University of Melbourne School of Design

8 January 2015

The University of Melbourne’s newest building, Melbourne School of Design, to house the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning was launched Dec. 11.
The building has been constructed with the latest design innovations and cutting edge technology, with features including a structural timber roof supporting three levels of suspended studios, a Japanese Room and Garden on the top level, a rainwater collection system and flexible teaching spaces.
Professor Tom Kvan, Dean of the Melbourne Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning, said the building showcases innovative elements that are at the global forefront of the design industry.

“The building is the embodiment of the architectural and design principles explored at the Melbourne School of Design,” Professor Kvan said.
“This building practices what we teach. It’s a building dedicated to pushing design frontiers and approaching challenges with innovative solutions.”
The completed building has left various features carefully exposed so, as students walk around it, they can see examples of how heritage can be integrated, how materials can work in different ways and how innovative structural solutions enable great spaces.
“The layout of the studios, workspaces, galleries and offices are interwoven, bringing the disciplines of architecture, urbanism, construction and landscape architecture into contact, as people pass through these spaces and cross-pollinate ideas,” said Professor Kvan.
Delivered four months early on a tight budget, the Melbourne School of Design has been awarded a 6 Green Star Design Rating, including the full 10 points for innovation, that commends its world leadership in sustainable building practices.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Glyn Davis is thrilled to see the environmental credentials of the newest addition to the Parkville campus.
“I’m delighted that we have this building on the campus. It’s a first for the university and a gratifying example of our aspiration to be an environmentally responsible citizen,” said Prof Davis.
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Learn more about studying at the Melbourne School of Design. Contact OzTREKK’s Australian Architecture Schools Admissions Officer Rachel Brady at rachel@oztrekk.com or call 1-866-698-7355 to find out how you can study in Australia!

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