[Show picture list]

UTAS, Tasmanian School of Business and Economics – Centenary Building

A new home for the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, with enhanced education and social spaces and a prominent position, reinforces its role as a nationally significant business school. The transformation of the Centenary Building is one of an exciting series of projects restoring vibrancy to the University of Tasmania’s southern campuses and improving its competitive standing. Constructed in 1990, the building’s serviceable life had expired. As part of the significant upgrade, the interior detailing – which was severely restricted by an uncompromising structural grid and low floor-to-floor heights – has been transformed into a light and airy environment. Glass fronted state-of-the-art lecture theatres open onto an informal learning area with a mix of contemporary spaces for collaborative or solitary use, including learning pods, an open lounge, booths, bench seating and group rooms. A café adds to the amenity and facilitates successful community interaction and activation. The spaces feel alive and re-energised, with fresh clean lines, careful selection and the use of bold, block colours, and the natural textures of Tasmanian oak timber and terrazzo. Enriching the student experience both educationally and socially, the project extends the quality of a university asset while increasing operational efficiency.

Architect

ARINA Hayball

Contractors

Fairbrother

Consultants

Structural engineer – Gandy and Roberts Consulting Engineers

Building surveyor – Lee Tyers Building Surveyors

Quantity surveyor – Matrix Management Group

Services consultant – Andrew Sutherland Consulting Engineers

Acoustic consultant – Marshall Day

Photographer

Dianna Snape

People’s Choice Prize

Vote now for this entry