Victoria
The redevelopment of SMB Building A for Federation University Australia provided an opportunity to reveal a building hidden beneath a century of repurposing. The existing U-shaped floor plan and constrained site conditions worked to form an approach around infilling the existing courtyard to provide access, view lines, and historical references. The project includes significant educational, environmental, sustainability, and technology enhancements that combine to create a unique facility. The project is a bold confirmation of the academic direction for the University within a heritage context, creating a modern, cooperative learning, teaching, and industry engagement hub. Affirming the significant past investment within an asset with local and national importance. Beyond the educational benefits, the project also confirms the regional tertiary education centre that Ballarat will continue to be.
The Federation University Co-operative Centre of Excellence design enables the transformation of a heritage building into a modern, co-operative learning, teaching and industry engagement hub. By sensitively bringing together the best of a grand old building with modern technology, acoustic and thermal performance and a layout that promotes engagement and collaboration, this design is supporting Federation to become Australia’s first co-operative university.
Ali Greer, Graduate of Architecture
Amelia Cloney, Design Architect
Chloe Walbran, Interior Designer
Dyllon Peiris, Interior Designer
George Bush, Senior Designer
Jenny Hou, Graduate of Architecture
Jessica Randazzo, Interior Designer
Luke Ponti, Project Architect
Megan Rodgers, Graduate of Architecture
Michael Thom, Design Architect
Rebecca Krisanski, Graduate of Architecture
William Campbell, Graduate of Architecture
A.S.James, Geotechnical Engineer
Glasshouse Creative Media, Heritage Photographer
JHA Engineers, Services Consultant
Lighthouse Building Surveyors, Building Surveyor
Orbe Fire Engineering, Fire Safety Engineer
Stantec, Land Surveyor
Stantec, Structural Engineer
Wendy Jacobs, Heritage Consultant
Wilde and Woollard, Quantity Surveyor
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
