Peter Dean, principal at HASSELL’s WA studio, has been a Green Star associate since 2005.

He was recently involved in Perth’s one40William project and has also been involved in the Fiona Stanley hospital in WA and projects in the UK and Abu Dhabi.

A&D spoke to Dean about the biggest architectural risk he has ever taken, his involvement in one40William and why Australia lags behind the UK in sustainability.

You were involved with the one40William project. Can you tell me about some of the challenges on the project and the solutions?

A key challenge was to develop a memorable response to the original competition brief that revitalised the important landmark CBD site.

The concept for one40william was founded on five basic principles:
1. Workplace – enhance human interactions with the building, environment and each other.
2. Public realm – create a permeable design that develops linkages with the surrounding city.
3. Climate – celebrate Perth’s specific microclimate through multi-layered design responses.
4. Context – make a positive contribution to streetscape, heritage, activity, scale and texture.
5. Environment – achieve Green Star accreditation.

Based on these key principles, the building was designed from the inside out and strives to engage people who work within, visit and simply pass by.

Which aspect of the project are you most proud of and why?

The fantastic team spirit. From inception of the project in 2003 through to completion, each person involved in the project, including the government, client team, consultants and through to the construction team on-site have believed and committed to making the project a success.

one40William. Image via HASSELL

You have been a Green Star associate since 2005. How do you think sustainability has changed since then?

Individuals’ knowledge, access to tried and tested technologies and industry perceptions that being green is difficult have improved, resulting in the majority of new projects maturing from a simple, highly expressive 'need to be seen to be green' approach towards a more intelligent, integrated approach.

You have spent some time in the UK. How does the UK approach to sustainability compare to Australia’s?

I spent the first 10 years of my career working in London – noticeable differences result from the limited availability of technologically advanced building products and systems in Australia. Limited building regulations, lacklustre state and federal government commitment and the continued industry perception that sustainable projects are difficult and more expensive limits the number of truly sustainable projects being delivered here, compared to the UK.

When you are presented with a brief for what appears to be an extremely challenging project, what is the first thing you do?

Undertake a detailed analysis of the identified site to understand the potential influences to enable us to respect and respond appropriately. In parallel I would work with the client team to interrogate their brief and search for innovative opportunities to add value to the original client aspirations.

Of equal importance is to enjoy the challenge. Each new project has its challenges and resolving their respective complexities is a key reason why I enjoy being an architect.

What is the biggest risk you have taken in an architectural context?

Leaving a very successful career in an internationally recognised practice and heading overseas in search of new challenges. Eight years later, I believe it was a great risk to take as I have been able to broaden my horizons and develop my own individual approach, whilst being able to work alongside and lead some of the most creative individuals I have met.  

If you were told you could only design one more building, what would it look like?

Tough question. Throughout my career I have been lucky to be involved in many great projects around the world. To be involved in one last project that contributed positively to my own children's future and all West Australians for generations to come would be rewarding – a hospital, a university, a cultural centre or a museum. Whatever that project was I would commit my heart and soul to make it successful.