The University of Newcastle (UON) has released the early concepts for its $95 million CBD landmark education precinct – NeW Space – creating a 10 storey ‘vertical’ campus.
Designed by leading Melbourne firm Lyons Architecture who, with Newcastle innovators EJE Architecture, have developed the contemporary concept that brings the city into the precinct design by joining the community with the campus through social spaces, connecting pathways and active student learning spaces located right on the street front.
The precinct, to be built on the corner of Hunter and Auckland Streets in time for the start of the 2017 academic year, will provide facilities for all UON staff and students through digital library services and information commons, and collaborative learning and research spaces; and the Faculty of Business and Law will be located in the city in the NeW Space education precinct.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said the NeW Space design supported the University’s commitment to providing students with a world-class, next-generation learning experience.
“NeW Space is designed for the student. The ‘vertical’ design places student and learning spaces throughout the building, and open spaces will enable non-traditional formal and informal learning including game-based and other approaches that enhance the student experience.
“The technology-embedded learning environments have been designed to provide flexibility and adaptability to switch between multiple modes within a class and between classes taking the teaching, learning and research landscape beyond the traditional lecture theatre or office.
“The dynamic learning hub sits at the heart of the building – an open and interactive space distributed over three levels.”
Professor McMillen said the NeW Space education precinct would provide opportunities for greater research and engagement with industry, business and the community to drive collaboration and innovation.
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“NeW Space will be a landmark development in our great city providing a place for creative exchange and for enhancing the business of the region, as well as a great campus for students and academics to learn and research.”
The NeW Space project is jointly funded as an initiative of the Australian Government being conducted as a project of the Education Investment Fund, the New South Wales State Government through the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund, and the University of Newcastle.
