The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Monash University

<html><body>
Not content with creating some of Melbourne's most architecturally interesting buildings of late, Monash University will go again at their Clayton campus with a new complex to front Wellington Road. Initial images show The Learning and Teaching Building will be a new multi faculty complex spanning four levels and will likely encompass an approximate Gross Floor Area of 28,000sqm.

Ground works on the project have commenced, with an overall completion date for The Learning and Teaching Building scheduled for mid-2018.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_0977.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site works for Monash's Learning and Teaching Building during February"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0977.jpg?itok=zIwQU8fU" title="Site works for Monash's Learning and Teaching Building during February" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Site works for Monash's Learning and Teaching Building during February</figcaption></figure>Monash University views the project as key to the University's southern precinct, creating a new focal point for students and providing a new entrance to the campus from Wellington Road. The Learning and Teaching Building forms part of the largest infrastructure development program in the history of the campus.

Included in the sprawling development is a new public transport interchange, additional parking, facilities for cyclists, public plaza and multiple retail outlets. Tiered lecture theatres, flat-floor classrooms, media lounges and laptop bars are also set to feature.

<blockquote>
Open to all students and staff in furthering innovative teaching and learning practices, the building is a physical demonstration of Monash's commitment to the Better Teaching, Better Learning agenda.

More than 60 formal and informal learning and teaching spaces will provide an outstanding student-centred learning experience for Monash University and Monash College Diploma students alike. Comprising four levels, the new building will also be home to Faculty of Education and the Office of the Vice-Provost (Learning and Teaching).

The transformation of the southern precinct is in line with the Clayton Campus Masterplan's vision of developing a vibrant and inviting campus.
<cite>Monash University</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ltb-axis.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Learning and Teaching Building. Image:Monash University"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="310" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ltb-axis.jpg?itok=6Th8V9Oh" title="Learning and Teaching Building. Image:Monash University" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A working image of the Learning and Teaching Building. Image: Monash University</figcaption></figure>The Learning and Teaching Building follows a string of recent investments by the university at their Clayton campus. Buxton Construction have all but delivered a new multi-level car park providing 650 new car spaces while the four new Halls of Residence have been recently completed by Brookfield Multiplex.

The four buildings have added an additional 1,000 student apartments; a follow-up to the award-winning Briggs and Jackomos Halls during 2012.

Add <a href="/news/a-lyons-masterclass">New Horizons</a> and <a href="/news/green-chemical-futures-another-lyons-marvel">Green Chemical Futures</a>, and Monash University's Clayton Campus may just have usurped Melbourne University's Parkville campus as having the most modern and appropriately daring architecture of any university Melbourne-wide.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_0986.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="McBrideCharles Rtyan's Monash Building 90 student accommodation "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="408" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_0986.jpg?itok=U2qV11NZ" title="McBrideCharles Rtyan's Monash Building 90 student accommodation " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>McBrideCharles Rtyan's Monash Building 90 student accommodation</figcaption></figure>The one Monash Clayton project that has yet to materialise is the new Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music. Revealed during 2012 and with renowned architect Moshe Safdie in tow, the project with a nominated value of $80 million was set to have a completion date of 2016.

In collaboration with Fender Katsalidis, the design duo were to have designed a facility which included a concert hall, jazz club, recording studio, teaching and practice spaces. The status of the project is unknown.

With The Learning and Teaching Building in its construction infancy, see below for a selection of images of the newly completed Halls of Residence.
</body></html>

silvermb

Monash Clayton continues to evolve with another new construction program

<html><body>
Another nod to the unique talents of Lyons Architecture opened its doors during the early stages of 2015. Monash University's Clayton campus is home to Green Chemical Futures, a multi-level complex dedicated toward academic and industrial research within the chemicals sector.

