The project focused on refurbishing the existing Melbourne Polytechnic Campus in Collingwood (10,000m2) - one of seven in Melbourne Polytechnic’s network – comprising a large eight-storey building built in the brutalist style. As one of the largest providers of vocational and practical training in Victoria, the campus is an important place stitched into Collingwood’s urban fabric.

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A new annexe building on Otter Street,re-establishes the entrance with fluted aluminium fins and materiality referencing the industrial warehouses and factory context. The circular window on the façade references the historic warehouses and factories in the area and includes a cold shell fit-out space with the ability to be fitted out as a café.

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Internally, the building works harder through careful programming and design agility, with multi-functional layouts across each floor, and high-end technology and blended learning capability to give students spaces they’re excited to learn in. These include a library, presentation spaces, deaf teaching and support spaces, community and industry engagement, theatrette, student lounge, Changing Places facility, and staff amenities – each finished with a soft, neutral and warm palette.

PROJECT

TERTIARY

EDUCATION