The Arts Precinct redevelopment project has reached a major milestone with the building ‘topping out’, meaning the structure has reached its full height and the glaziers, plasterers, plumbers and electricians have moved in and are starting to bring the building shell to life.
We take a look at some of the most exciting features of the precinct.
Green rooftop garden
As an innovative use of the rooftop, green space will be added to transform the top of Building C into a peaceful retreat that can be used as a staff breakout area and informal teaching space. It will be a great place to enjoy the sunshine among the plants, with great views across campus.
Planter boxes on the rooftop garden under construction.
The ‘cushion’ roof
The soaring roof of the central atrium that connects the Buildings B and C will be made up of transparent ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) ‘cushions’ filled with air. At 2000m2 it will be one of the largest of this type of roof in Australia, creating a light-filled space protected from the elements.
Artist’s impression of the atrium and ‘cushion’ roof.
Collaborative meeting spaces
To support the Faculty’s vision of the new Arts Precinct as a collaborative workspace, the new buildings’ floorplan and meeting spaces have been designed to encourage movement between departments. Likewise, larger shared breakout and kitchen spaces will encourage staff to move between floors to gather in well-equipped, comfortable communal areas.
Artist’s impression of one of the staff lunch rooms.
Showcase building
Highlights from the Faculty of Arts museums and research centres will be on proud display rather than behind closed doors in the new Precinct. The new Showcase Building will bring together the Museum of Ancient Cultures, the Australian History Museum and Australian Centre for Ancient Numismatic Studies, as well as several new function spaces that will play host to a calendar of events to engage the wider University and Macquarie Park community, making the Precinct a true hub for arts and social sciences in the area.
View drone footage of the Arts Precinct construction on the project page.
Back to homepage
This all looks very nice! However, there’s nothing (in this article about the spaces for individual staff members / Departments. Breakout spaces are good, but breakout from what? We would really like to know more!
Hi Chris, THIS WEEK articles are for an all-staff, general audience and as such, details for individual office layout arrangements are not suitable for this forum. We understand that as the move-in date approaches and accommodation arrangements for staff are available, the Faculty will communicate in more detail to those impacted.