University of Technology Sydney New Science Research Facility
Location Sydney, NSW
Project Completion 2020
Project Size 3300m2
Photography Tyrone Branigan
Project Description UTS’ New Science Research Facility meets the increasing demand for high-tech research space on the campus. Patrick Woods, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Resources) of UTS described the facility as a space for “big ideas and big breakthroughs”.
The extension of building CB04 delivers purpose-built research laboratories to achieve high-impact research at a globally competitive scale, generate greater engagement with industry, support student outcomes, and create a more attractive and engaging campus.
Our brief was to replace the existing one-level building with a seven-storey facility with world-class laboratories and safety features, The new building on this challenging infill site needed to stand alone yet align with the floorplates of the adjoining buildings to improve connectivity with campus.
Our design approach adopts a theatrical, engaging, and inviting research environment. We used colour internally to define a warm identity with each floor a gradated sunrise hue. The stepped glazed façade is a striking marker, activating the building and complementing the evolving broader campus. Like a bolt of lightning, powder-coated UTS yellow flashes within window frames deliver energetic frisson. This is a place of discovery – the inner workings of each colour-filled laboratory are made visible through the glazed facade.
“UTS has a global reputation for research excellence, thanks to our world-class researchers. This facility provides them with new tools to continue their ground-breaking work. It will also be an additional drawcard to our campus, giving us capacity to continue to attract top-level researchers from all over the world.”
– Patrick Woods, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Resources) of UTS
