The way to retain beautiful old city buildings and yet enable them to achieve greater use has been debated by at least one whole generation of Architects and City Planners. In this example the multi-use city church's building facade became the visual base and design generator of the 17 storey building.
The overall form of the mid rise mixed use building was restricted to maintain the sun to the park behind. The massing was generated by uses at various levels. In effect, it was broken down into five components.
- The historic base (including a new sanctuary)
- The school for international students (with roof top garden)
- The university (two blocks)
- The city residences (one block)
- The boardroom and penthouse apartment
The increased yield on the site enables the heart of the church to survive and become integrated within the new use.
