The Melbourne Student Activity Centre is designed based on student feedback emphasizing diversity, gender equality, well-being, and sustainability. Located in a newly developed student activity zone, it offers a welcoming environment for students to study and relax. The centre expands its services by providing informal dining, learning, art, conference, and activity spaces that students can freely enjoy throughout the day.
The centre aims to create a relaxed, inclusive, and vibrant atmosphere for students’ everyday activities, deliberately avoiding traditional classroom settings. Its design features generous outdoor spaces, prominent balconies, rooftop gardens, and external walkways on every floor, all contributing to a lively student hub.
The building’s design highlights a combination of exposed concrete skeleton and sustainably harvested wood, offering both a dynamic and eco-friendly aesthetic. Unique columns stretch from the ground to the roof, supporting the concrete floors and roofing while also defining interior spaces.
Sustainability is a core feature of the building, emphasized through the use of eco-friendly materials and visible passive and active environmental strategies. Photovoltaic panels create a comfortable rooftop garden environment, while large glass windows maximize natural light and provide expansive views. Seating areas extend seamlessly from indoors to outdoors on every floor, wooden wall panels accentuate natural elements, and a flowing circulation layout ensures all students have free access to the entire building.
This building is part of a broader campus master plan developed in collaboration with local architects, aimed at establishing a modern student activity precinct. The project also seeks to restore the landscape to reflect the pre-colonial era and celebrate traditional culture. The University of Melbourne is pursuing a “Six Star” rating from the Australian Green Building Council (GBC), equivalent to LEED Platinum certification.
Project Information
Architect: KoningEizenberg Architecture
Area: 27,000 square feet
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Peter Bennett
Design Team: Nathan Bishop AIA – LEED AP (Director), Kara Biczykowski (Designer)
Main Creative Team: Julie Eizenberg FAIA-LFRAIA (Founder), Lily McBride Stephens (Project Manager)
Location: Parkville, Australia
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