The new Dunedin City Hall is designed with flexibility, security, and convenience in mind. Located in Dunedin’s downtown on a full City block, there is no “back side” of the building. Therefore, it was designed with a lobby with two front doors to address both the street and the parking lot. The lobby is flanked on one side by a two-story office building, and on the other by the Commission Chambers and public restrooms. This layout allows the Commission Chambers to remain open outside of business hours. The Chambers was designed with a flat floor and moveable furniture to allow flexibility for a variety of events. Additionally, the new Dunedin City Hall provides greater efficiency of operations for staff and improved service to the public through a “One Stop Shop” where residents can do anything from getting a building permit to setting up a utility account.
The City’s goals were for the building to evoke a sense of civic pride and dignity, but also fit with Dunedin’s creative, eclectic character. It needed to be a long-lasting structure that can stand the test of time both in terms of aesthetics and durability. The design concept is based on a wave to suggest Dunedin’s identity as a coastal city as well as City branding which features a wave/nautical flag design. Building materials include natural limestone panels and manufactured ledgestone. The curtainwall across the front of the Commission Chambers reflects the transparency of government.
The project is anticipated to receive 3 Green Globes. Sustainable features include a solar array, bird-friendly glazing, landscaping selected to provide habitats and food sources for wildlife, and electric vehicle charging stations. The design also includes health and safety features such as increased HVAC filtration and outside air ventilation, air handlers with ultraviolet light and needlepoint bipolar ionization systems.
