Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects

Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - SteelVictoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - ChairVictoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Facade, WindowsVictoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - WindowsVictoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - More Images+ 9

Footscray, Australia
  • Architects: John Wardle Architects
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  14600
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2010
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Trevor Mein
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Archclad
  • Architects: John Wardle, Stefan Mee
  • Project Architect: Ben Beaumont
  • Senior Associate: Meaghan Dwyer, Andrew Wong
  • Interior Designer: Amanda Moore
  • Barry Hayes: Associate
  • City: Footscray
  • Country: Australia
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Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Facade, Windows
© Trevor Mein

Text description provided by the architects. The new Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons Project for Victoria University creates a new presence for the Footscray Park Campus to the north. The new building defines an edge similar to that of a medieval walled hill town. This definition provides a strong image and address to the campus. Gesturing to the community beyond, the new building is a portal providing both visual and physical connectivity into the campus.

Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Bench
© Trevor Mein

The project also creates a new centre to the campus.  A large courtyard sits to the south of the building, around which is wrapped a giant folded glass façade. Inside is a vibrant and diverse learning focused environment that supports both informal and formal learning with a series of spaces. The new building incorporates a number of highly specialised laboratory spaces for the School of Human Movement Recreation and Performance.

Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Steel
© Trevor Mein

An intimate understanding of the exacting requirements of each laboratory space was gathered and the spatial definition of these repeatedly tested with the Client.  The building itself might be considered a sort of giant apparatus for a scientific experimentation, including a lofty 11 metre high Biomechanics laboratory with an integrated operable box truss and camera, and climate controlled chambers engineered to simulate depleted oxygen, high humidity and extreme temperature environments.

Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Windows
© Trevor Mein

This $60M development incorporates a range of environmentally sustainable initiatives and has achieved a 5 Star Greenstar Certification.  A thermal labyrinth and chimneys support a mixed mode ventilation system that services a new open plan workplace environment for academic staff.  The façade to the north is constructed from folded zinc and aluminium panels coloured with reference to the landscape setting.

Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Chair
© Trevor Mein
Floor Plan
Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Table, Chair
© Trevor Mein

The building sits on the old Maribyrnong River escarpment and just above the modern flood levels.  A site that was once relegated as a convenient rubbish tip inadvertently became an opportunity to re-imagine the university campus.  North facing, the breadth of the Campus and with an elevated aspect across playing fields and ever improving Maribyrnong River, the site beckoned completion.  A sweeping horizontal form pronounces a new outlook for Victoria University.  

Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Image 10 of 14
© Trevor Mein

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Project location

Address:Footscray VIC, Australia

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects" 10 May 2013. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/369898/victoria-university-exercise-science-and-sport-precinct-and-learning-commons-john-wardle-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© Trevor Mein

维多利亚大学——运动科学、体育分局和学习共享空间/ John Wardle Architects建筑事务所

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