Announcement
2008 Innovation and Excellence Award for Public Buildings: Winner
This award focuses on excellence in a new or refurbished public building.
A public building is defined as a building owned by a government or statutory authority and where the primary use is developing and delivering valuable community services, for instance library; hospital; child care; civic centre and community centre.
Kaurna
Building City West Campus (SA)
Nominated and Owned by University of South Australia
Project Team
University of South Australia
John Wardle and Hassell Architects in association
Hassell Architects
Rider Levett Bucknell
Built Environs
Wallbridge and Gilbert
Bestec
This building represents a significant change in the design, functionality and impact on both the university and the public community. The building’s external design reflects a commitment to change the landscape, providing buildings that engage people through their design whilst making a new urban statement counterpoint to the existing older campus buildings.
Internally the building services, structure, fabric and design innovation provide a stimulating, creative learning environment for art students. Additionally, the exposure of services and structural elements demonstrates to the architectural students, the integration of functionality and services required in building design.
The building displays the working, technical functions by offering glimpses up and within the many levels of the building. At night, the play of light and shade from within creates the perception of a 24 hour-a-day living institution in the heart of the city.
The Kaurna Building and the other recent building projects at City West campus presents a new functional and aesthetic face to the local community.