A culmination of a Federal Government initiative that began during 2000, Green Chemical Futures is the latest Lyons-designed building to challenge conventional design. With the main east-facing facade reminiscent of a molecular structure, Green Chemical Futures also caters for Monash University's School of Chemistry

Green Chemical Futures' lower levels contain teaching and learning spaces while the upper floors will house research and translational facilities. Still the exterior makes the building. In typical Lyons fashion a range of colours, shapes and finishes have been applied to create a world-class form, without needing to sacrifice function.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_6015.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Green Chemical Futures "><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6015.jpg?itok=oo2YOrUT" title="Green Chemical Futures " width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green Chemical Futures</figcaption></figure><h2>Features and capabilities</h2>

<ul>
<li>9500 square metre multi-level, 5 star green rated building</li>
	<li>Budget: $79.56 million - funded by the Federal Government</li>
	<li>Location: North West Precinct at Monash University's Clayton Campus</li>
	<li>In excess of 100 chemists and engineers will work within the complex</li>
	<li>17 specialist sectors, training programmes for industry practitioners and new laboratory spaces</li>
	<li>New laboratory spaces available for over 1000 students and 100 industry partners</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
GCF will support the academic and industrial research within the chemicals sector in Australia and will provide world-class research to expand Australia's 'green workforce'.

Green Chemical Futures will house over 100 chemists and engineers and allow the growth of basic science research to targeted industry-driven research. It will have 17 specialist sectors, training programmes for industry practitioners and new laboratory spaces available for over 1000 students and 100 industry partners.

The lower levels of the building will contain teaching and learning spaces and the upper floors will house research and translational facilities, with double-height foyer and voids spaces linking the levels and collaboration spaces throughout.
<cite>Monash University</cite>
</blockquote>

Capabilities include:

<ul>
<li>Green analytical/separation/polymer chemistry</li>
	<li>Cleaner synthesis - organic, inorganic and organometallic</li>
	<li>Catalysis and bio-catalysis</li>
	<li>Green electro- and photo-chemistry</li>
	<li>Bioconversion - New materials from biomass</li>
	<li>Biomimetic devices</li>
	<li>Nanomaterials</li>
	<li>Professional education and training</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_6025.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="GCF's interior stair case"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="870" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_6025.jpg?itok=B2CM8m0a" title="GCF's interior stair case" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>GCF's interior stair case</figcaption></figure>In addition to the main works which were undertaken by Lend Lease, Australian Native Landscape Constructions is in the process of rolling out landscaping and civil works for the project. The area surrounding Green Chemical Futures was designed by Outlines Landscape Architects and includes multiple lawn areas, in excess of 7,000sqm of paving, decking and 5,500sqm of soft landscaping.

The Green Chemical Futures buildings follows in the footsteps of another Lyons design close by, namely <a href="/news/a-lyons-masterclass">New Horizons</a> which was completed during 2013.

<h2>Next in line</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image8_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Brimbank Community and Civic Centre. Image courtesy Lyons"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="317" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image8_0.jpg?itok=cwnM7Qbx" title="Brimbank Community and Civic Centre. Image courtesy Lyons" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Brimbank Community and Civic Centre. Image courtesy Lyons</figcaption></figure>Melbourne won't have to wait long for the next Lyons project to take shape with their scheme for City of Brimbank's new Community and Civic Centre in its infancy. Kane Constructions are in charge of the project which will see a new 12,000sqm complex replace the former Sunshine Library site at Hampshire Road, Sunshine.

With a new library, community spaces and municipal offices included within the development, the exterior will carry a typically a-typical Lyons finish with orange/yellow highlight drawing upon the City of Brimbank logo and a sawtooth design harking upon the site's former use. Lyons were appointed to the project following an invited design competition.

<h2>Comment</h2>

The staff at Apartments.com.au have had the opportunity to meet and peruse many an architectural office in recent times and often enough the office/work environment is reflective of the firm in question. Whether it's austere, brash or minimalist, a parallel can often enough be drawn.

I haven't seen the internal workings of Lyons' office but I could guess it to be similar to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I'm an unabashed fan of their work as it hits a point on the design 'spectrum' that no other firm does.

The firm's educational, research and civic projects simply don't conform to sensibility, and that's what makes Lyons Architecture one of a kind… let's see some more!

