Two development applications have been submitted to the City of Launceston for the University of Tasmania’s proposed River’s Edge and Willis Street buildings designed by John Wardle Architects.
The buildings represent the second and third stage of the wider $344 million redevelopment of the campus, which sits of the lands the palawa people, the traditional owners of lutruwita (Tasmania).
The development applications are on public exhibition until 28 September.
River’s Edge, designed in collaboration with Tasmanian practice 1 Plus 2 Architecture and with landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, is described in planning documents as a “vibrant learning and teaching building” nestled amongst the historic Launceston Railway Workshops by the North Esk River.
“The building is at the centre of some of the most intriguing intersections of this remarkable precinct – between a river and a new university square; between existing historic buildings and the northern end of Traverser Lane; between old and new,” states John Wardle Architects’ design statement.
The proposed River’s Edge building at the University of Tasmania by John Wardle Architects and 1+2 Architecture.
Image: University of Tasmania
The design response seeks to illuminate the distinctive qualities of the site, reinterpreting the sawtooth geometry, metal cladding and natural atrium lighting of the historic buildings in a contemporary way.
But whereas the buildings of this precinct were traditionally not orientated towards the river, this building offers an “optical departure” with large-format windows embracing views to the North Esk and farmland beyond.
River’s Edge Building will house teaching and research space for the College of Arts, Law and Education, as well as a consultation hub for disability and accessibility support, counselling and student wellbeing services and the Riawunna Centre, which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Its estimated cost is $38.4 million.
Willis Street, meanwhile, will have a focus on health, medicine and sciences. John Wardle Architects describes the building as “an expansive shed with an all-encompassing roof.”
“Accessible and democratic, the single main point of entry leads to a light filled atrium with the shed that provides space for multiple modes of operation over time for the university, ranging from small to large gatherings,” reads the design statement.
The $68.9 million building will include nursing simulation labs that will be co-located with TasTAFE, food science facilities including a sensory lab, health clinics to support dietetics, speech pathology, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
