Works on a world-class student precinct on the Parkville campus have commenced.
The Project includes nine buildings and will deliver 37,050m2 of new or refurbished internal and external building and landscape space. A signature project of the University’s Reconciliation Action Plan 3, the Project will deliver on a number of key University strategies including the Sustainability Plan 2016 – 2020 and Food and Retail Strategy. Uniquely, the Project has also benefited from the contributions of over 12000 students who have influenced the direction of the Precinct through our co-creation approach.
The Precinct will be completed in stages with main works construction due to begin in mid-2019.
DETAILED DESIGN
The Project is preparing to commence the 'detailed design' phase of the Project. Detailed design focuses on the implementation of architectural, landscape and interior details, including the documentation and drawing that are required for construction. The intricate aspects of the design including colours, fittings, fixtures and cabinetry are all confirmed in this phase.
The detailed design stage will commence in November 2018 through to April 2019.
Some of the latest designs can be viewed below. For all the latest design renders, visit our Schematic Design Gallery.
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Outdoor Amphitheatre looking towards the new Arts and Cultural Building -
The outdoor Amphitheatre will have the flexibility to be programmed for a variety of events, performances and activities, including live music performances. -
The Outdoor Amphitheatre looking towards the rear of the Sidney Myer Asia Centre on Swanston Street -
The new Arts and Cultural Building on Monash Road at night -
The undercroft of the new Arts and Cultural Building along Monash Road provides access into the heart of the Precinct. -
New Arts and Cultural Building on Monash Road -
Exterior of the Eastern Resource Centre looking along Porters Lane. The brick facade will be removed to open up the lower levels, improving the connection between indoor and outdoor space and pedestrian access from Gate 8 on Grattan Street into the heart of the precinct.. -
The Outdoor Amphitheatre looking towards the rear of the new Student Pavilion Building on Monash Road.
EARLY AND ENABLING WORKS
The construction of the Precinct is currently in the Early and Enabling Works stage. Early and Enabling Works refers to the first stage of construction for the Project and is a general term for preparation works that take place prior to the main construction works. This can include demolition and modification works, relocation of infrastructure, services and facilities, removal of existing foundations and other obstructions and preparation works to building facades to ensure buildings are weather-proof, vermin proof and secure throughout construction among others.
As part of these works, the John Smyth and Lot 6 Buildings were demolished to open up the site and improve the interface between the Precinct and Swanston Street.
The Alice Hoy Building was also partly demolished to allow for the construction of a new Arts and Cultural Building. The video to he left shows the demolition of the west wing of the Alice Hoy Building completed as part of these works.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
The Project completed the schematic design phase in October 2018. This design phase builds on the ideas developed in concept design to define and confirm floor plan and facility requirements.
A fly-through of the Precinct schematic design at the 50% complete mark can be viewed below.
CONCEPT DESIGN
The concept design stage was completed in May 2018. This stage involves the architectural and landscape team undertaking detailed discussions with end-users to develop and define the design, determine floor plans and the Precinct facilities.
LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN
Landscape master planning that considers the site and context of existing trees and landscape – including City of Melbourne interfaces such as Swanston Street and Grattan Street – and the need for activated outdoor, retail and green space, was completed in late 2017. Importantly, the landscape master plan also includes Indigenous and sustainable design principles co-created with students as part of the co-creation process.
Some examples of the current landscape designs for the Precinct can be seen below.
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Outdoor space and landscapes will form an integral part of the Precinct, providing areas for students to relax and recharge in the warmer months. -
The Outdoor Amphitheatre looking towards Swanston Street. -
The landscape at Gate 8 Grattan Street will be transformed, creating a sense of arrival and place for the new home of Murrup Barak which will be relocated to Building 170, located to the left of this image. -
The landscape leading from Gate 8, Grattan Street to the entrance of the Eastern Resource Centre. -
The former site of Lot 6 will be transformed into a courtyard with native planting at the 1888 Building.
MASTER PLANNING
An Urban Design Framework, a Feasibility Study and the Early and Enabling Works detailed design were developed in 2016 and 2017.
The aim of the Urban Design Framework was to understand the existing site limitations and to identify opportunities and challenges in upgrading existing Precinct infrastructure and developing new building fabric. The Feasibility Study was conducted to ensure the major intervention posed in the Urban Design Framework of lowering the ground plane was feasible. Both pieces of work were instrumental in informing the design of the Early and Enabling Works detailed design.
There is a space for everyone. If you need to relax and disconnect, there will be a space for that. If you want to socialise and have fun, you can find a space for that too. Nobody is in control of what you do in those spaces. Student response to the co-creation process
Co-creation
Co-creation is the cornerstone of the Project, with over 9000 students actively contributing their views, ideas and expertise to the planning and design process. Co-creation encourages a more active involvement from key stakeholders to achieve the desired outcome directly influenced by the end-users.
Activation
Inviting students to engage in creative and entrepreneurial endeavours, or ‘activations’, to seed and test ideas prior to the Precinct’s completion is a key aspect of the Project, encouraging students and the wider University to connect and contribute to the space.
Teaching and Learning
The Project is committed to providing students with practical experience and exposure to its core activities through a dynamic program of real-world teaching and learning opportunities integrated into coursework.
Sustainability
Sustainability in design, construction and student-led activations is a core commitment of the Project, aligned with the University's Sustainability Plan 2017 - 2020.
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP3)
As a signature project to the University’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP 3), the Project Team are committed to creating opportunities for Indigenous students and staff to contribute to the design, creation and activation of the Precinct.
Inclusivity
The Precinct Project aims to create a space that caters for a diverse student and staff population. The Precinct will be engaging with students and staff through the design process to ensure equity, inclusivity and access to indoor and outdoor spaces are integrated into the Precinct design.
Our Campus in the 21st Century
The Our Campus in the 21st Century (OC21) framework, is the planning and communication tool that supports and enables University of Melbourne projects, initiatives and partnerships to evolve and excel. The New Student Precinct Project aligns with the OC21 Framework.
The Precinct should be a place for all student needs. This goes beyond student services... All of the right things are provided... and it’s a space where you can take part in varied activities. Student response to the co-creation process
Current Opportunities
Next Wave Partnership
The Living Pavilion
New Student Precinct Ambassadors
Survey - Food in the New Student Precinct
Past Opportunities
I really enjoyed being part of the Project Team...I like to talk to the students and bring their ideas back to the team...I have lots of fun! Student Ambassador
All our updates
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The Fair Food UniCycle Turns One!
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Open Day 2018
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A Look Behind the Hoarding - June to July 2018
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Concept Design Renders
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Outdoor Gallery Exhibition Opening - National Reconciliation Week 2018
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New Student Precinct Design Response Presentation
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Mon-Pop Orientation-Week
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Mon-Pop Build
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New Student Precinct Moments 2017
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Open Morning Tea
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The Growroom Build
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Growroom and Fair Food UniCycle
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Outdoor Gallery
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Our Students
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Student Ambassador Induction Meeting
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Short Cut with Marley