Enjoy the image set of Monash University's Green Chemical Futures building below.
</body></html>

Green Chemical Futures another Lyons marvel

<html><body>
Recently editor Mark Baljak <a href="/news/monash-university-claytons-design-and-construction-boom">took a look at the construction program</a> currently underway at Monash University's Clayton campus. As a follow-up piece, I'll explore the happenings at Monash's Caulfield campus which was/is subject to some grand plans.

In years gone by Monash Caulfield was subject to a $300m 'Monash Village' scheme, to be delivered jointly between the tertiary institution and developer/builder Equiset. The failed project would have included 436 student apartments across numerous buildings, two office buildings, a shopping centre and an underground carpark, all designed by NH Architecture.

Additionally the scheme would have included a new a multi-level Law faculty building designed by BVN Architecture with a major new library at its core. The project was due to be completed by December 2011.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/monash_village.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Monash Village. © NH Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="285" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/monash_village.jpg?itok=V2ockByv" title="Monash Village. © NH Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The failed Monash Village proposal. Image © NH Architecture</figcaption></figure><h2>Campus vision</h2>

<blockquote>
The Caulfield campus will be recognised as a prestigious inner-city campus. The balance of urban intensity and high quality public realm will be further enriched by strong connections to the surrounding region.

The mix of professional and creative courses will draw together a diverse campus community united by a shared commitment to education.
<cite>Campus Masterplan 2011-2030</cite>
</blockquote>

The GFC has failed to dampen the ambitions of the University for its Caulfield campus. Monash University's Caulfield Campus Masterplan 2011-2030 prepared by MGS Architects aims to better integrate and unify an otherwise disparate assortment of buildings and develop a centralised spine of quality public realm in addition to more intimate pockets.

The masterplan calls for the design of buildings with strong permeability at the ground plane and key pedestrian interfaces to create a localised Campus Village with an accessible transport network at its door step.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/monash_caulfield_masterplan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Campus Masterplan 2011-2030. © MGS Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="409" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/monash_caulfield_masterplan.jpg?itok=eqXPCcGu" title="Campus Masterplan 2011-2030. © MGS Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Campus Masterplan 2011-2030. Image © MGS Architects</figcaption></figure><h2>NH Architecture returning to the fold?</h2>

Following the failure of Monash Village, Monash University have directly engaged NH Architecture to continue work on the western precinct via the NRAS funding scheme. Included within the design is a highly recognisable 26 level residential tower dominated by shades of pink to red.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/monashcaulfield_07.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The distinctive Pink Tower. Image © NH Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="662" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/monashcaulfield_07.jpg?itok=s1qjWRby" title="The distinctive Pink Tower. Image © NH Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The distinctive Pink Tower. Image © NH Architecture</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
NH Architecture’s design for Monash Village on a 1.6 hectare site consists of a collection of six new 14-26 storey buildings comprising 1,000 student apartments, commercial office space, educational facilities, retail tenancies, a supermarket, and car parking.

The network of vibrant open spaces between the buildings incorporates a north-south pedestrian street with lanes feeding into it from the existing retail strip to the west and the University campus to the east. The plan links into and reinforces the local streets, campus pathways, and connections to public transport.
<cite>NH Architecture</cite>
</blockquote>

While a new set of project images have appeared on the NH Architecture website, little has been said publicly of the project's fate or intentions of Monash University regarding redevelopment of Caulfield.

<h2>Law Business and Economics Complex?</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mumcrimage30.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Monash LBEC. © MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="480" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mumcrimage30.jpg?itok=MPcm033F" title="Monash LBEC. © MCR" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Monash LBEC. Image © MCR</figcaption></figure>Adding to uncertainty is the status of a key anchor to the redevelopment of the campus's western precinct. The new Law Business and Economics Building which would see a consolidation of the various faculties into one, is a result of an invited design competition in which McBride Charles Ryan were successful. Having been <a href="/news/an-architectural-gem-on-the-horizon">previously covered</a> by Apartments.com.au, its status is currently unknown with the Law faculty's involvement reportedly in doubt.

