Adelaide University - Developments & News

[Briggzy_03]

How old is the Union Hall? Is its significant history the reason why people are against knocking it down, because I can't see anything else going for it visually..

[Will]

How old is the Union Hall? Is its significant history the reason why people are against knocking it down, because I can't see anything else going for it visually..

It's not that old. Its from the 50's.

The reason why people are against it, are mainly due to nostalgic reasons.

[yousername]

The reason why people are against it, are mainly due to nostalgic reasons.

Aint a good enough reason. sure its cool enough, but not enough to get in the way of good development

[skyliner]

How old is the Union Hall? Is its significant history the reason why people are against knocking it down, because I can't see anything else going for it visually..

It's not that old. Its from the 50's.

The reason why people are against it, are mainly due to nostalgic reasons.

In reply to the bold section - fully agree.

ADELAIDE - TOWARDS A GREATER CITY SKYLINE

[skyliner]

So all the time, effort and federal money that has gone into the design and planning of the project is thrown out the window because we decide it's a significant structure six months after someone suggests something better to do with the site. Now one publicly funded organisation has to battle it out with another.

It's like a plot from Yes Minister

And so it goes on. Absolutely pathetic - all this work to this point - and not on the new oversized heritage list as far as I can see... and now it IS! How about using the front facade only. (Best of both options then - if it comes to this). I find that the intrinsic value of that building does not compensate for the losses that can take place by it's retention. Sigh..

ADELAIDE - TOWARDS A GREATER CITY SKYLINE

[Prince George]

How old is the Union Hall? Is its significant history the reason why people are against knocking it down, because I can't see anything else going for it visually..

I think that's because the exterior has been allowed to get weathered. If you took that building, cleaned it up, covered the bricks in smooth intense red & brown/black cement renders, and replaced all the glass with deep blue glazing, it would look rather a lot like Monash University's Centre for the Performing Arts, built in 1995 and recipient of an RAIA commendation that year.

Although I should say, from what I've seen of the Monash centre it's located and arranged rather better, around a large pedestrian area, where these photos show Union Hall is sited awkwardly, with that street running down the side exposing a flank that would probably look better a little more hidden.

[baytram366]

On the previous page, in the second photo, what is that street to the left of the picture? I'm just having a trouble trying to think where Union Hall actually is... Frome Street perhaps??

[AtD]

Union Hall isn't on any street, it's deep within the Adelaide Uni campus.

For once, the marker on Google Maps is correct
http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&sour ... 3&t=h&z=19

[baytram366]

Can any Joe Blow walk into the campus and take some photos? Would love to see this building up close...

[AtD]

Yeah. During business hours you can even walk in and look around (there might be classes going though). In fact, I recommend you do. There's quite a few nice old buildings in the uni which are worth the look. Almost all of them are open.

If you want to test your orienteering skills, find your way to the entrance of the Barr Smith library and then find your way into the heritage listed and very classy Barr Smith reading hall.

[AG]

Can any Joe Blow walk into the campus and take some photos? Would love to see this building up close...

Of course. The entire Uni grounds are open to the public (just some buildings aren't).

[cruel_world00]

It's not much (in regards to picture quality), but I took this from Level 10 of the Schulz Building.



This new building is looking very nice. At ground level it adds a fair bit of bulk in that part of the University.



**edit - Apologies for the lame-o linking. Should work now.

[monotonehell]

It's not much (in regards to picture quality), but I took this from Level 10 of the Schulz Building.



This new building is looking very nice. At ground level it adds a fair bit of bulk in that part of the University.

Picture hosting fail. We can't see inside your Gmail account

[AtD]

Idle speculation: The Union Hall and associated projects may be put on the back-burner until it becomes clear as to what will become of the current RAH site. The Uni is a big tenant in CBD office space, which has allowed it to expand a lot quicker than Flinders Uni could, but also presumably costs a bit. I would guess they're unhappy with tenancies being a fair way from the main campus and associated facilities. I would not be surprised if Adelaide Uni (and UniSA for that matter) have their eyes on the current RAH buildings and will put their hands up to refurb and occupy, making the Union Hall project unnecessary.

