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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 9000 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.

Where is it?

The Precinct will be located on the corner of Grattan and Swanston Street, and is defined by Monash Road to the north and the Melbourne School of Engineering Precinct to the west.
The site is at the centre of the University's traditional and new student accommodation hubs, making it an ideal location for our 60,000 students to connect. It will also neighbour the University's innovation precinct, Melbourne Connect, and is conveniently located close to public transport links, including the new Melbourne Metro Rail station on Grattan Street.
The Precinct incorporates nine University buildings, many of which will undergo adaptive reuse, including extensive refurbishments and facade treatments, while respecting the history and heritage of the site.
What will the Precinct Deliver?

NINE BUILDINGS COVERING
A CITY BLOCK
OVER 12000 STUDENTS
ENGAGED
FIRST PRECINCT-SCALE
DEVELOPMENT AT PARKVILLE

CO-LOCATION OF STUDENT SERVICES

University of Melbourne Student Union and the Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development, Murrup Barak, currently located in Union House and Old Physics respectively, are two student organisations that will be relocated to the Precinct. These services will form part of a co-located student precinct alongside existing services provided by the Graduate Student Association, Stop 1 and the Eastern Resource Centre.

CONVENIENT ACCESS TO TRANSPORT

The Precinct will be conveniently located close to public transport links including the new Melbourne Metro Rail Station on Grattan Street and the Swanston Street super tram stop, making it convenient for the both the campus community and visitors.

NEW ARTS AND CULTURAL FACILITIES

A wide range of co-curricular activities, wellbeing programs and cultural activations will have a new home at the Parkville campus, with the Precinct housing a purpose-built Arts and Cultural Building that will replace the current offering in Union House.
A new amphitheatre will provide increased programmable outdoor spaces with state-of-the-art amenities, and a place for students to relax outdoors. The amphitheatre will support the lowering of the Precinct’s ground plane, which will allow enhanced accessibility into and throughout the site. These new facilities will support vibrant cultural activities and events that emphasise student engagement, social inclusion and diversity, connecting students to their peers and the broader Melbourne community.
The Precinct will become a key part of the cultural spine along Swanston Street, together with the Ian Potter Museum of Art, the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, Science Gallery Melbourne, State Library of Victoria, the National Gallery of Victoria and the University’s own Victorian College of the Arts.

STUDY SPACES

The Precinct will provide approximately 3,000 indoor and approximately 1,000 outdoor new and improved contemporary study and informal spaces. With an increase in the amount of international and interstate students living near campus, and more students travelling from suburban or rural Victoria, the Precinct will support the needs of students who require more study spaces between classes, after hours and on weekends.

Natural Heritage

The Precinct site is home to both heritage and significant listed trees that the University is committed to protecting and celebrating. The 1888 heritage garden will be protected during and after construction, along with other heritage and significant trees around the site, honouring their contribution to the University and city landscape.
Recognising that the University’s current significant trees will one day come to the end of their life, other trees in the site have been identified as future significant trees and will be protected. A regeneration plan for the site will be developed in consultation with the University’s academic experts and will explore options for planting indigenous and endangered species.

PROGRAMMING AND ACTIVATIONS

Activating the Precinct through student-centred and student-led initiatives is a key aspect of the project. We are encouraging our students and the wider community to connect and contribute to the space.
Students are invited to engage in creative and entrepreneurial endeavours that will help lay the foundations for future activities and priorities in the Precinct. The activations will seed and test ideas that can then be embedded into the Precinct’s overall design, leading with the concept of the living laboratory.

SUSTAINABILITY

The Precinct will contribute to the University’s Sustainability Plan and targets, supporting the objective of zero carbon emissions by 2021, and carbon neutrality by 2030.
The Project’s Sustainability Design Principles have been co-created with the student community to ensure shared investment in our sustainable objectives.

RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2018 - 2022 (RAP 3)

The Precinct is a signature project for the University’s RAP 3. The University of Melbourne is the only university to have committed to the stretch agenda of RAP 3, which includes a vision to utilise the University’s expertise and resources to make a sustained contribution to Indigenous development for our Indigenous and non-indigenous communities.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Project is committed to creating inclusive, safe and empowering spaces on campus for students of all abilities, genders and cultures. The Precinct will ensure equity of access to indoor and outdoor spaces, with accessibility a hallmark of the Project’s development and design.
Project Governance

The New Student Precinct’s governance structure comprises three key decision making and advisory bodies:
Steering Committee
The New Student Precinct Steering Committee (NSPSC) is the ultimate decision making body for the Project. Committee Members are expected to make decisions in the best interest of the University’s student population, the Project and the University more broadly. Only the Steering Committee can approve changes to the Project’s scope, with major changes requiring approval of the appropriate University executive bodies.
Members:
Paul Duldig, Head, University Services (Chair)
Richard James, Deputy Vice Chancellor & Deputy Provost, Academic and Undergraduate
Desiree Cai, President, University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU)
Jonas Larsen President, UMSU International
Georgia Daly, General Secretary, Graduate Students Association (GSA)
Su Baker, Pro Vice Chancellor, Engagement
Nicky Passmore, Director, Student Success, Academic Services and Registrar
Hany Wardan, Program Manager, Strategy Projects, Project Services
Martin McCurry, Executive Director, Major Projects, Policy and Projects
Student Experience Advisory Group
The Student Experience Advisory Group (SEAG) work in an advisory capacity to the New Student Precinct Steering Committee and Project Team. It is the responsibility of SEAG to ensure a whole of University perspective is brought to the Project and that the core outcomes stipulated in the endorsed business case for the Project are achieved. SEAG is responsible for considering options and providing recommendations to the Steering Committee, who is a key decision‐making body for the Project.
Members:

Richard James, Deputy Vice Chancellor & Deputy Provost, Academic and Undergraduate
Daniel Beratis, Student Member, UMSU/UMSU International
Aleisha Ming-Yee Hall, Student Member, Independant Student Representative
Claire MAree Demeo, Student Member, Independant Student Representative
Tony Luo, Student Member, Independant Student Representative
Sepideh Jahangiri, Student Member, GSA
Elizabeth Capp, Director, Student Equity
Karen Keeley, Associate Director, Academic Services and Registrar
Meredith Martin, Associate Director, Cultural and Public Engagement
Megan Dench, Manager, Student Engagement and Peer Programs
Long Nguyen, Director, Campus Strategy, University Services
Alistair Inham, Director, University Services Operations, University Services
Project Control Group (EEW)
The Project Control Group (PCG) for the current phase of the Project's development, Early Enabling Works (EEW), is responsible for detailed implementation and construction of the Project’s EEW. The PCG report to the Steering Committee either directly or through the Project Team. The primary role of the PCG is to coordinate and monitor EEW, taking into consideration reports from the other governing groups to develop regular reports and monitor risk in relation to construction. In addition, the PCG makes recommendations regarding the appointment of key consultants and contractors.
Members:
Tony Murphy, Executive Director, Project Services (Chair)
Byron Collins, Executive Director, Infrastructure Services
Hany Wardan, Program Director, Strategy Projects, Project Services
Jon Peacock, Associate Director, Space Management
Mark Pickett, Facilities Planning Manager, Service
Planning and Delivery
Alex Kennedy, Project Director, New Student Precinct Project, Major Projects
Wendy Quin, Student Representative, Melbourne School of Engineering
Michelle McKay, Manager, Facilities and OH&S, Melbourne School of Engineering
Student Ambassadors
In addition to student representation in the Project’s key decision making and advisory committees, students are active contributors, decision-makers and ambassadors as members of the Project Team. These Student Ambassadors, representative of the diverse student body at the University, report to the Communications, Co-creation and Engagement Manager, Student Precinct Project, to support Student Precinct events and co-creation activities and champion the Student Precinct Project to faculty, peers and to the broader student population.
See our Get Involved page to find out how you can become a Student Ambassador
The Design Team