<h2>Comment: the future</h2>

Together with the multi-staged Caulfield Village development to the south-west, the Caulfield campus presents an opportunity to redefine central Caulfield as a National Employment Cluster as set out in Plan Melbourne. A series of other mid-rise residential developments directly opposite the campus on Dandenong Road hint at the transformation about to occur in the area.

It is key that the campus integrates itself into the community. Dandenong Road doesn't help the cause particularly when it comes to providing a pleasant and welcoming pedestrian environment as well as a 'front door' to the campus, but hopefully the ambitions and intent of the master plan come to fruition soon enough, along with some daring architecture.

See more images on the NH Architecture <a href="http://nharchitecture.net/projects/monash-university/">project page</a>.
</body></html>

Laurence Dragomir

Monash University Caulfield Campus: From bust to boom?

<html><body>
Monash University have been for some years now steadily overseen the delivery of a string of marquee buildings at their <a href="/new-apartments/clayton-vic-3168">Clayton</a> campus. In and amongst numerous smaller projects designed to foster a 'Campus City' environment, seven mainline buildings have been or are in the process of being delivered in order to boost the quality of facilities, resulting in a high level of design integrity.

<blockquote>
The Clayton campus will evolve as an engaged and dynamic University City. Monash Clayton will be a showcase campus: a leader in education and research, distinguished by world-class environmentally sustainable infrastructure, design and landscapes.

The campus’s success will be underpinned by excellence in infrastructure, quality teaching and learning spaces and facilities.
<cite>Clayton Campus Masterplan 2011-2030 / MGS Architects</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Recent builds</h2>

First in Australia to receive a 5 Star Green Star Design rating in its class, the <a href="http://melbournedesignawards.com.au/mda2012/entry_details.asp?ID=11050&amp;Category_ID=4763">Briggs &amp; Jackomos</a> student residences by <a href="/architects/bvn-architecture">BVN Architecture</a> delivered 600 studio apartments to campus during 2011. Designed to hotel standards, the complex contains various amenities within the cutting-edge external timber design which focuses on sustainability, accessibility and an open layout.

The two buildings thereafter won gongs at the 2012 Melbourne Design Awards, 2012 British Architects International Awards and the Frederick Romberg Award at the 2012 National Architecture Awards relating to residential architecture excellence.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Student residences &amp; New Horizons. Housing images courtesy melbournedesignawards.com.au/"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="545" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image17.jpg?itok=_3nMqXdM" title="Student residences &amp; New Horizons. Housing images courtesy melbournedesignawards.com.au/" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Student residences &amp; New Horizons. Housing images courtesy melbournedesignawards.com.au</figcaption></figure>2013 heralded the completion of New Horizons, with the Lyons facility dedicated toward research and teaching in future manufacturing. Biomedicine, transport, aerospace and mineral processing are key platforms researched within New Horizons which has been <a href="/news/a-lyons-masterclass">previously highlighted</a> by Apartments.com.au.

<h2>Currently under construction</h2>

Bringing additional colour to campus are four separate student accommodation buildings at varying stages of construction. Brookfield Multiplex are delivering the combined <a href="http://www.mrs.monash.edu/capital-development">1000 new studio apartments</a> atop what once were at grade car parks.

In order of appearance below, <a href="/architects/mcbride-charles-ryan">McBride Charles Ryan</a> Architects, <a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> Architects - Richard Middleton Architects and <a href="/architects/jackson-clements-burrows-architects">Jackson Clements Burrows</a> Architects have conceived the new student halls which much like Briggs &amp; Jackomos are expected to achieve a Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star ‘5-star As-Built’ rating.