[Howie]

Thanks to Wayne Dixon, Director of DesignInc, for sharing some of technical achievements with the recently opened Innova 21 project.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE’S GREEN STAR FIRST

Innova 21, the University of Adelaide’s new $100 million building for the Faculty of Engineering, Computer & Mathematical Science has just been awarded a 6 Star Green Star Education (V1) rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. This makes it the first project in Australia to achieve a 6 star rating under the Green star Education v1.0 tool.

The eight storey, 14,000m2 Innova 21 building incorporates a range of environmentally sustainable features that complement the design that helped the University achieve its impressive rating as a world leader.

The building respects and enhances the character of the precinct through a contemporary and distinctive design. Important elements of passive design such as the sun shading devices as well as active elements such as the thermal chimneys on the north façade of the building define the building’s character.

Key innovative elements include the use of Active Slab technology (hydronic cooling loops within the concrete floor slabs) combined with an Under Floor Air Distribution System utilising 100% fresh air ventilation, providing a healthy and comfortable internal environment. Heat rejection from the Computer Server rooms to the ground is achieved via Geothermal loops incorporated into the basement diaphragm wall. The building also has a low E double glazed curtain wall; a programmable (DALI) lighting system and a building management system (BMS) designed to reduce Energy consumption.

Another key sustainable technology is the Tri Generation Plant located at the roof level that will provide electricity, heating and cooling for the whole building, saving energy and with ongoing cost savings. There is an extensive rainwater harvesting system with 500,000 litre underground rainwater storage tanks. The collected water is used for toilet flushing & irrigation within the building.

These technologies within the building will be monitored via the BMS, this data will be available to students so that the building itself becomes a teaching tool in terms of its Environmentally Sustainable Design. Materials selection as well as the furniture, fittings and equipment within the building were selected in relation to their Eco preferred content, as well as minimal PVC and formaldehyde content.

An exhibition space has been incorporated to the south of the building in an area that was previously a car park as part of a link to the existing Engineering faculty buildings. This space is roofed with an Ethylene Tetra Fluoro Ethylene (ETFE) inflated roof membrane; another example of innovative material technology in use in this building.

Innova 21 satisfies the University of Adelaide’s need for contemporary staff accommodation and Computer Aided Teaching facilities with the high indoor environmental quality criteria established by the Green Star Education Tool. These design imperatives were achieved whilst integrating this modern building within the context of the heritage aspects of the University of Adelaide campus.

The Consultant Design team on the project consisted of:

* DesignInc - Architecture & Interior Design
* Umow Lai - Electrical, Mechanical & ESD consultancy
* Bestec - Hydraulic, Fire Services, Vertical Transportation
* Aurecon - Structural Engineer
* Outlines - Landscape Architecture

The achievement of a 6 Star Green Star – Education Design v1 Certified Rating for the Innova 21 project further reinforces DesignInc’s leadership in the field of Environmentally Sustainable Design.

This achievement complements the first new office building to achieve a 6 Star Greenstar – Office Design v1 Certified Rating achieved by DesignInc for the CH2 Melbourne City Council House 2 project in 2004, which received numerous awards for Sustainable Architecture.

The principles of Sustainable Design are core values that we pursue in all our projects. Designinc has proven experience in Education, Health, Commercial & Residential Architecture as well as Masterplanning, Urban & Interior Design.

The resources of our national group of offices are readily available for any project, regardless of size, complexity and location. This integrated approach, combined with the talent & experience of our designers has led to many award winning projects and successful long-term client relationships.

For further information contact DesignInc’s Melbourne office: +61 3 9654 9654
Or visit our website: www.designinc.com.au