The Hawke Building

The Samstag Museum of Art is housed in the Hawke Building, the University of South Australia's flagship named in honour of Australia's distinguished former Prime Minister. The Hawke Building is also home to the University Chancellery.

Designed by John Wardle Architects in association with Hassell, the Hawke Building presents a commanding façade to Adelaide's North Terrace and incorporates a series of complex and unique architectural elements. The pre-cast concrete panels with inserted copper accents are designed to weather gracefully to signify the persistence of the institution over time.

Besides its role as the University's corporate centre, the functions accommodated within the Hawke Building are largely civic in nature and representative of the University's commitment to the greater community.

The Bradley Forum is an architecturally distinct venue, with international teleconferencing facilities and seating for 150 people. It is inserted like a drum into the centre of the building, high against a backdrop of dramatic city views. Architect John Wardle likens the Forum space to an alchemist's crucible, 'inside is the experiment, a free and fearless argument'. The Forum space is equally dynamic viewed from outside, its iridescent blue 'eye' a bold feature, created by the ten-metre high cascading glass windows.

The Hawke Building is also home to the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, which encourages visitors to explore current issues in Australia's political and social environment. The 400-seat Allan Scott Auditorium provides one of Adelaide's most outstanding lecture theatre facilities for both University and community use, and features state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. Also located on the University's City West campus, and adjacent to the Hawke Building off nearby Hindley Street, is the Architecture Museum and SASA Gallery

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