A pioneering approach to tertiary design: Deakin University Central Precinct

With a renewed focus on flexibility and future-proofing in post-covid education design, we’re revisiting our pioneering Deakin University Central Precinct. Focussed on responsible, simple, practical and affordable sustainable design, Central Precinct set a benchmark for contemporary education design and construction. ⁠
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Completed in 2006, the project consists of several buildings, including a multi-purpose recreation hall, administration and teaching spaces, lecture and meeting rooms, all designed with adaptability in mind.

With a focus on sustainability, the project also draws on passive design principles to optimise the effects of sun, wind and solar performance. The project won several awards at the 2006 City of Whitehorse Building a Better City Awards, including Best New Commercial Building, the ESD (Commercial) Award and the Mayor’s Choice Award.

The “agora”, or atrium, provides a vibrant public space. Photo by Trevor Mein.