Melbourne School Of Design University Of Melbourne / NADAAA + John Wardle Architects

Architects: NADAAA, Wardle
Area: 15772 m²
Year: 2014
Photographs: Peter Bennetts, John Horner, John Gollings
Manufacturers: Alucobond, Australian Architectural Hardwoods, Bianco Precast, Bradford, Novawall, Novotech, Schiavello, Tensile, Vertilux Pty
Building Sustainability Commissioning Agent: A.G. Coombs Group
Acoustic Consultant: AECOM
Mechanical/Electrical Engineer: Aurecon
Project Manager: Aurecon
General Contractor: Brookfield Multiplex
Traffic Engineering: Cardno
Geotechnical Engineer: Douglas Partners
Lighting Designer: Electrolight
Landscape Architect: Oculus
Quantity Surveyor: Rider Levett Bucknall
Architects In Charge: NADAAA, JWA, John Wardle, Stefan Mee, Nader Tehrani
Design Coordinator: NADAAA, JWA, Stefan Mee, Arthur Chang
Senior Associate: JWA, Meaghan Dwyer
Project Team (Jwa): Bill Krotiris, Andy Wong, Jasmin Williamson, Adam Kolsrud, Alex Peck, Barry Hayes, Jeff Arnold, Amanda Moore, James Loder, Sharon Crabb, Yohan Abhayaratne, Rebecca Wilkie, Ben Sheridan, Giorgio Marfella, Kirrilly Wilson, Elisabetta Zanella, Adrian Bonaventura, Genevieve Griffiths, Michael Barraclough, Matthew Browne, Maria Bauer, Anja Grant
Project Team (NADAA): Katie Faulkner, Daniel Gallagher, James Juricevich, Parke MacDowell, Marta Guerra Pastrián, Tim Wong, Ryan Murphy, Rich Lee, Kevin Lee, Ellee Lee
Structural/Civil Engineer: Irwinconsult
Building Services Engineering and Sustainability Consultancy: Umow Lai
Building Certifier: McKenzie Group
Accessibility Consultant: One Group ID
Heritage Architects: RBA Architects & Conservation Consultants
Audio Visual: AVDEC
Security: Aurecon
City: Melbourne
Country: Australia

Melbourne School of Design building designed by NADAAA and John Wardle Architects at the University of Melbourne integrates the needs of both the University’s Property and Campus Services and the Faculty. The six-level structure, including a basement, features two lecture theatres, studios, a library, exhibition spaces, a workshop, a café, and various academic and professional workspaces. The design centers around the Studio Hall, a flexible space enclosed by a coffered timber roof that allows natural daylight and ventilation, flanked by historic façades and overlooking a new courtyard. The building incorporates innovative structural and service systems to achieve a 6-star Green Star rating.

Melbourne school of design university of melbourne / nadaaa + john wardle architects

Following an international design competition, NADAAA and John Wardle Architects were selected to design the new Melbourne School of Design building for the University of Melbourne. The university supported the collaborative approach between the two firms, which worked together across all aspects of the project. This partnership integrated the needs of both the University’s Property and Campus Services and the Faculty.

The design process included regular meetings, workshops, and presentations with faculty user groups, University Committees, and Reference groups. The building adheres to the planning principles outlined in the 2008 University of Melbourne Parkville Campus Master Plan.

The six-level building (including a basement) meets the area and budget requirements set out in the brief. It features two lecture theatres, a workshop, a library, two exhibition spaces, a café, studios spread over three levels, a Studio Hall, and associated academic and professional workspaces, all within a total area of 15,772 m² GFA.

At the heart of the design is the Studio Hall, a versatile space that encourages informal use throughout the day. The Studio Hall is bordered by the former Bank of New South Wales façade on the west and overlooks a new courtyard on the east, with the heritage façade of the Elisabeth Murdoch building framing the space.

The hall is topped by a coffered timber roof that moderates natural light and ventilation. The building incorporates several innovative structural and service systems, alongside a façade system, contributing to its 6-star Green Star rating.