21
MCBRIDE CHARLES RYAN
PRACTICE STATEMENT
Carefully selected materials and maximised standard window
shapes assist in developing a playful façade of repetitive
elements. Student housing should feel playful and vibrant.
Colour, form and generous communal spaces imbue a sense
of joy. And there are surprises including the fire stair which
is probably the most lively and vibrant kaleidoscope
of colour of any fire stair in the world.
Feeling connection as a student really underlines
our design approach. There is a small communal space
for around every 25 students to help build a sense of
connection. Many of the students here are a long way from
their families and need a place that has some of the intimacy
and connectedness of home. Life is not hopeless if you have
companionship and a wonderful environment.
All of the housing has wonderful views and daylight.
Views through eucalyptus trees on the Sports Walk, to
The Dandenongs and over newly landscaped student gardens
and the main campus. Corridors were planned to open up to
views and daylight – the faceted curvature aids this ambition.
The larger communal spaces are more about larger gatherings
or activity-based gathering. To enliven the façade, this skin is
integrated with the function and construction technique.