John Wardle Architects

Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University

Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
© Peter Bennetts

LEARNING & TEACHING BUILDING, MONASH UNIVERSITY

John Wardle Architects

CLIENT
Monash University

CIVIL ENGINEER
Irwinconsult

MANUFACTURERS
AutoDesk, Studco, Fairview Architectural, Interface, Krause Bricks, El Zinc, Forbo, The Locker Group, VM Zinc

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
McGregor Coxall, Realm Studios

AREA
28980 m²

TRAFFIC
GTA Consulting

PEDESTRIAN MODELLING
Arup

CONSTRUCTION TEAM
Multiplex

BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEER
NDY

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER
Douglas Partners

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Irwinconsult

ACOUSTIC CONSULTANT
Marshall Day Acoustics

ACCESSIBILITY CONSULTANT
du Chateau Chun

DESIGN TEAM
John Wardle, Stefan Mee, Meaghan Dwyer, Yee Jien, Sam Clegg, Amanda Moore, Alexandra Morrison, Barry Hayes, Bill Kalavriotis, Elisabetta Zanella, Goran Sekuleski, James Loder, Kanyanta Chipanta, Manuel Canestrini, Meron Tierney, Sharon Crabb, Stuart Mann, Will Chan

SUSTAINABILITY (ESD) CONSULTANCY
NDY

FAÇADE ENGINEERING
Inhabit

WIND
MEL Consulting

BUILDING SURVEYOR
PLP

FAÇADE ENGINEERING
Inhabit

SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING
Buro North

SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANCY
NDY

CATEGORY
University

LOCATION
Clayton, Australia

YEAR
2018

Text description provided by architect.

The Learning & Teaching Building (LTB) for Monash University marks a new gateway to the Clayton campus. The LTB is a multi-faculty learning facility that serves a significant proportion of the student community.

Innovative formal learning and teaching spaces are complemented by informal learning hubs that feature a variety of study settings.

Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
© Peter Bennetts
Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
© Trevor Mein

The modernist lineage of the campus brings with it a philosophy of creating building objects within the indigenous landscape setting.

The design of LTB keeps learning activity close to the ground to create a connection with the campus landscape and imbue the building with qualities of various terrains.

Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
© Trevor Mein
Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
© Peter Bennetts

A horizontal field of spaces are set within a broad, low rise building which means that the learning activities of the interior are visible and accessible to the wider campus community.

The stairs are social condensers, promoting unexpected encounters between the campus community. Learning spaces are grouped in clusters and supported by informal learning neighbourhoods.

Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
© Trevor Mein
Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
© Peter Bennetts

These clusters break down the scale of the building into smaller, more intimate settings for students to inhabit. Streets, courtyards, bridges, balconies and stairs are choreographed into ravines, clearings, strands, nests and amphitheaters to make a landscape of the interior.

This interior is made of the same materials of the campus - brick and timber, rendering the demarcation between inside/outside ambiguous. It is a place for learning, inextricably linked to its place, and fostered by settings within a landscape of unexpected encounter.

Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
© Peter Bennetts
Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
© Peter Bennetts

The major interior spaces have a specific character. The brick towers are reminiscent of pottery kilns at Stoke-on-Trent, England – a reference to the process of firing that starts with a malleable clay is abstractly akin to the process of learning.

The perimeter roof is a series of folded light monitors that encompass the uppermost floor.

The roof geometry introduces varied qualities of natural light whilst screening the glare of low-angle sunlight from the east and west.

Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
© Peter Bennetts
Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
© Peter Bennetts
Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
© Peter Bennetts

At the centre of the plan is a sawtooth roof that draws diffuse southern light into the interior.

A pattern of rhomboidal skylights connects and unites the public spaces of the building with natural light from above.

A perforated zinc screen becomes a veil around the perimeter of the building providing shade while maintaining views through the glazed façade.

Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
© Peter Bennetts
Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
© Peter Bennetts

This profiled and scalloped screen is folded and recalls the texture and patterns of the Stringybark tree.

Through consideration of the evolving patterns of site inhabitation and the inherent characteristics of a low, broad building, the LTB emerges as a newly constructed landscape that creates surprise and delight. It is a place for learning, inextricably linked to its place.

Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
© Peter Bennetts


Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
Site Plan
Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
First Floor Plan
Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
Second Floor Plan
Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
Third Floor Plan


Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University
Section
Learning & Teaching Building, Monash University

John Wardle Architects
T +61 3 86620400
John Wardle Architects
25 Rokeby St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia