The vision for the new School of Science and Engineering at Federation University is to provide and encourage synergy between science and engineering research and teaching disciplines, and to assist in a cultural shift of the university.
The new research and teaching facility consolidates seven science and engineering departments, which range from complex laboratory environments such as PC2 laboratories to heavy engineering workshops.
The design responds to FUA’s challenge to attract and retain staff and students by creating a facility that is responsive to changes in student experiences, work flow and technologies, and also provides the base for a cultural change via clever planning and visibility of functional spaces, provision of informal gathering areas, and opening up the science and engineering to the public and students.
The facade treatment interprets naturally occurring rock stratification through using a horizontal, large scale v-profile zincalume cladding. This cladding is a unique and innovative solution providing the building design with an iconic rural quality that relates to the FUA’s regional location.