Architectus

Across Australia, the dial is shifting: 50c fares in Queensland, rave reviews for the launch of Sydney Metro and Melbourne’s imminent Suburban Rail Loop are a culmination of decades of government planning. Our rail teams are noticing a shift in public discourse on public transport as a centerpiece in sustainable cities. Five years after the completion of our Canberra Metro Stage 1, ACT Government has recently released its Benefits Realisation Report on the impact of the light rail. The findings are a rare insight into user experience, helping us answer the ultimate question: How can we design public transport people want to use? Highlights include:  - Up to 20% volume reduction of motor vehicle travel in key locations  - Approx. 19% business growth along travel corridors in the city suburbs  - Powered by 100% renewable energy   - 20% of all trips on Canberra’s entire public transport network are made on the light rail (more than the top three rapid bus routes combined).    You can read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gbtswFHr Or find out more about our rail work here: https://lnkd.in/guTxzg9a #canberra #metro #lightrail #publictransport #sustainablecities 

What architectural devices can help bring nature into learning environments? Haileybury Brighton’s new year 9 building on the historic Castlefield House campus uses visual and physical links to the outdoors, with natural materiality to connect the learning experience with nature. The ground level is reimagined from a typical ‘classroom’ to a multi-use space that can host a myriad of functions. The full length, lift panel doors transform the room into an outdoor environment – hosting functions, classes, lectures and sport related events.     Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/grdt3Jgc #schooldesign #education #architecture 

The architectural profession is facing an extraordinary crossroads of technological, environmental and social forces. Now is the time to challenge business as usual. Presenting Innovation, our space to document the new ways we are dismantling old problems - like our ceramic tiles made from demolition waste, or advancements in manufacturing like Macquarie University’s demountable Incubator pavilion. Our current Playing Fields are: ♦ Next-Gen Materials  ♦ Zero Carbon Future  ♦ Digital Innovation  ♦ Agility  ♦ Psychology of Space We’d love to hear what you think architectural innovation looks like in 2024. For us, it's the new ideas we’re testing in response to the extraordinary global conditions of the built environment. Follow the link to see more: https://lnkd.in/g4jBTuRX #futureofarchitecture #innovation #architecture 

How can we balance technology and nature in schools? And why should we? These questions are at the heart of Principal Alan J Duffy's academic paper, recently published in Architecture MDPI – an international peer-reviewed open access journal for architectural research. His contribution is part of a larger body of cross-disciplinary writing on the topic led by the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne. The concept of ‘biophilia’ has been around for a long time, and its meaning can get diluted. Biophilia is described as the innate desire of humans to socialise ourselves in the natural environment and connect with other living organisms such as plants or animals. Traditional school (and work) spaces have kept us disconnected, and with increasing levels of screen time, the effects are being felt across each generation differently. Ultimately, by applying biophilic principles to school design, we can look after the well-being of students and staff alike by letting nature do its job. Alan’s research talks through applicable examples and learnings from his broad experience across the education sector. You can access the full paper from our website here:  https://lnkd.in/gpnQ82ZA #verticalschools #biophilia #schooldesign  

It's tough to summarise a whirlwind event like TEFMA 2024, but Principal and presenter Marina Carroll did the heavy lifting for us. See her sketches below for the key take-aways from the year’s most anticipated education conference.   Our eight presenters shared their learnings and insights during the three day conference. ♦ Day 1 – We shared insights on the groundbreaking UNSW Health Translation Hub, dove into ANU’s Decarbonisation Plan for future proofing and the role of Flinders University’s Health and Medical Research Hub in campus development ♦ Day 2 -  Saw a discussion on the bicultural education beacon, The Pā, from our NZ studio and later asked how we can expand access to higher education in the Regions. ♦ Day 3 - We discussed how to develop university spaces with industry in mind, future-proofing student accommodation on campus and what doing 'more with less' looks like for refurbishments of education spaces. The overarching theme of the conference? “We’re pushing buildings to be greener, smarter, stronger, more economical but TEFMA reinforced that these projects are constructed from strong client relationships, shoulder to shoulder,” says Marina Carroll.     Thanks to Matthew Todd, Ruth Wilson, Marina Carroll, Craig Earley, Diana (Rosenthal) Thompson, James Mooney, Andrew Schunke and Angela Collings for representing us. You can see more of our education work here: https://lnkd.in/gi-x4YR7 #tefma #education #tefma2024

