Facility & Venue Management Essay

1.0 Design Context. The Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) as a whole is a well-designed multi storey local club, due to its modern but ‘beachy’ looking design traits, which reflects the surrounding up market area perfectly. The club has a capacity to seat around 200-250 guests from its sports bar to dining area. The club is situated in a prime spot right on top of Currumbin rocks resulting in undisrupted views of the Gold Coast. 2.0 Design Analysis 3.1 External Design Features. The club is constructed with concrete with the exterior of the club consisting of 3 colour blocks white, light tanned brown and dark green (representing Vikings). From the car park only the side of the building can be seen with top half Light tanned brown and bottom dark green. This colour scheme that can be seen from the car park does not look welcoming, as it is dark, boring and bold. From the beach and the ocean the whole club can be seen utilising the white paint on the external area where there is open plan windows and large balcony. The Surf Club site is on Currumbin beach with the club structure expanded on top of the rocks giving the club a competitive edge over most other clubs as it the closest to the surf and has undisrupted views of the coastline. Joined to the club is a large tall rock called ‘Elephant Rock’ which has been utilised quite strategically as a look out, which is another unique asset for the club. Apart form this large natural structure the surrounding space is undisrupted as the houses and shops are across the road from the beach. The general area of the site consists of the club, the car park and the rock lookout. The design aspects of the space outside are very minimal as the building resides on the beach so it is unsuitable for any large scale landscaping or gardens. The footpaths leading to the building join up and match the Council beach footpath ensuring that it flows. Large signage is erected on the entrance of the car park so incoming traffic can easily see what the building is also on the side of the building a large mural is painted of the ‘Currumbin Vikings’ logo. The location of this surf club is as close to the ocean any club could get which makes it a massive draw card for their members and guests. Though its position is appealing being so close to the ocean puts the surf club in a situation where the club is prone to adverse weather conditions such as cyclones, large swells and dangerous winds ultimately impacting on the structural integrity of the club. The car park is outside is maintained well as it must stand all the elements including tidal surges. The space has a capacity to fit around 50 cars also public parking within 100m. The club is situated along one of the Translink bus routes and has frequent services running north and south. Alternatively the clubs free shuttle can be utilised within a 5km radius (Currumbin Beach Vikings S.L.S.C) making it very accessible. The club is situated on the 2nd level with the main entrance above a set of fairly large stairs, which makes it impossible for special needs guests to ascend. The club has installed an electronic chair lift for people with special needs but to get to the chair lift there is no wheel chair ramp, they must be lifted up a smaller flight of stairs (5) making the chair lift impractical. 2.2 Internal Design Features. The internal design of the venue is quite spacious with the service areas situated on one side and bar tables and dining tables situated on the other side leading out to the open balcony giving all guests a view of the ocean. The interior is white in colour giving it a modern look; whilst they haven’t taken away the surf club feel utilising floor tiles with a sandy coloured wash giving the club a nice ‘beachy’ texture. The social facilities offered at the surf club consist of administration area, designated food ordering area and cafà ©, bar/drink service area, dining area, live sports entertainment area, gaming room (pokies) and toilets. The food ordering area is situated at the far end of the service area with the food menu situated in the middle of the club on a pole away from the ordering area so guests must look first then go up to order which causes congestion. The bar is quite large with 2 service areas with huge selection of beers and spirits also showcasing a wine selection area. The bar has a nice marble counter, which is complimented with a sleek scattered tile design. The sporting entertainment area is large with large flat screen and smaller screens with keno available. The gaming room is separate to the club and is accessed by a door to ensure under 18’s cannot enter. The manner in which the service counters have been positioned on one side of the venue has given the club more control over the club regarding guests and congestion within the club by creating a free flowing walkway between the service areas and tables allowing guests to easily walk in and out with out causing major congestion. Signage stating the exits within the club also ensures that guests are aware of their surroundings. The area in which guest can dine consists of inside with open plan windows looking towards Burleigh/Surfers Paradise and out on the balcony looking out to the ocean. As the club is on the beach night temperatures can be cool so adequate heating is available with gas stoves out on the balcony and heating inside. The balcony has large stationary umbrellas hanging down so guests are out of the direct sunlight but still utilising the natural light. As the club has the up stair function room it allows the club to be much more flexible and provide services to cater for new trends. This room also allows the club to create and have contingency plans in place to ensure that if something were to happen there would be room to cater for guests and ensure no major impacts on the club are caused. The clubs location, services and facilities give the venue a good edge in trying to obtain guests and income. The Currumbin area has a lot of cafà © styled restaurants so there is competition in the area making it important for the club to host events. The club hosts live local and national music acts every weekend (Currumbin Beach Vikings S.L.S.C), promotional days and the Vikings has nippers on during the summer so through out the year the club has various events to cater for all guests ensuring that the club is capturing as much income generations as possible. On inspection the club had no signs of vandalism, which showcases the clubs identity within the Currumbin community as being their local Surf Club. 3.0 Develop and Evaluate Solutions. 3.1 Problem: Colour Scheme of Building facing car park. The solutions established to enhance the front facing wall consist of firstly repainting the wall to coincide with the rest of the club or secondly creating a mural reflecting the beach and Vikings to put on the wall. The strengths of these solutions would help to improve the appeal of the club to members and the general public also giving the building a new and different vibe. The main weakness in regard to changes of the building would be member’s inertia to change as they associate the colours with the building. This problem is ranked number 1, as it would be easy and feasible for the club to adopt. 3.2 Problem: Building Site Prone to Adverse Weather Conditions. As this problem is of a natural nature it makes it difficult to create effective solutions but ensuring the right precautions are taken when preparing for the storms would be imports and monitoring these events would be a vital element in minimising damage also. These solutions will help to ensure that as little damage is done to the venue as possible also gives decision makers of the venue the ability to take quick action and increase protection if events are predicted to worsen. This problem is ranked number 4 in terms of relevance and feasibility, as it is hard to determine how severe the events may be. 3.3. Problem: Electronic Chairlift Situated above a Flight of Stairs. In order to fix this issue would be essential to construct a platform to join the electronic chairlift to the ground level or build a wheel chair ramp. The importance of this solution it would ensure that all guests are able to enjoy the services available at the club also it would help to improve relationships with these guests. The weaknesses to this solution consist of the construction would affect the entrance to the club and also the cost would be large. This problem is ranked number 3 due to the cost associated with the change. 3.4 Problem: Food Menu is not Clearly Visible.  The easiest and most effective way to fix this problem is to replace the current menu area or add to it by installing a menu board above the ordering area also complementing it by placing a menu board at the entrance of the venue. This will allow guests to easily see what is on the menu whilst waiting in line easing congestion and also gives general passers by an ide of what the club has to offer. The weaknesses could be the managers do not wish to have the men’s displayed in this manner also there would be a cost with fitting the structure. This problem is ranked number 2 as it is an easy fix and the costs would be minimal.