Connectivity was a key focus of the design, both internally and
campus-wide. Entrances are located to pick up on key pedestrian
routes to maximise permeability and provide accessibility from
360 degrees. Internally, the routes converge on a central light-filled
atrium space—a space for socialising, learning and meeting.The
more informal learning and social spaces are located around the
perimeter of the building, and are designed to promote well-being
by offering views of the campus landscape and mature trees.
Make developed a clear, simple massing and layout diagram
that showed stakeholders and planners that the setting of the
adjacent buildings and trees would not be compromised. This
involved physical models, refined and developed in collaboration
with these parties. This skilled and sensitive approach to scale
and massing enabled Make to achieve a successful planning
outcome while addressing the needs of end users.
The building takes advantage of the site’s drop in topography to
create a double-height Learning Hub and introduce a mezzanine
where students can work and socialise. A major cantilever
shelters the external space below, which is embedded into the
landscape.
The atrium connects the spaces and provides a central focal
point, as well as naturally ventilating the building and drawing
in high levels of daylight. Other sustainable measures include
a highly thermally efficient envelope with deep-set reveals and
high thermal mass to balance heat loss and solar gain. A rigorous
planning module was established early on, which enabled
standardisation and a significant reduction in the number of
building components and waste.
WE DESIGNED THE TEACHING AND LEARNING BUILDING
IN COLLABORATION WITH A NUMBER OF STAKEHOLDERS
INCLUDING ACADEMICS AND STUDENTS TO ENSURE IT
WOULD MEET THE NEEDS OF THE USERS