VERVE
Set among the shade and greenery of the amphitheatre precinct on the University of Queensland St. Lucia campus, Verve is all about connectivity. Connectivity across the university campus, between staff teams and among the community of staff and students.
The activity of the site is sheltered by the over arching gridshell that is glazed or clad in dampalon to allow natural light and connection to the landscape. The gridshell allows the facade on the upper levels to openable to increase the connection between levels.
Servery windows that open to become a balustrade have been used to achieve connectivity. They also encourage natural ventilation. Use of natural light helps to minimise energy costs. Green wall shading on the east and west facades aids passive design.
The scheme is born out of concept that the site can become another node of activity in the UQ masterplan and increase connectivity between campus precincts. The theme of connection drives planning in the scheme. The traditional offices have been opened into open plan spaces based on team pods that consist of 4 work stations.
Flexible and collaborative learning spaces replace traditional lecture theatres and classroom scenarios. Operable walls can extend the size of the spaces and be used to combine learning and social spaces. Social spaces are used across the building to increase the sense of liveliness in the space. These spaces centre around the atrium that connects all the levels of the building. The lively atrium at the centre of the plan contrasts the quiet edges of the plan. Social and quiet zones are separated by meeting and study rooms.
The flexibility of the scheme allows it to be adapted over time and therefore increased the longevity and sustainability of the scheme.