Ready for occupancy during January 2016, the buildings will line a planned 'Main Street' &amp; pedestrian walk.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image34.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy Monash Residential Services"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="458" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34.jpg?itok=N8VO6mNh" title="Images courtesy Monash Residential Services" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images courtesy Monash Residential Services</figcaption></figure>Elsewhere contractor Lend Lease are applying the finishing touches to the new Lyons-designed <a href="http://fsd.monash.edu.au/capital-major-works/projects/green-chemical-futures">Green Chemical Futures</a> complex. The $80 million building consists of 9,300sqm over five storeys and will house the School of Chemistry in addition to associated research facilities.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_1854.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Green Chemical Futures October 2014"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_1854.jpg?itok=vN3NsCTq" title="Green Chemical Futures October 2014" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Green Chemical Futures October 2014</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
Green Chemical Futures will house over 100 chemists and engineers and allow the growth of basic science research to targeted industry-driven research. It will have 17 specialist sectors, training programmes for industry practitioners and new laboratory spaces available for over 1000 students and 100 industry partners.
<cite>Monash University</cite>
</blockquote>

<h2>Enter Moshe Safdie</h2>

In many ways the big ticket item yet to appear at Monash Clayton is the new <a href="http://www.australiandesignreview.com/news/25724-moshe-safdie-unveils-new-monash-university-design">Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music</a>. Famed international architect Moshe Safdie has collaborated with Fender Katsalidis to deliver the project which had a nominal start date of 2014, but has yet to break ground.

<blockquote>
Architecture has an extraordinary impact on our lives. It impacts how we work, live, and experience our environment. With that comes a great responsibility.

For me, the foundation of architectural thinking is this impact on people. And the solutions evolve from characteristics of place, culture and contemporary life. In this way we can create buildings that belong and thereby enrich the community.
<cite>Moshe Safdie on the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music</cite>
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image37.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Images courtesy Australian Design Review"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="223" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image37.jpg?itok=ioc30IPJ" title="Images courtesy Australian Design Review" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Images courtesy Australian Design Review</figcaption></figure><h2>Monash Clayton indicative of others</h2>

Monash Clayton is indicative of many other tertiary institutions around Melbourne and Victoria for that matter in that the ubiquitous brick buildings of the mid part of last century on campus have been superseded by a new breed of interesting, sustainable and well considered buildings mark a new era.

Melbourne University <a href="/new-apartments/parkville-vic-3052">Parkville</a>, La Trobe University <a href="/new-apartments/bundoora-vic-3083">Bundoora</a> and Deakin <a href="/developments/burwood-vic-3125">Burwood</a> have all welcomed new additions in the last year that are highly expressive and considerate of their surrounds. Monash Caulfield is next in line with a raft of new developments envisaged; although the project hasn't been without its issues.

As for Monash Clayton, the masterplan suggests campus students will increase from a figure of 26,700 during 2011 to a predicted 36,000 come 2030. In light of such growth Clayton's new building boom is warranted; that they are each of a high quality is now the welcomed norm and a benchmark for future developments.
</body></html>

