A triple win for QUT's Peter Coaldrake Education Precinct
Our Peter Coaldrake Education Precinct at the Queensland University of Technology, designed in collaboration with Brisbane-based Wilson Architects, swept the Queensland Architecture Awards, receiving commendations in three categories.
After being named Brisbane's "Building of the Year" in May, the Peter Coaldrake Education Centre at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has officially swept the floor. In a virtual ceremony held over YouTube, the project was named the winner in not one but three categories, receiving additional accolades in the Education, Sustainability, and Interiors Categories.
In their citation, the jury remarked that, “In a highly technological building, the biophilic design of this space creates a wonderful relief for students and academics. Well considered placement of the new Peter Coaldrake Education Precinct carefully integrates this substantial complex into the difficult steep site. The planning establishes new connections and strengthens existing pedestrian links. The pleasure one experiences using the building is heightened by the wonderfully generous garden space that is created by the connection to the existing Library building."
The project received the named award, the Jennifer Taylor Award, in the Education Category, and the state awards in the Sustainability and Interiors Categories. It will automatically move into consideration in the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Architecture Awards (to be announced later in 2020).
“We wanted to create an environment that supports many different ways to learn,” Kurek said. “The basic concept for the project was focused on connection both within the building and to the Kelvin Grove campus, and threading those pieces together with greenery; it's wonderful to see these elements recognized by the jury. The terraced atrium in particular creates a very visible connection into the library and the surrounding planted landscape, collecting teachers, researchers, and students in this social core.”
Said QUT Executive Dean Professor Carol Nicoll, Students flocked to the building from the day it was opened. The building is a great success and celebration of teacher education.”
The building was completed in 2019 and was designed in close collaboration with Brisbane-based Wilson Architects, as well as Opus International engineers, TCL landscape architects and contractor Hansen Yuncken. The project was delivered by QUT Facilities management.