WA Chapter visits newly renovated projects at Curtin University

The March site visit to Curtin University showcased some recent examples of tertiary education facilities on the Bentley campus, including Building 501 School of Education, Robertson Library and Building 201 Engineering Pavilion.

The tour began at the School of Education which was a refurbishment of an existing building incorporating a variety of different learning spaces, with each room uniquely briefed to suit the type of class and function. Key to the design was the integration of technology throughout the building facilitating digital learning, not only to participants within the class but also to remote and online students.

The Robertson Library project involved the refurbishment of the existing library to redefine the entry and to accommodate 24 hour use during the semester. A vibrant palette of colours and materials assist with wayfinding and create an identity for the new entry foyer. A new staircase filled with natural light features in this refurbishment, orienting users within the ground level and complementing the extensive integrated wayfinding elements located in the foyer.

Nestled within the campus is the Building 201 Engineering Pavilion with its striking external structural form. This building accommodates a three storey exhibition space and multiple learning areas, and is designed as a responsive building where engineering students can see and learn how a building works, where elements of the building are exposed and can be manipulated to test different conditions.

This tour of Curtin University was very informative and interesting, and provided an insight into the latest developments at the campus in terms of pedagogy, integration of technology, types of facilities and how the university is reacting positively to the increasing demand and needs of remote and online students.

Michelle Chew
Associate Director
Parry & Rosenthal Architects