ARCHITECT Sipen Rojnavibul was enthusiastic when as principal of Conrad Gargett she was approached about a significant new building to fill a key space on the ACU’s Brisbane campus.
What became the landmark Saint John Paul II Building occupied a commanding site directly opposite the heritage Holy Spirit Chapel.
“The project would be the third key building addressing the ‘dove-shaped’ heritage building in a ‘circular’ formation,” Ms Rojnavibul said.
“It would create two formal public spaces for the campus: the Academic Lawn at the front and the Community Court at the rear of the heritage building.”
Then there was the challenge of creating a contemporary building “respectful to the campus’ heritage buildings architecturally, intellectually and spiritually”.
“At the same time, it needed to express the ‘new’ and to symbolise ACU’s next significant phase of campus development,” the building’s architect said.
Solutions to create this sense of continuity included:
- the use of brickwork to match the existing brick of the heritage building. Prototype walls were constructed for testing studies.
- cast concrete motifs in brickwork to recall similar treatment in the heritage building.
- the use of the reflection of the heritage building in the contemporary facade to heighten the community’s awareness of the heritage of the site.
- vistas and views from the interiors of the building designed to focus on the inherent spirituality of the site.
Ms Rojnavibul said the Saint John Paul II Building developed as a collaborative project.
“The planning and form of the building reflects the vision of the Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven of how the campus community experience the spirituality of the place,” she said.
“It also conveys the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Professor Jim Nyland’s ideas and passion for the enrichment of university life as well as academic excellence.”
Contributions were also received from a large cross section of the campus community on all aspects of the project.
The resulting building is already well used and well appreciated since the start of this year.
Facilities within the building provide a strong emphasis on student support, high technology simulation learning and research for Health Sciences, flexible social learning and interactive spaces for students and work environments for academic staff.
All of which will make the Saint John Paul II Building a truly worthy competitor in next year’s Australian Institute of Architects Awards.
