Bennett And Trimble Architects

Macquarie University Social Learning Space

Macquarie University Social Learning Space
© Peter Bennetts

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY SOCIAL LEARNING SPACE

Bennett and Trimble

ARCHITECTS IN CHARGE
Marcus Trimble, Matthew Bennett

COLLABORATOR
Cameron Burbidge

PHOTOGRAPHS
Peter Bennetts

YEAR
2013

LOCATION
Macquarie University, Sydney NSW 2109, Australia

CATEGORY
University

Text description provided by architect.

Macquarie University has redeveloped their former library building as a series of social learning environments that can accommodate multiple ways of student working.

Macquarie University Social Learning Space
© Peter Bennetts
Macquarie University Social Learning Space
© Peter Bennetts

Bennett and Trimble were one of three architects engaged by Macquarie University to produce a range of solutions to this project brief within three different spaces of the former library building. The project is designed for a three year lifespan following which the building will be redeveloped.

Contemporary learning environments differ from traditional libraries in many ways. A single desk type has been replaced with a wide range of furniture to support a diverse range of individual and group learning practices.

Macquarie University Social Learning Space
© Peter Bennetts
Macquarie University Social Learning Space
© Peter Bennetts

These include benches, carrels, meeting tables, pods, rooms, pin-up spaces and informal relaxation areas.

Our project joined these various elements together to form a large continuous work surface to accommodate the diverse range of learning modes.

Macquarie University Social Learning Space
© Peter Bennetts
Macquarie University Social Learning Space
© Peter Bennetts

We hope that the desk will not only support these individual and group activities but will also encourage broader student interaction and lead to a richer campus experience and environment.

The desk is then bent and folded to form a continuous loop within the former library. This loop has been embedded with electrical and data cabling to allow students direct access to power and the internet.

Macquarie University Social Learning Space
© Peter Bennetts
Macquarie University Social Learning Space
© Peter Bennetts

The desk has also be fitted with different forms of audio visual equipment to complement each specific working environment.

Our strategy relies on the insertion of furniture and removable elements such as curtains and partitions rather than fixed walls, glazing and offset ceilings.

Macquarie University Social Learning Space
© Peter Bennetts
Macquarie University Social Learning Space
© Peter Bennetts

This approach offers a budget conscious solution that can be easily removed and reconfigured in other campus spaces when the former library is redeveloped.


Macquarie University Social Learning Space
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Macquarie University Social Learning Space
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Bennett And Trimble Architects
T +61 2 80658766
Bennett And Trimble Architects
Level 2/333 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia