Yuggera & Turrbal Country
Queensland
Brisbane
The QUT X Block workplace is located on the Kelvin Grove campus, adjacent to Barrambin, ‘the windy place’, and orientated towards Mt. Kuta (Mt Coot-tha). Developed in collaboration with First Nations design consultancy Blaklash, the design is grounded in stories of place and context.
The floorplate responds to geographical markers through colour, texture and materiality—the native bees and honey Mt Kuta is known for and flowing finishes reflect Melaleuca swamps and wetlands of Barrambin. Key gathering spaces incorporate pandanus woven elements by artists from Bula'bula Arts and Maningrida Arts & Culture in Ramingining and Maningrida (West Arnhem Land, Northern Territory). With a graphic language, developed by a local Yuggera artist Ailsa Walsh, embedded throughout.Â
The design delivers an efficient and well-considered program of spaces, going beyond functional requirements creating a sustainable, connected workplace. Drawing inspiration from Country, this project supports the diverse ways in which QUT work, learn and collaborate.
The X Block workplace has significantly improved how we work and connect, with many people choosing to spend more time in the office after extended periods of working from home following COVID. The fitout offers genuine choice, supporting different work styles through a balance of open, collaborative spaces and quieter areas for focus and privacy. A variety of meeting rooms, social learning spaces and staff hubs allows teams to move easily between tasks, encouraging collaboration across departments.
The workplace brings our Campus to Country strategy to life, highlighting the cultural context throughout the design, creating a meaningful and inclusive workplace.
Tanya Nielsen, Project Lead, Interior Designer
Samantha Austin, Architect
Courtney Fowkes, Interior Designer & Graduate of Architecture
Nick Lorenz, Architect
Michelle Duval, Architect
Troy Casey BLAKLASH, First Nations Consultant
Erin McDonald BLAKLASH, First Nations Consultant / Interior Designer
Tahlia Steadman BLAKLASH, First Nations Consultant / Designer
David Teakle BORNHORST+WARD, Structural Engineer
Hayley Burton CERTIS, Building Surveyor
Simon Cushway FIRE CHECK CONSULTANTS, Fire Safety Engineer
David Auld MULTITECH, Mechanical Consultant
Michael Lanchester STANTEC, Acoustic Consultant
Thomas Nguyen BORNHORST+WARD, Structural Engineer
Grant Steinback MULTITECH, Electrical Consultant
Bim Kolade MULTITECH, Hydraulic Consultant