Deakin University Waurn Ponds Central Campus Precinct

This project involved the upgrade and rebuild of the central campus precinct at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus, creating a social hub for staff and students. The precinct incorporates various hospitality outlets and breakout spaces that open out on to a central landscaped area at the heart of the site, setting the stage for life on campus.

The design aims to de-institutionalise the space, borrowing from our experience in hospitality design, a vibrant, social place is created. Students are given multiple opportunities to engage with and occupy the space, encouraging them to remain on campus and facilitating a collegial atmosphere.

The site of Waurn Ponds, as its name suggests, was originally a series of ponds connected via a watercourse. Large sections of this watercourse were piped and moved below ground decades ago. The landscaping works references the history of the site by re-introducing an abstracted watercourse through a water balustrade (taking inspiration from Alhambra) and scattered ponds within the landscaping of the project.

The facilities were specifically designed to make use of the surrounding landscape, with new access routes created through the landscape and buildings to allow equal access for all.

Awards

Construction Photos

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