) State owned site, the WA government outlined specific aims that the project design should fulfil for the outcome:

1. Respond to the significance of the locality.
2. Integrate high quality architectural design with the public domain.
3. Complement the surrounding building form while activating streets.
4. Revitalise the area.
5. Create a safe and well defined pedestrian and vehicular movements.
6. Demonstrate best practice in conservation and activation of the three heritage buildings.

As for the client (Cbus Property), its brief was to realise the best potential of the site with a landmark office and retail development. It also expressly wanted a building that both fulfil the government's objectives for the site and provide a public amenity and iconic form, without developing the site to its maximum potential at the expense of its functionality.

A thorough investigation of the location, its history and context, as well as exploration of various design alternatives and development of the design process led to the choice of a single option which stood out for its feasibility, design sensibility and potential to be a landmark.

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