Eco Factor: Stunning glass façade protects the university buildings from noise and pollution.
Re-imagining the entry of the most prominent landmark of the University of Technology, which by the way is the university itself, is what Lacoste + Stevenson implied to shine as winner in a design competition for a new ‘front door’ to the UTS. The proposal suggests a 2,530sqm elongated sweeping glass structure that welcomes the students, staff and visitors with its transparent, playful and contemporary design.
The new Podium drawing in the life of the city behaves like a curtain that moves back and forth in response to activities within. The curvaceous façade facing Broadway stands as guards against the noise and pollution coming from outside. The design also has room for a green roof that will provide excellent insulation and add to the aesthetics of the structure.
The elegant, 3-storey sweep of glass clearly shows the 600-seat lecture theatre/cinema space, an Art House cinema and Loft Bar, and the ground level active pedestrian network that provides a backdrop for student union activities, performance art etc. During the daytime, the glass exterior magnifies the elegance of design and at night, the façade morphs into a stage for the projection of images via a frit pattern printed onto the surface of the glass. Hit the video to check out the magnificent facade.
