South Australia
The adaptive re-use and revitalisation of the local heritage listed former warehouse at 9 Light Square, Adelaide accommodates the collected research and industry outreach enterprises of the University of South Australia.
Following the discovery that the building was of the earliest remaining intact reinforced concrete buildings in South Australia, the core design principle for its transformation has been to recognise and celebrate that structure while undertaking minimal change to the original fabric.
By housing the University’s “Enterprise Hub”, the building’s life has been sustained and recent tangible moments of the building’s history also revealed, including the repurposed brass birdcage from the nightclub entry to frame a new collaboration space.
This project has given a previously dilapidated building a new use where the recognition and revealing of its history has provided a new level of richness to its occupants and the community.
The David Saunders Award for Heritage
Recognised as one of the earliest remaining intact reinforced concrete buildings in South Australia, 9 Light Square – a Local Heritage Place and former hospitality venue – has been successfully revitalised to accommodate UniSA’s research and industry enterprises.
The Enterprise Hub is an exemplar of adaptive reuse of a heritage building. The successful reinterpretation results from the Architect’s comprehensive understanding of the building’s historical layers, which have been revealed and respected, without compromising the delivery of the brief.
New building insertions are a deliberate contrast to the original concrete structure, creating a clear distinction between old and new. The spaces created work in harmony with the building’s physical history and transformation over time, encouraging a sense of discovery throughout. Subtle modern insertions complement key historic features, which are seamlessly integrated within the new fitout. These include the brass ‘bird cage’ that marked the entry during the building’s nightclub phase.
This project has given a previously underutilised and dilapidated building a new life. The revelation and articulation of the original building and its former uses enhance the amenity and experience for occupants and the wider community.
The Enterprise Hub project harnesses the knowledge and long history of innovation at 9 Light Square to further accelerate innovation for the University of South Australia and wider community, strengthening and diversifying the economy to create high-value jobs and opportunities for local firms.
The beautiful, light filled and playful space reinforces the power of single teams in stewarding partnerships, supporting everything from student placements to research projects which reinforce the opportunity for Australian firms and researchers to design the future together.
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.