Led by principal architects, Lyons Architecture, a team of specialists and leading designers are collaborating to design the Precinct:
Lyons Architecture is an architectural and urban design practice based in Melbourne and the Principal Architects for the New Student Precinct. The firm designs projects which are responsive to and expressive of a contemporary experience of local and global culture - a world of ideas, new media, technologies and rapidly changing urbanism. Lyons work is committed to and interested in the history and culture of ideas and how ideas can be used to create meaningful contemporary architecture.
Lyons’ design reputation is evidenced through numerous awards for its work, including the Victorian Architecture Medal, numerous national and international sustainability awards, representation at the Australian National Pavilion at the Venice Architectural Biennale and other national awards for architectural design.
Meet the Lyons Team
James Wilson
Bachelor of Architecture (1st Class Hons and Faculty Dux), University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Property and Construction (1st Class Hons), University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Planning and Design, University of Melbourne
Member, Future Focus Group, Committee for Melbourne
Project Role: James will be the overall Project Director on the New Student Precinct and lead the stakeholder inputs for the design and project delivery.
Professional Background: James is a Director of Lyons Architecture and has a wide-ranging experience in future directions of pedagogical design for higher education learning buildings across Australia. James brings leading environmental design knowledge to the Project and has lectured and taught at the University of Melbourne and at RMIT University.
Carey Lyon
Bachelor of Architecture (1st Class Hons) University of Melbourne
Master of Architecture, RMIT University
Life Fellow, Australian Institute of Architects
Honorary Member, American Institute of Architects
Honorary Fellow, New Zealand Institute of Architects
Honorary Fellow, Royal Institute of Canadian Architects
Project Role: Carey will be the Co-Design Director (with all other team design collaborators) with the principle role of leading and coordinating the multi-practice design work across all aspects of the Project.
Professional Background: As one of Lyons Founding Directors, Carey Lyon is one of Australia’s leading design architects. In recognition of his design leadership work, Carey was elected National President of the Australian Institute of Architects in 2006, and was awarded the Presidential Medal from the American Institute of Architects. Carey has recognised specialist expertise in learning design focused around student experience, together with leadership expertise in urban design and sustainability.
Sam Hunter
Bachelor of Architecture, RMIT University
Master of Architecture, RMIT University
Project Role: Sam will lead the design management of the overall project, including working with collaborating practices to ensure an integrated design approach
Professional Background: Sam is one of Lyons’ senior design architects who thinks conceptually and laterally through complex design challenges. Sam brings a diverse set of skills to the Project including front-end design, client and user briefings, and documentation. These skills were honed working on diverse projects ranging from culturally significant community facilities to large-scale teaching and research buildings.
Paul Dash
Masters of Architecture (Professional, RMIT University
Bachelor of Architecture (1st Class Honours, Winner Anne Butler Medal for Design), RMIT University
Bachelor of Arts (1st Class Hons), University of Melbourne
Project Role: Paul will be the Project Architect for the New Student Precinct and will coordinate the Design and Consultant Teams.
Professional Background: Paul has extensive experience working on large public projects and higher education research facilities around the country, most recently on Yagan Square in Perth and the North-West Science Precinct at Monash University. He has also lectured and taught extensively in Design at RMIT and Monash Universities.
Tess O'Meara
Bachelor of Architecture, RMIT University
Master of Architecture, RMIT University
Project Role: Tess will assist in design management of the New Student Precinct, including working with collaborating practices to ensure an integrated design approach.
Professional Background: Tess is a graduate of architecture from RMIT University receiving the Peter Corrigan Memorial Medal for her design thesis proposal in 2017. During her studies, Tess worked for 3 years at a large design practice and gained experience in large scale public design, including higher education teaching & learning buildings and theatre master planning.
Founded by University of Melbourne alumni, Julie Eizenberg and Hank Koning, Koning Eizenberg Architects are a team of observers and thinkers that mine the commonplace to engage people and context. The firm’s collaborative process draws on the pragmatic and strategic to unravel convention and find opportunity hiding in plain sight. The Team’s well-known body of work has been published extensively both in the US and abroad, and has earned over 130 awards for design, sustainability and historic preservation.
Meet the Koning Eizenberg Team
Julie Eizenberg
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Melbourne
Master of Architecture II, University of California, Los Angeles
Fellow, American Institute of Architects