Monash University Clayton's design and construction boom

<html><body>
A long and winding road persists regarding <a href="http://www.mcbridecharlesryan.com.au/" target="_blank">McBride Charles Ryan</a>'s intriguing design for Monash University's new state-of-the-art teaching and learning centre located within the Caulfield campus' Western Precinct. Although The Law Business and Economics Complex (LBEC Building) is still on track, construction remains at least one year away.
Post the 2012 announcement of McBride Charles Ryan successfully snaring the commission, the intended project program has progressed to the point where approved design development is due this month. With the development's progression tied to a major fundraising campaign, construction tenders are tentatively due early next year with early works potentially beginning April 2015 according to project consultant <a href="http://www.citylab.com.au/" target="_blank">Citylab</a>.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/MCR-A-Views-Hero.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Hero perspective from Dandenong Road.. Image © MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="724" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/MCR-A-Views-Hero.jpg?itok=voJPqyG2" title="Hero perspective from Dandenong Road.. Image © MCR" width="580"></a>
<h2>Project Summary</h2>
<ul>
<li>
		Monash University Law Business and Economics Complex (including MBA)</li>
	<li>
		10 levels, 28,000 sqm space</li>
	<li>
		Target = 6-star Greenstar As-Built rating</li>
	<li>
		Western Plaza including 3000 sqm of retail outlets</li>
	<li>
		Total project cost approximately $150 million</li>
</ul>
<h2>External Excess</h2>
The design was submitted to the 2013 World Architecture Festival under the Future Project Category. The <a href="http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/" target="_blank">World Buildings Directory</a> carries the following excerpt describing the exteriors:
<blockquote>
	Monash LBEC complements this assemblage with an entire building as a beautiful wall. The complex mediates the interface with Dandenong Road with a highly formed and articulated concrete panel cladding, protecting the northern aspect from acoustic and thermal considerations in a play of lightness and solidity. Facing the pedestrianised public realm of the Western Plaza, the wall exhibits a 3-dimensional complexity: it is permeable and fragmentary.
	At the western interface, the meshing of these two conditions integrates the heritage facades along Derby Road, providing Monash Caulfield with a street front address, as well as signifying a memorable ‘gateway’ to the precinct – a sentinel in the suburbs – acknowledging passing traffic and facing the Melbourne CBD.
</blockquote>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mumcrImage30.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="External renders. Image © MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="480" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mumcrImage30.jpg?itok=01CpBJFJ" title="External renders. Image © MCR" width="580"></a>
<h2>Warning: Contains Architecture Lingo</h2>
Of the internal layout, one can only assume the architect provided this description:
<blockquote>
	Activities within the complex are distributed according to their preferred aspect and temporal considerations. The planning is distributed around four atria aiding passive ventilation of the internal environment. Two of these are located at the periphery of the complex and act as an environmental buffer to the adjacent office environments.
	Facing and north and west (respectively), these atria incorporate shading and glazing strategies to harness the heat generated immediately within the building fabric to induce air movement drawn from passively preconditioned sources, assisting greatly with the thermal comfort of users.
	The shared learning and teaching spaces are stacked vertically between the faculties, combining formal and informal learning environments and establishing a direct interface with the Western Plaza.
</blockquote>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mumcrImage33.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Internal renders. Image © MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="388" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mumcrImage33.jpg?itok=7Gm-N1Z2" title="Internal renders. Image © MCR" width="580"></a>
McBride Charles Ryan have the Midas touch permeate all their designs and the LBEC Building is no exception. I'm sure I speak for all when I say just build it already!
Further reading &gt; <a href="http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/project.cfm?id=5115" target="_blank">World Building Directory project page</a>
</body></html>

