Queensland University of Technology unveiled its new $94.4 million Education Precinct building

The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has unveiled its new $94.4 million Education Precinct building located at its Kelvin Grove Campus in Brisbane.

The Faculty of Education and QUT’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Oodgeroo Unit are housed in the state-of-the-art, six-level building, spread across 10,500 sqm. 

Designed by Wilson Architects and Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects, the project is a model for educational precincts internationally and sets a new benchmark for contemporary and sustainable design. 

The development of the new precinct involved the demolition of two existing 30-year-old buildings, project managed by Turner & Townsend under the direction of QUT’s Facilities Management Department

Robin Sweasey, National Head of Education for Turner & Townsend and Senior Project Manager for QUT’s Education Precinct development said the four year project was a collaborative team effort.

“The inclusion of a five-metre diameter LED Sphere suspended over two floors is a focal point in the atrium and showcases the very best of visualisation technology. The Sphere facilitates interactions with teaching content in a unique format.”

QUT Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Margaret Sheil said the university was excited to welcome students this semester to the new precinct.

“This is a significant investment by the university in enhancing the student learning experience and continuing to provide quality teaching and education,” Professor Sheil said.

“These facilities have been purpose-designed and reflect QUT’s commitment to applying technology and immersive digital environments in teaching, research and engagement.”

John Thong, director at Wilson Architects and representative of Henning Larsen said the project is a flagship and transformative development for QUT.

“The conceptual framework for this memorable place leverages off strong connections to the existing Campus Library and Campus Pedestrian spine to reveal a highly visible, large, interconnected, terraced atrium space enabling intuitive wayfinding and a highly visibly connection into the library," Thong said.

“Spaces are dynamically flexible where students can find their unique place to study and collaborate. The physical framework inspires a variety of study modes and interdisciplinary collaboration by incorporating distinctive and inspiring spatial environments to stimulate informal interactions.”

The space between the existing Campus Library and the new Education Precinct has been transformed into a new internal garden and forms a central focal space within the building. It incorporates lush landscape planting, responding to the sub-tropical climate of Brisbane. The escarpment, formed between the upper campus and the newly pedestrianised Ring Road, is funneled into the atrium where the plants cascade through a series of terraced platforms.

The precinct is a key aspect of QUT’s strategic objective to enhance the Kelvin Grove Campus and position the university at the forefront of educational tertiary academia through interactive and flexible facilities.