Project Role: Julie will be a key co-design Director in relation to all architectural aspects of the Project. She will have aa ‘whole of project’ design role as well as leading the design work on specific elements of the precinct to be designed by Koning Eizenberg Architects.
Professional Background: Julie is a Founding Principle of Koning Eizenberg and brings design vision, leadership and a unique way of thinking about conventional building typologies.  Julie uses her expertise in working with cities, non-profit organisations, institutions and private developers to generate inventive master plans and public places. Her focus on user experience from the individual to the community level, brings an empathetic perspective that translates seemingly mundane programs into places of ease and generosity.
Lily McBride-Stephens
Bachelor of Architectural Design, RMIT University
Master of Architecture, RMIT University
Project Role: Lily will be project designer/manager on the project. She will be involved in all aspects of the design and coordination of the project.
Professional Background: Lily is a designer at Koning Eizenberg Architecture with over 10 years’ experience working in Australia and the US. Lily is interested in tackling design problems in a rigorous, complex and playful way that leads to creative outcomes that greatly heighten the relationship between the built environment and its users, putting the city and the community at the forefront of the design. Lily will draw on her experience in working on large scale cultural projects as well as small bespoke projects to bring the higher level ideas through concept to completion, ensuring that the building reads holistically and is delivered with a high level of detail and care.
Nathan Bishop
Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Northeastern University
Master of Architecture (Dist), Harvard University
LEED AP Certified, U.S. Green Building Council
Project Role: Nathan will provide the overall detailed design co-ordination of Koning Eizenberg Architects contribution to the Project, including all design and documentation work
Professional Background: Nathan is a Principle of Koning Eizenberg Architecture, focussing on conceptual design and entitlement phases requiring synthesis of client, city and community stakeholder objectives to optimise design and development potential. Combining experience with a broad range of high-profile projects, he draws on exceptional visualization and communication skills to quickly extract the unrecognized potential of complex urban contexts. He also leads the firm’s effort in digital fabrication and new technologies. Nathan teaches and lectures in design, architectural history and theory, and cultural studies in universities across America.
Breathe Architecture is a sustainability focused architectural practice that proudly contributes to the local community and architectural landscape in a sustainable, contextual and culturally responsive way. The firm’s design approach reflects the current ecological and economic climate regardless of budget or typology. Perhaps best known for instigating the Nightingale Housing movement, after trialing a new model for delivering housing through the award-winning project of sustainable apartments called The Commons, the Breathe Team are driven by the belief that architects can drive real positive change in our ever-changing cities through collaboration.
Meet the Breathe Team
Jeremy McLeod
Bachelor of Environmental Design, University of Tasmania
Bachelor of Architecture (Hons), University of Tasmania
Project Role: Jeremy will lead the interface between design and sustainability across the whole project as well as lead Breathe Architectures design work for specific elements of the precinct.
Professional Background: Jeremy is the Founding Director of Breathe Architecture and is dedicated to delivering high-quality design and sustainable architecture for projects of all scales.  Jeremy’s work focuses on sustainable urbanisation and exploring how to deliver more affordable urban housing in Melbourne. He was the instigator of The Commons housing project and is collaborating with several Melbourne architecture firms to deliver the Nightingale Model.
NMBW Architecture Studio is an architectural practice with an emphasis on urban engagement and culturally-specific design. The Firm specialise in an analytical, collaborative and, research-based approach, linking site-specific actions to larger urban and landscape concerns, particular site conditions and various local traditions. NMBW’s projects have been published in leading national and international journals, and awarded across a range of categories, including urban design, sustainable architecture, interior architecture, public architecture and residential architecture. NMBW projects have also been recognised for their broader contributions to Melbourne’s public realm, and to rural and regional Victoria.
Meet the NMBW Team
Marika Neustuphy
Master of Architecture, Tokyo Institute of Technology
PhD Candidate, University of Queensland
Project Role: Marika brings her expertise in creative adaptive reuse to work on the refurbishment of existing buildings within the Precinct. She will lead NMBW Architecture’s design and documentation inputs to the Project.
Professional Background: One of the Founding Directors of NMBW Architecture Studio, Marika has taught in design and urban research at RMIT University and currently sits on the Course Advisory Panel for the RMIT Architecture Program. Through her projects and research, Marika has developed a strong understanding of the social and cultural rituals of urban life, brought to bear in her work on the Box Hill Gardens Multi-Purpose Area, leading NMBWs collaboration with landscape architects, ASPECT Studios.
