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One of the eclectic retro "rooms" in the new Science and Engineering Centre.
Jolt of the old in high-tech space
Among the Science and Engineering Centre's high-level research labs, serious work stations, glass-lined meeting rooms, and hi-tech public areas are quaint little spaces - throwbacks to bygone times when black and white TV was the latest thing.
These little pockets of incongruity surprise and spark a smile. There's that daggy ol' chair from Nan and Pop's place sitting next to a slightly hideous, but once the height of modern, wood-grain laminate china cabinet, on top of a shaggy rug.
Look at that wall of heavy, old, timber and catgut racquets! Anyone for tennis elbow? It's not every day you come across an aged, bright red, hexagonal barrel from China once used for churning lotto or bingo numbers.
And, here's a French sitting room with Louis XIV chairs juxtaposed with antique Chinese shutters and ancient cane birdcages in the midst of a student learning space equipped with sofas and stools from The Jetsons!
What are these 'rooms' whose only common feature is an eclectic collection of low-tech, low-brow, long-surpassed technology doing in a shiny, state-of-the-art building devoted to scientific research of global significance?
"We created them to soften the spaces, to give personality and warmth to the Centre," says Emily Banks, the QUT interior design graduate and space manager who haunted antique and retro markets and op shops for months to gather the amazing assortment.
"We want to introduce variety and to give the eyes and senses a gentle jolt, with a dash of humour."
Ms Banks says students are drawn to the eclectic spaces and they all have their favourites.
"Some like the 'cave', where the old bingo barrel lives alongside mismatched 70s chairs, record-playing radiogram and old oars," she says of the deep blue niche set up like a comfy lounge room.
"While some people don't get it, the 'rooms' are certainly conversation starters."
Media contact: Niki Widdowson, QUT media, 3138 2999 or n.widdowson@qut.edu.au.
