The Peter Coaldrake Education Precinct has been awarded the highest honour in Brisbane, Building of the Year, in the 2020 Queensland Regional Architecture Awards.
Announced by the Queensland chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, the precinct also received regional commendations for educational architecture and interior architecture.
Assessing the precinct, the judges praised the versatility of the design, interconnectivity, diversity of spaces and the integration of sustainability initiatives.
Since opening in 2019, the precinct has become a hub for teaching and learning activities, reflecting QUT’s commitment to technology and immersive digital environments in teaching, research and engagement.
The digital learning tools available in the precinct are exemplified by the Sphere - an LED globe, five metres in diameter, suspended over two floors, complemented by a 4.8 metre-wide interactive digital wall screen.
As well as state-of-the-art digital spaces, the judging panel recognised the range of social learning spaces ‘from large flexible rooms to a range of more intimate places to work and study’.
The precinct design incorporates sustainable principles including use of natural light, high performance glazing and the incorporation of nature into the space.
The integration of the precinct with existing sites was commended by the panel, and is highlighted by the connection to QUT Library and HiQ, QUT’s contemporary student service centre. The precinct also houses the Oodgeroo Unit, QUT’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student support unit.
The Education Precinct was designed by Wilson Architects and Henning Larsen, and built by Hansen Yuncken.
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