Nigel Bertram
Master of Architecture, Tokyo Institute of Technology
PhD Candidate, University of Queensland
Project Role: Nigel and Marika will be working closely together on the refurbishment of existing buildings within the Precinct with a particular focus on heritage listed buildings such as the 1888 and Frank Tate Buildings.
Professional Background: Nigel Bertram is a founding Director of NMBW and Practice Professor in Architecture at Monash University. Nigel has taught at Monash and RMIT Universities for over 20 years, and is currently a Design Review Panel member for the Office of the Victorian Government Architect. Nigel has a range of experience working with government and university bodies at different scales on NMBWs urban and institutional projects.
Established by University of Melbourne alumni, Albert Mo and Eid Goh, Architects EAT is a Melbourne based architecture and interior design practice with projects spanning small-scale private homes and apartments to high-rise residential developments, retail, local government and hospitality sectors. Known for a sensitive approach, sensory elements and tactile quality, Architects EAT take pride in creating uniquely detailed projects that avoid reproducing similar designs, resulting in spaces intimately connected to their client, function and individual context. The Firm’s work is highly acclaimed, garnering numerous prizes and commendations including; "Best Residential Interior " in 2016, “The Belle Apartment of the Year Award” in 2007, “Best Hospitality Interior” in 2008, and “The Australian Institute of Architects Award for Residential Architecture” in 2010.
Meet the EAT Team
Albert Mo
Bachelor of Planning and Design, University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Architecture (Hons), University of Melbourne
A+ Member, Royal Australian Institute of Architects
Chapter Councillor (2004 – 2008), Royal Australian Institute of Architects
Project Role: Albert will provide leadership at the interface between students and the precinct food and retail amenities design and development, co-ordinating these strategies and undertaking the resulting design work on the food and retail facilities.
Professional Background: As one of the Founding Directors of Architects EAT, Albert is driven to deliver phenomenological architecture, which imparts feeling rather than glitz. His experiences growing up in Hong Kong and Singapore bring an alternate perspective to his designs, evoking calm and sensitivity in response to the occupant. Albert holds teaching and guest critic positions at the University of Melbourne’s Melbourne School of Design (MSD).
Eid Goh
Bachelor of Planning and Design, University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Melbourne
A+ Member, Royal Australian Institute of Architects
Project Role: Eid will be leading a team of food and retail strategist to generate a framework and masterplan for the retail mix, aspects on sustainability in the retail world and place making.
Professional Background: As one of the Founding Directors of P.O.P Agency, Eid believes in enriching society with a better way of delivery retail experiences to the growing demands. Having grown up in the concrete jungles of Singapore and country Victoria, he understands that balance is always necessary in life. Eid has also completed over 300 retail and commercial projects within his 17 years of practice as a commercial architect, working for private and corporate clientele. He understands the rigours and the face pace of the commercial world and he thoroughly enjoys it.
Thomas Davies
Bachelor of Environments, University of Melbourne
Master of Architecture, University of Melbourne
Project Role: As part of Architects EAT, Tom will be working closely with the Design Team to curate food and retail spaces within the New Student Precinct to compliment the Precinct as a whole and provide a well-rounded experience for all students and staff. Tom looks forward to working with the entire University community and other professionals to deliver an amazing retail experience.
Professional Background: Having just recently graduated from the University of Melbourne, Tom's knowledge of campus life will be key in helping to interpret how students will use retail and dining spaces within the Precinct. This, coupled with his knowledge in retail architecture, will help create spaces essential to student life and wellbeing and promote the importance of the student experience.
Headed by the first Indigenous Architect to be registered in Victoria and University of Melbourne alumni, Jefa Greenaway, Greenaway Architects is a Melbourne-based, award-winning architecture and interior design firm with an accumulative experience of over 50 years in both residential and commercial sectors. The Firm’s work ranges from small scale private homes and extensions to multi-unit development, office fit-out, retail and cultural projects, committed to innovative design and quality outcomes that meet the needs and aspirations of all clients.
Meet the Greenaway Team
Jefa Greenaway
Diploma of Architectural Drafting, La Trobe University
Bachelor of Planning and Design, University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Architecture (Hons), University of Melbourne
Honorary Senior Fellow, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning University of Melbourne
Project Role: Jefa will bring Indigenous knowledge and cultural exchange into all aspects of the landscape, urban and architectural design of the Project.
