Sir Llew Edwards Building

The triangular site resulted in a ‘V’ shaped building plan where building amenities and foyers were located in the apex with the two resultant wings containing accommodation. These wings have thin floorplates to maximise natural daylighting and they have been orientated to maximise the extent of views out over the University forecourt. As a result, and in contrast to the adjacent buildings, the building presents smaller scale elevations to the forecourt. Reflecting the significance of the radial building line that is generated from the Tower of the Forgan Smith Building, the over sailing roof of the building not only aligns with this building line it also links the two wings of the building to provide enclosure to the captured landscaped space beneath at ground level.

Rather than being determined solely in response to their external context, the façade treatments of the building are influenced by the requirements of the building occupants for natural daylight and views out. Uniquely for a building on the campus, and in contrast to other University buildings, the building has highly transparent external façades which not only enable the University to display its operations more overtly, they also enable occupants to enjoy long distance views to West End and the mountain ranges beyond.

KIRK received a deferred brief for the project and completed the concept design for the interiors during the early building shell construction phases. This allowed for some ‘on the fly’ reworking of the building shell to suit and enhance this new interior program.