University of Queensland Architecture School
Set in a neighborhood of Brisbane, the University of Queensland Architecture School has been the training ground for many well-known and prominent Australian architects. Its new interior, although modern and provocative, using modern art references in a concrete shell, recalls native traditional Australian aboriginal art both in its aesthetic and in its concept. Inspired by an existing mural by Pancho Guedes, which tells a story of chance meetings, shared ideas and joy, architecture studio m3architecture embraced the use of bright colours reminiscent of 1970s supergraphics to balance out the existing brutalist building, designed in 1974 by Nutter Stevenson and Partners, giving the Architecture School a fresh new contemporary look. Writer: Alix Biehler
University of Queensland Architecture School
The works include a renovation of the second level, designed to be used as a flexible studio, lecture and seminar space, as well as a making and fabrication zone. ‘We transformed single purpose rooms with no views, into flexible and porous spaces that support the social and collaborative nature of architectural education,’ explains m3architecture, which is based just around the corner from the university. Each of the two new spaces have no ‘edge’ – spilling out to adjoining spaces, and with views to the exterior.
University of Queensland Architecture School
As the design’s concept set out to bring new life into the School for the benefit of students, staff and visitors alike, the result provides a new identity for the institution, drawing light in and connecting the interior to its leafy surroundings. It provides the capacity for staff, students and visitors to share a communal kitchen as part of a new flexible and collaborative tutorial and exhibition space. Since the renovation, the studio has been commissioned to design a second stage of renovations, including learning spaces on the building’s top floor
Western Sydney University (WSU)
The Sydney based Allen Jack + Cottier architecture firm was called upon the redesign of an existing space within the Western Sydney University’s (WSU) Parramatta campus – which would become one of the institution’s key centres with a new officse, gallery and meeting space in the shape of the Chancellery. The program spanning on a whole floor within the building, the design’s clean modern lines made of locally sourced warm timber are matched by artworks and furniture, specially selected for this space. Writer: Ellie Stathaki
Western Sydney University (WSU)
’Our starting point with good workplace design is that it has to work at a practical level, whilst reflecting the vision and aspiration of our client,’ says Allen Jack + Cottier’s Scott Norton. ‘In this case, we were very fortunate that the Vice Chancellor clearly understood the value of good design.’
Western Sydney University (WSU)
The program was also relatively unusual. It blends public areas – such as the gallery, where Western Sydney University’s collection of artworks and gifts from other universities and institutions are displayed – with more private sections, such as the school’s administrative offices. An undulating timber wall successfully divides the two areas. Differences in materials and colour palette create a further distinction.