Professional Background: After working for several significant architectural practices, Jefa established his own architectural firm in 2003. The practice, which was to become known as Greenaway Architects in 2010, seeks to build upon its reputation as an innovative and professional design firm. Jefa is a prominent member of the arts, design and cultural community of Melbourne as a member and Chair of numerous boards, committees, panels and advisory groups. Jefa holds teaching and guest critic positions at the University of Melbourne’s Melbourne School of Design (MSD) and plays a key role in disseminating Indigenous knowledge into design courses.
ASPECT Studios is a design firm specialising in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Wayfinding and Urban Strategy. Adopting a human-centred and ecologically responsive approach to Landscape Architecture, the Firm’s core design philosophy is to design places of delight where people want to be and places that contribute to the resilience and diversity of the environment.  In creating cities for people ASPECT’s design process is focussed on bringing together and expressing the essential qualities of place, the landscape, its history, social rituals and cultural significance. To this end, the Team have received numerous awards recognising both the projects they design and, more importantly, for the way they think about design.
Meet the ASPECT Team
Kirsten Bauer
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Hons), RMIT University
Master of Architecture (Landscape Architecture) by Design, RMIT University
Fellow, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
Project Role: Kirsten will be a key Co-design Director on the overall Precinct design (with Julie Eisenberg and Carey Lyon), with a focus on all aspects of the Precinct landscape design. She will also be the key point of contact for collaboration with Site Office Landscape Architecture.
Professional Background: Kirsten is an urban designer and landscape architect. Over the course of her career she has led award winning public realm projects including Halpin Way and Settlers Square, Box Hill Gardens, Stonnington Public Realm Strategy and Victoria Harbour. As a former University of Melbourne lecturer (awarded the University of Melbourne, School of Design – Dean’s Honours Awards, Excellence in Teaching, 2010 – 2011) and member of the Landscape Architecture Advisory Committee, Kirsten is very familiar with the University’s unique design and cultural contact.
Tim Fowler
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Hons), University of New South Wales
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, RMIT
Registered Landscape Architect, AILA
Project Role: Tim is the Project’s lead landscape architect for ASPECT Studios and will work closely with GLAS Landscape Architecture to design the Precincts outdoor spaces.
Professional Background: Tim is an experienced Landscape Architect, designing at all scales and overseeing projects across the living, educational, health, institutional, cultural, leisure and public realms. Tim has been involved in large urban infrastructure and public realm projects, such as the Sydney Light Rail, and is currently a sessional academic at the University of Technology Sydney.
Erwin Taal
Bachelor of Planning and Design (Architecture), University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Architecture (Hons.), University of Melbourne
Masters of Landscape Architecture, University of Melbourne
Graduate Diploma of Landscape Architecture, University of Melbourne
Registered Landscape Architect, AILA, GBCA Green Star Associate
Project Role: Erwin provides urban and landscape design input on the overall Precinct design with a focus on sustainability, accessibility and functionality of the Precinct landscape design.
Professional Background: Over the course of his career as an urban designer and landscape architect, Erwin has built a solid reputation for holistic, innovative design that incorporates leading ESD principles, Green infrastructure and Living Architecture. Amongst others, Erwin was responsible for the design delivery of the multi-award winning Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 717 Bourke Street and Victoria Harbour implementation projects. As a University of Melbourne alumni and recent design tutor and lecturer at the MSD, Erwin is very familiar with the University’s unique design and cultural context.
Through collaboration, research and teaching, Glas Urban is a design studio committed to innovations in landscape architecture, with recent projects including investigations into creating new biodiverse suburbs and developing external comfort through landscape microclimate design.  Having previously worked on the Carlton Connect Gardens and Rooftop Terrace, the Glas Urban Team are well-placed to develop site-specific ideas in response to the University of Melbourne context. The Firm has been recognised nationally and internationally for their diverse urban and community spaces, each celebrating the past fabric and heritage of the site while allowing communities to reconnect to each other and their environment.
Meet the Glas Team
Mark Gillingham
Master of Landscape Architecture, Edinburgh College of Art
Project Role: Mark will work closely with ASPECT Studios to develop the ‘intimate’ landscapes in the Precinct, bringing his unique sensibility around landscape ecologies to the Project.
Professional Background: Director of Glas Urban, Mark has over 15 years experience in designing public open spaces in Victoria and internationally. He has led several projects for the University of Melbourne and runs the Materials and Technology subject for the landscape Architecture Department at the Melbourne School of Design (MSD).
History of the Site - Built Heritage