“Under no circumstance should an environment like that be a better option for a 13-year-old girl than her own home.” In 2017 Gillian Donaldson, our Infrastructure Sector Leader, stumbled across a 13-year-old girl sleeping in a construction site. The incident spurred her personal involvement with the Property Industry Foundation, which raises funds for homeless youth. As an organisation we have a longstanding relationship with PIF, stepping up as a National Partner of the Foundation in 2024. Over the last 12 months Architectus teams have worked pro-bono on the refurbishment of youth accommodation including Haven House, St Laurence House and Redfern Jarjum College. On 13 September, 29 of our Architectus staff including our CEO, Ray Brown rode, walked and ran in the NSW Tour De PIF, raising over $300,000. While we're proud to have fostered a culture that gives back, we know we have a long way to go.  Read about Gillian’s first-hand experience here, and our ongoing support for the critical work of the Property Industry Foundation: https://lnkd.in/gTR_x5Gi  #TourdePif #PIF 

It's no secret Australian school children are facing increasing pressures from their digital lives, with mounting interest to disconnect. Can school environments help students prioritise their wellbeing?    Our education team are leading the design for the highly responsive new wellbeing and sports precinct in the heart of Kew, Victoria, for the historic Methodist Ladies’ College, Melbourne (MLC).    As one of Melbourne’s oldest schools, focusing on student mental and physical wellbeing aims to promote greater happiness, self-esteem, and body confidence, fostering positive lifelong benefits into adulthood.    To respect the suburban setting, the precinct is wrapped in landscape – keeping the street, the school and the students connected to nature. Large arched openings and windows frame views internally, while ensuring the privacy of students.    Two halls embedded in the sloping site host an Indoor Sports and Gymnastics Hall, and an Aquatics Centre, which will be ‘an exceptional facility, flexibly sub-divisible into 2 x 25m pools and incorporating a full diving bowl, and a learn to swim centre.’    The precinct aims to instill a love of the outdoors, and sports in the students while ensuring inclusive access for students of all abilities.    Congratulations to our education team for their dedicated work, and MLC for delivering a project that will facilitate students’ healthy transition into adulthood. Read more about the historic college here: https://lnkd.in/gTdZW2QZ     #StudentWellbeing #SchoolDesign #SportsPrecinct    

“This redevelopment will deliver sustainable, purpose-built new health facilities which can meet our health needs for generations to come.” - NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park    We're honoured to have been announced lead designer for the Fairfield Hospital redevelopment – the biggest upgrade to the hospital in 35 years. This significant project, backed by a $550 million investment from the NSW Government, will be a cornerstone of healthcare in Sydney's south-west.     The building’s connection to country and garden space offers an incredible revitalisation opportunity that prioritises the wellbeing of staff and patients. As the lead design team, we're committed to creating a space that not only meets the hospital's functional needs but also reflects the unique character of the local community.    Across Australia our health care projects are defined by evidence-based design. Similarly to the multi-award winning Sunshine Coast University and Victorian Heart Hospitals, our approach is shaped by cutting-edge research and innovations. By responding to the latest, most advanced treatments, technologies, and models of care, we can future proof Fairfield’s community. Now the real work begins, as the coming months reveal consultation and collaboration with the local community. Together with Turner & Townsend, and Genus Advisory we’ll work to build an accessible beacon for health.    Congratulations to our design team for being a part of this critical community infrastructure. You can read more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/gJpNwx53 #designmatters #healthcare #hospital #hospitaldesign NSW Health

With an astounding 45% of the precinct dedicated to community infrastructure, Salesforce Tower has won Best Office Development at the 2024 Property Council of Australia’s Innovation and Excellence Awards. Designed by Foster Partners in collaboration with Architectus, the jury acknowledged the rich overlay of social benefits for the city, “The tower defines the future of workplace, with flexible floor plates and multiple sustainability and technology features," notes the Property Council of Australia. The tower is the first ever building in Sydney to achieve Platinum WELL Core and Shell pre-certification rating. The central location plays host to a public cycle storage facility, with capacity for 200 bikes and a maintenance station in Sydney’s first ever public bike hub.    Nominated by Lendlease Development, we congratulate our design team, clients, and collaborators on this achievement. Thank you to the jury for recognising the complex structural resolution of the project.   Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gvZAy65T #officedesign #officetower #facadedesign

We’re honoured to share that the Victorian Heart Hospital has won this year’s Australian Development of the Year at the Property Council of Australia's 2024 Innovation & Excellence Awards – the industry’s highest honour.  As the Southern Hemisphere's first dedicated cardiac hospital, designed by Architectus Conrad Gargett in partnership with Wardle, the project has set a new benchmark for healthcare facilities. Nominated by John Holland, the project was also awarded the 'Best Public Building,' a testament to its exceptional design and functionality. The ‘hospital in a park’ draws on a palette of materials that are robust without being institutional. The building’s textures are inspired by native bush patterns, and its external materials will patina over time – settling the building into its surroundings. A huge congratulations to our design team, clients, and collaborators on this incredible achievement. We would also like to acknowledge the other winners, finalists and entrants for their outstanding contributions to the property industry. Read more here:  https://lnkd.in/gvZAy65T #hospitaldesign #designmatters #healthcare onemilegrid Monash University AECOM Monash Health Urbis