The University of Melbourne’s Student Precinct Project has been recognised with four awards at the 2023 Victorian Architecture Awards.
The ambitious project, situated on the University’s Parkville campus, was the recipient of the Victorian Architecture Medal – the highest honour awarded by the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects – the Henry Bastow Award for Educational Architecture, an Architecture Award – Creative Adaptation in the Heritage Architecture category, and The Joseph Reed Award for Urban Design.
The Victorian Architecture Awards form part of the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Architecture Awards program that recognises outstanding architecture and design annually. The University of Melbourne is the category sponsor for Sustainable Architecture and the Dimity Reed Melbourne Prize, with Professor Julie Willis, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, presenting awards on the night.
Designed by Lyons with Koning Eizenberg Architecture, NMBW Architecture Studio, Greenaway Architects, Architects Eat, Aspect Studios and Glas Urban, the project is one of the biggest investments in the iconic Parkville campus and is part of the University’s commitment to delivering a world-class, campus-based experience for all students.
As the first fully co-created major project in the University’s 170-year history, the voice of the University community has been at the centre of the project’s design and development, with more than 20,000 students, staff and alumni actively contributing their views, ideas and expertise to inform the planning and design process.
Located in the heart of the Parkville campus, the project delivered two new buildings, including two new theatres, substantial building refurbishments, an outdoor performance space, and a significant increase in outdoor landscaped areas.
Professor Gregor Kennedy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) noted the accolades recognise the vision of the project, with the large-scale development designed for students, by students.
“The project responds to the needs of our students who told us they wanted places on campus that encourage artistic expression and enrich their university experience beyond study. These engaging spaces allow students to come together, share and connect, and really feel a part of the University community,” Professor Kennedy said.
“We’re proud to enhance our distinctive Melbourne experience through these new and refreshed spaces that will have a transformative impact on the student experience for decades to come.”
The project embeds greater recognition of First Nations cultures including planting from 45 language groups, and a resin brick installation featuring objects of cultural significance, gifted by some of our Indigenous community.
Sustainability was another key priority for the project with all buildings designed to achieve a 5 or 6 Green Star Rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
The project also focused on accessibility and inclusion, creating an equal access environment by removing physical barriers and linking laneways and thoroughfares.
Zamanah Moslih, a Master of Architecture graduate in 2021 and student precinct ambassador, believes the project will deliver a long-term legacy for all students.
“Being part of the Student Precinct Project’s design process gave me insight into how large of a community we are and the importance of creating an environment that allows us to collaborate and co-mingle.
“Having come back now to see the results and hearing the positive feedback from students has made me proud to be part of this project, as I know it will, and has, benefited our current and future student community.”
Lily Thompson, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts sees the development as an inviting space.
“The Student Precinct Project site is such a bright and welcoming space. It’s a great place to hang out and study with friends, and also just to ‘be’. Every floor in every building is beautiful and has something unique to experience. The precinct has created a new energetic community vibe and is always filled with students. It’s really made coming back to campus feel inviting and enjoyable.”
As the recipient of the four awards the Student Precinct Project will progress to the Australian Institute of Architects National Awards in November, where it will be judged against the best architectural projects in the country.
The University’s Science Gallery Melbourne was also a winner on the night, receiving an Architecture Award in the Interior Architecture category and will also progress to the National Awards.
To learn more about how student voices were incorporated into the design and planning process, watch this video.