1888 Building
The 1888 Building (Former Teachers’ College) eventuated from talks between the Education Department and Minister for Lands for the establishment of a college for training teachers, beginning in 1877. After years of negotiation, the land was eventually handed over from University property to the Education
Department in 1887.

In 1927 the 1888 Building stood as a grand gesture in gardenesque setting to the southeast corner of the University campus. Courtesy State Library of Victoria.
Constructed in three stages between 1889 and 1892 by the Public Works Department (PWD, forerunner of the Metropolitan Board of Works), the building became a boarding school for University High School in 1893 after it was leased following government cuts. The building returned to the Education Department in 1898, reopening in 1900 as a training institution for teachers. The college and land returned to the University in 1989.

Architectural drawings showing the three stages of development of the 1888 Building between 1889 and 1892.
Timeline of the Building's Development
1893 - 1898

An early graduation ceremony on the front lawn of the 1888 Building, during lease to University High School (1893-1898). Source unknown.
c. 1905

This view of the 1888 Building from Grattan Street, taken in 1905 or 1906, shows the building before the maturity of the recently planted trees a magnificent view from the dirt road (Grattan Street). Courtesy University of Melbourne Archives.
1957

Late 1950s view towards the entrance showing a well-groomed landscape where the impressive pine tree in the previous image has been removed. Courtesy the Melbourne Teachers’ College Handbook 1957.
1968

In 1968, the layout of the garden looked very similar, with no indication of significant changes happening north of the precinct. Courtesy Seng Bee Ong, & Kit Ling Chin (Melbourne University 1968 thesis).
1994

View from 1994 shows the west façade of the 1888 Building showing the parking area north of Gate 8. Photograph courtesy Allom Lovell & Associates Pty Ltd.
Today

Contemporary view towards the 1888 building entrance.

The Examination Hall (now the Gryphon Gallery) was used for several formal activities including the 1921 final dinner, as shown. Photos of the room today compared to those from 1921, show the remarkable preservation of the room's original features. Images courtesy University of Melbourne Archives.
John Smyth Building
The John Smyth Building was constructed between 1908-1909 by P.W.D., and has been variously called the Science Block and/or Arts Building in its earlier history. By the completion of the building in 1909, sufficient funds weren’t available for furniture and installations; hence occupation of the building was only possible in 1910.
The building was drastically altered towards the west and east in 1943, with a large extension, and a link to the Frank Tate Building via walkway (now demolished). The north of the building was altered in 1995-1996 by Peter Elliot Architects.