An architectural gem on the horizon

<html><body>
'Thought into Form', <a href="http://www.artdes.monash.edu.au/#">Monash Art Design &amp; Architecture</a>'s (MADA) inaugural publication was this week launched by Dean, Shane Murray. The publication showcases the work of the faculty's staff and students, giving an insight into the processes and methodology of art, design and architectural learning at an undergraduate level and providing 'the starting point for discourse about how the multidisciplinary will help shape and inform our future.'  Apartments.com.au was invited to the launch at ACCA, an evening which included keynote speakers such as John Warwicker, Professor of Design MADA &amp; editor of Thought Into Form; a jetlagged but highly entertaining Juliana Engberg, Artistic Director, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art; Roger Wood, Wood Marsh Architecture; Tara McDowell, Director of Cultural Practice at MADA.  All of whom discussed the possibilities and future of collaborative creative practice.
MADA located within Building F at Monash's Caulfield Campus, which it shares with the <a href="http://www.monash.edu.au/muma/">MUMA </a>gallery (which this author was lucky enough to work on), providing a studio based curriculum which promotes multidisciplinary learning and the cross-pollination of ideas throughout the various schools which make up the faculty - a step away from the typical model of art, design and architectural schools which have generally confined themselves to the walls which house them.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image4_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Stills taken from MADA's event flyer. Images © Monash University"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image4_12.jpg?itok=CzuOfExW" title="Stills taken from MADA's event flyer. Images © Monash University" typeof="Image"></a>
The three schools, while sharing a common brand in the form of MADA have also been given their own identity by a team led by Professor John Warwicker and are likely to evolve and adapt over time at the hands of John's communications students. A more comprehensive write up on the branding and ideology can be found <a href="http://desktopmag.com.au/features/mada-%E2%80%94-thought-into-form/#.UkQiScZi1W8">here</a>.
Initially, I wasn't quite sure what direction to take with this article but eventually decided to provide a bit of a commentary on architectural pedagogy in Melbourne, based on my own architectural education. 
I studied architecture at RMIT's city campus between 2005-2009, where we shared levels 11 &amp; 12 of Building 8 with landscape architecture students and held joint exhibitions but otherwise had little to no involvement with them.  The focus was on research, investigations in form and materiality and the implications of these on the architecture that you developed with the ultimate aim of having students position themselves amongst the school's "pillars of architecture". The vast majority of work produced was speculative with no real world outcomes, which meant plenty of models and drawings either thrown away or locked away never to see the light of day despite the hours spent slaving away to produce them.
The learning was largely driven by the idea of the individual and despite working in groups, you were ultimately assessed as an individual. This isn't limited to RMIT - it has more-or-less been considered 'the norm' in architectural education the world over. 
“Built environment is a product of teamwork, the educational setting still places emphasis on individualistic work.”
“We are trained and we train architects as individualistic creative people to develop their senses and design ability to create a better world. However, as any practicing architect would argue the act of architecture in the real world is all about teamwork, starting with a client, and working with other professionals, including  officials, colleagues and builders.” – Hana Alamuddin, architect, extract from Architectural Education Today, Cross Cultural Perspectives. 
How you were trained as an architect at university wasn't a true representation of the 'real world' of an architect. You are not trained to work with others from different disciplines despite the fact that as an architect you will need to work with teams of consultants made up of structural, civil &amp; services engineers, landscape architects, builders etc. There was no scope for developing the skills to be able to competently collaborate with other disciplines, nor was there really ever the platform to allow for this to occur.
RMIT's award winning,brand-spanking new, Sean Godsell-designed and aptly named <a href="http://www.designhub.rmit.edu.au/about/overview">Design Hub</a> is a step in the right direction - providing a place for cross-disciplinary collaboration in research, at a post graduate level and a public interface for displaying the outcomes. 
So how is MADA's architecture school, launched in 2008, different?  This is best summed up by the following description, taken from MADA's website:
Art, design and architecture students have designed products to help people with disabilities, created installations that comment on social issues. and developed emergency relief structures. The applications are limitless.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image5_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A new working space - RMIT Design Hub. Image © seangodsell.com"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image5_11.jpg?itok=B0tj7hIA" title="A new working space - RMIT Design Hub. Image © seangodsell.com" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
This is evident in projects such as the <a href="http://architectureau.com/articles/stawell-steps/">Stawell Steps</a> project - a collaboration between Japanese artist Hiroshi Nakao and Monash architecture students under the supervision of <a href="http://www.nmbw.com.au/">NMBW</a> principal, Nigel Bertram. Part spillway, part brick ruin and part playground it successfully and carefully marries architecture, art and landscape to provide a multi-faceted installation that can be sat, walked or climbed on. The 'Steps' were developed over the course of a semester, with a prototype being built in MUMA's Ian Potter Sculpture Courtyard before a more permanent installation being built in Stawell. 
The Stawell Steps were shortlisted in the Regional Category at the AIA Victorian Chapters architecture awards - an award won by Marysville Police Station (another project I was fortunate enough to work on). What does that mean? Well, like Brett Seakins, who did the write up of the steps for Architecture Australia (linked in the previous paragraph), I can't help but be envious of what the Monash students have been able to achieve - something I wasn't able to until I began working in an architectural office... 
 
</body></html>

Thought into Form and why it should MADA

<html><body>
Only rarely would a project come across the desks of UrbanMelbourne.info that has the ability to stupefy all that see it.  Denton Corker Marshall (<a href="http://www.dentoncorkermarshall.com/" target="_blank">DCM Architecture</a>) recently upgraded their website and nestled in amongst a gaggle of great projects was their unsuccessful bid for Monash University's forthcoming Law, Business and Economics Complex at their Caulfield campus.

