Griffith University Nathan Campus : Engineering, Technology & Aviation Building

With the education sector under increasing pressure at present, I thought it appropriate to take a look at one of the newer buildings to grace a campus. In part I have a connection with it simply because I would ride passed the construction site most mornings as I commuted to and from the city. 

Source : Griffith University

When did it start?

The history of the Engineering, Technology and Aviation building began for the builder in April 2016 when tenders were first called.  During this process, the design changed slightly which was why there was over two years before the project got underway. In November 2018, the clearing of the site began and only 11 months later, a complete building was ready for handover to Griffith University.

Why was it so fast to construct?

The project was very cleverly value managed with Hassell the architect to bring the project in on the University’s budget. A significant proportion of the building was flat slabs and precast vertical columns. Whilst the outside of the building appears to be quite curved, the inside of the building is largely straight lines.

What are some of the design features?

Ground level is unique in that it was designed to be capable of flying drones around as well as having an internal gantry crane that could lift concrete slabs and pillars for stress testing to the point of failure.  The ceiling height is 10m which does create a significant amount of natural light, as well as the potential for different vantage points during the experiments. There are also curing labs for concrete as well to form part of the research into the construction sector and different building materials.

Level 1 is very much a teaching level combined with simulation labs. There are circa 150 screens that are used as part of simulation and the creation of animations. The technology in the building whilst not being “classified” per se, was well outside of the authors expertise. Suffice to say that Students are learning at the forefront of their discipline.

Of note is a Disaster Relief Management room which could be used by council, the premier or even Prime Minister in periods of emergency where traditional locations may no longer be available. There are connecting rooms where support staff can provide live feeds to the dignitary at the time of crisis.

Level 2 creates more laboratory space and caters to other disciplines such as Soil, geo-tech, water and chemical engineering. There are more teaching spaces here to.

Level 3 has a high proportion of office space for staff, administration and high performance students who are allocated their own offices in the building.

Levels four and five were left vacant to cater for the expansion of the subject area and a growing number of students. At present the building caters to circa 475 people though this is expected to increase as the remaining two floors are opened up.  It is believed these floors will have higher rated laboraties that cater to a growing demand for chemical investigation.

The building had to be flexible in its layout with the capacity to be repurposed affordably in the medium term should technology or other events change the requirements for the Nathan campus.

Environmental issues?

The building had to be sensitive to the surrounding environment given it forms part of the Toohey Forest. This brings its own challenges in terms of gaining approvals as well as creating designs that are sympathetic to the bushland.

Interestingly, during construction, the building staff watched a Koala fight with two crows for three days before the crows finally realised it wasn’t interested in their nest. University staff are likely to see this regularly, particularly this time of the year as the Koala’s more active.

Was this project a success?

Depending on how you measure success, the answer is a resounding yes. Significant advancements and achievements were made with value management up front. The client has been delivered a very good educational facility on budget and before time whilst students now have a classroom that is at the cutting edge of their discipline.

Matthew Gross | Director