The Mawson Centre
People coming together
This
is one of those rare collaborations that actually works: a partnership
between UniSA, the City of Salisbury, the SA Department of Education and
Children’s Services, and the Mawson Lakes Joint Venture.
All these partners share the desire to see Mawson Lakes grow as a community for the future: environmentally efficient, socially integrated and focused on lifelong learning.
Guida Moseley Brown (GMB) Architects and Russell and Yelland Architects, in association, embraced the design challenge with a building that is environmentally and operationally efficient, and has great presence while still being open, inviting and vibrant.
Built on a north/south axis, its predominantly glass façade is shaded by recycled wool store timbers and a generous planting of trees. Inside is a 255-seat SA Water lecture theatre, a Microarts computer barn, tutorial, presentation and group discussion rooms and an administrative centre for the Mawson Lakes Education Service.
There is also a library owned by the Salisbury Council and the Mawson Lakes School plus a community café, exhibition space and courtyard.
A highly intelligent building management system monitors power and water consumption for maximum efficiency, controlling motorised blinds, light-sensitive glazing and internal lighting. Grey water is connected from the town centre and the hot water system is solar powered. Even the paint used throughout is low allergy.