Griffith University’s Queensland College of Art development integrates a refurbished existing building with new buildings and spaces in the inner city at South Bank. This complex project also required integration with the South Bank urban renewal program including adherence to strict development controls.
The design takes advantage of this high profile and publicly accessible location by establishing a strong, identifiable presence, contemporary sub-tropical character and easy access to the college’s public and semi-public activities.
The project has a total area of 15,000m2. It incorporates spaces for seven departments and a range of shared facilities including a library, learning centre, public and student galleries, auditorium, café, shop, general teaching spaces, faculty offices, computer laboratories, studio spaces and workshops.
Key aspects of the approach to planning, tectonics and materials ensure high levels of flexibility for change, and clear separation of more permanent special purpose facilities from teaching and faculty facilities.
The cost effectiveness of the project is extremely high, achieved without compromise on function, durability, flexibility or energy performance.