A view of the south facade of the John Smyth building, “...shortly to be opened” in 1909, as described in The Trainee magazine. Courtesy The Trainee 1909.
Frank Tate Building
Originally known as the 1939 Building, the Frank Tate Building was built as the Melbourne Teachers’ College Gymnasium and is named after influential Victorian educator Frank Tate, College Principal and subsequently Director-General of Education in Victoria (1863-1939). The building was designed and built in 1939 to 1940, by Public Works Department architect Percy Everett. It is a solid example of the Streamline Moderne Architecture style which borrows from Deco influences.

Existing view of the Frank Tate Building from the elevated plaza towards the first level semi-circular facade.
Timeline of the Building's Development
1938

The old timber gymnasium (towards the north of the 1888 Building) was demolished in 1938 to make way for the new Frank Tate Building. Courtesy The Trainee magazine, December 1940.
1939

The new dormitory and arts block, “to be completed in the near future”, as seen with this rendering by PWD Architect Percy Everett dated 1939. Courtesy Edward Sweetman, History of Melbourne Teachers’ College.

The foundation stone of the Frank Tate Building was set on the 27 of September 1939, by Sir John Harris. Courtesy The Trainee magazine,1940.
1941

A view of the 1939 Building shortly after completion in 1941. Courtesy The Trainee magazine, December 1941.
1943

A rare image of the skyway which once connected the Frank Tate Building to the neighbouring John Smyth Building. Courtesy of The Trainee magazine, 1943.
1968

Elevated view south towards the Frank Tate Building, taken in 1968. Notice the skyway connection to the John Smyth Building, shown left. Courtesy Seng Bee Ong, & Kit Ling Chin (Melbourne University 1968 Thesis).

A performance by Denise Drysdale in the Frank Tate Building Lecture Hall, late 1968. Courtesy The Trainee magazine, 1968.
Eastern Resource Centre
The Eastern Resource Centre was originally known as the Teachers’ College Library Block, and was designed in 1968 by Eggleston Macdonald & Secomb Architects, with the Public Works Department under Chief Architect D. C. Bradbury.
The E.R.C. is a notable example of late 1960’s Brutalist architecture in Melbourne. The era is dominated by bold concrete and brick buildings which flaunt structure and form; expressed with the E.R.C. via concrete modular panels with interlocking corners along the upper floors.

A 1968 architect’s render of the proposed Education Resource Centre (later known as the Eastern Resource Centre); in the background is the outline of the Science wing; the Frank Tate Building outline is to the right (notice the major steps). CourtesyThe Trainee magazine, 1968.

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.

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.

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

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.

OC21 Website

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

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

Steering Committee

Members:

Student Experience Advisory Group

Members:

Project Control Group (EEW)

Members:

Student Ambassadors

James Wilson

Carey Lyon

Sam Hunter

Paul Dash

Tess O'Meara

Julie Eizenberg

Lily McBride-Stephens

Nathan Bishop

Jeremy McLeod

Marika Neustuphy

Nigel Bertram

Albert Mo

Eid Goh

Thomas Davies

Jefa Greenaway

Kirsten Bauer

Tim Fowler

Erwin Taal

Mark Gillingham

1888 Building

John Smyth Building

Frank Tate Building

Eastern Resource Centre

Co-creation

Activation

Teaching and Learning

Sustainability

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP3)

Inclusivity

Our Campus in the 21st Century

Current Opportunities

Next Wave Partnership

New Student Precinct Ambassadors

Survey - Food in the New Student Precinct

Past Opportunities

All our updates

The Fair Food UniCycle Turns One!

Open Day 2018

A Look Behind the Hoarding - June to July 2018

Concept Design Renders

Outdoor Gallery Exhibition Opening - National Reconciliation Week 2018

New Student Precinct Design Response Presentation

Mon-Pop Orientation-Week

Mon-Pop Build

New Student Precinct Moments 2017

Open Morning Tea

The Growroom Build

Growroom and Fair Food UniCycle

Outdoor Gallery

Our Students

Student Ambassador Induction Meeting

Short Cut with Marley

New Student Precinct at the University of Melbourne

Student Precinct flyover at the University of Melbourne

New Student Precinct Design Process

Micro-climate Research

Comment Walls

Orientation Week Co-creation 2017

Rachel Withers on the Project