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RMIT University's New Academic Street

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Client

RMIT University


Architect

Lyons Architecture, NMBW Architecture Studio, Maddison, MvS Architects and Harrison and White


Builder

LendLease


Status

Complete


Year

2017


Value

$180M


Location

Melbourne, VIC


Images

Tess Kelly Photography

The New Academic Street project dramatically revitalised the central area of RMIT University's city campus, fundamentally enhancing the education and student experience.


The purpose of this project was to seamlessly connect the CBD campus's east and west precincts. Four buildings were thoughtfully refurbished to engage with the city streetscape, transforming Levels 2, 3, 4, and parts of 5 and 6 into interconnected learning spaces, outdoor terraces, laneways, and light wells, all designed with efficient walkways for smooth navigation between floors.


These upgraded facilities have significantly enriched the student experience, supporting the interactive learning standards now embraced in the Swanston Academic Building (SAB). The Swanston Library, which serves approximately 9,600 students daily, underwent a complete renovation, adding over 40% more quiet and collaborative study spaces, including bright areas overlooking Bowen Street.


Students arriving on campus can easily gather at the new Level 4 Student Hall, where they can connect with essential services directly or through seamless referrals to specialist providers. The addition of a multi-storey outdoor garden building at the end of Building 10 has transformed Bowen Street, creating a tranquil urban oasis.


Services provided include:

  • Comprehensive Project Management

  • Superintendent Oversight

  • Program Management for NAS and Consolidation Projects

  • Strategic Project Advice

  • Design Management

  • Stakeholder Engagement and Management



Awards


2018 Australian Institute of Architects Awards - VIC Chapter:

  • The Joseph Reed Award for Urban Design

  • Educational Architecture Award

  • The Allan and Beth Coldicutt Award for Sustainable Architecture, Architecture Award

  • Melbourne Prize (joint winner with Nightingale 1)

  • Victorian Architecture Medal


2018 Melbourne Design Awards

  • Wayfinding - Gold Winner

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