Very rarely does a design of this ilk come along which oozes a certain landmark status; unique in both looks and quality it would have been a building unlike any other in Melbourne.  With two main volumes divided by a trademark splash of yellow the DCM scheme would have been incredible if realised.  The renders within the article slideshow show the design from even more impressive angles yet the image below highlights the cantilevered nature of the design.

The seemingly haphazard nature of the scheme's windows leads to a fascinating facade but for mine the designs best feature - the continuation of the facade treatment to the under floor of the overhung sections. It's likely they wouldn't have been transparent, yet if they were  transparent what a sight that would be for the fortunate few looking down.  Simply a design that makes you think - Dammit! Just build it anywhere in Melbourne and I'd be happy!

 <a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image4_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="DCM's Law, Business &amp; Economics complex. Image © DCM Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image4_10.jpg?itok=VCBhS0gJ" title="DCM's Law, Business &amp; Economics complex. Image © DCM Architects" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

Of the initial forty or so entires for Monash University's new building a shortlist of five schemes were assembled for consideration. Joining DCM Architecture at the time were OMA and Donovan Hill, Grimshaw Architects with NMBW and Kerstin Thompson Architects, ARM Architecture and McBride Charles Ryan. 

Quoting <a href="http://architectureau.com/" target="_blank">ArchitectureAU</a>, " The proposed new Law, Business and Economics Complex is expected to bring more than 6,300 students and 714 staff to Caulfield, transforming the campus into the hub of Monash’s social sciences teaching, learning, research and public programs, as well as adding significantly to the diversity of the campus and community surrounds.  Occupying a prominent corner site on Dandenong Road (Princes Highway), the complex will have about 20,000m2 of floor space with teaching spaces, seminar rooms, lecture theatres, small group (syndicate) rooms and offices."

Seen below is an image of the joint Grimshaw Architects + NMBW + Kerstin Thompson Architects scheme, that was kindly passed on by <a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/" target="_blank">Kerstin Thompson Architects</a>. The nine level complex featured a heavily glazed southern facade as opposed to the Dandenong Road frontage which featured a facade dominated by vertical fins punctured only by protruding glass pods.

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Station%20View1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Kerstin Thompson's Monash university scheme as seen from Caulfiled Train Station. Image © Kerstin Thompson Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Station%20View1.jpg?itok=9mL03fc_" title="Kerstin Thompson's Monash university scheme as seen from Caulfiled Train Station. Image © Kerstin Thompson Architects" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

As disappointing as seeing designs the calibre of DCM's unrealised, much solace can be taken from McBride Charles Ryan (MCR) <a href="http://www.mcbridecharlesryan.com.au/#/projects/monash-university-law-business-and-economics-complex-lbec/" target="_blank">winning the design competition</a> for Monash University's requirement.  With projects such as Grocon's <a href="http://www.mcbridecharlesryan.com.au/#/projects/carlton-united-brewery/" target="_blank">CUB site</a>, MAB's <a href="/news">The Quays</a> and the <a href="http://www.mcbridecharlesryan.com.au/#/projects/victorian-comprehensive-cancer-centre-vccc/" target="_blank">Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre</a> under their belt there can be two certainties for Monash University; the design will be spectacular and there will be MCR purple in the design.

MCR was revealed as the winning design late 2012 with the accompanying image below.  Construction is expected to start during 2015 following an extensive fundraising campaign that according to media reports is currently underway with the final design due to be released shortly.  Admirers of quality design wait with baited breath...

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mcr%20monash.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="McBride Charles Ryan's successful Monash competition entry. Image © MCR"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/mcr%20monash.jpg?itok=ZBK04yoe" title="McBride Charles Ryan's successful Monash competition entry. Image © MCR" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>

See below images of DCM Architects, KTA + Grimshaw + NMBW and OMA + Donovan Hill's unsuccessful bids for Monash University's Law, Business and Economics Complex.
</body></html>

Monash University

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Monash University

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News