Sensational-Adelaide.com

This newly proposed building will enable the University of Adelaide to further extend its current position as a world leader in the research of soft glass optical fibre and also facilitate a trans-disciplinary role in the transfer and exchange of knowledge in the scientific community. As a scientific hub it is envisaged that the facility will be a catalyst for paradigm-changing new technology across a broad spectrum ranging from health and industrial to defence applications.

The facility will include spaces capable of supporting not only the exchange of ideas, but also include laboratories able to facilitate research within the domain of physics, chemistry and biology at the north terrace campus. Located in the heart of the campus, the technical aspects and presence of the site will make for a project which will test and challenge the design team at various levels.

Hames Sharley has been appointed in consortium with BVN to lead the consultancy group in delivering this exciting new world class facility

$97m University of Adelaide science hub a boon for jobs

Christopher Russell, Business editor From: The Advertiser April 02, 2011 12:00AM



An architect's impression of the University of Adelaide building which will house the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing. Source: AdelaideNow

BUILDING a $97 million research institute will create thousands of jobs, the University of Adelaide says.

A six-level, glass-fronted building is the centrepiece of the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing project being funded by the university and state and federal governments.

"The redevelopment will generate great scientific advances, top teaching and research facilities," said the university's vice-president services and resources, Paul Duldig.

He estimated the development would add $230 million to the state economy, with more than 2000 jobs being created during the peak of the construction phase.

The building, on the site where the Union Hall was demolished last year, is being designed by Adelaide architects Hames Sharley.

The university says the building will have a striking presence with a "gentle, folded, glazed facade that reflects and refracts light".

Each floor will vary by exploiting differences in wavelengths of light, and linking to the research team headed by South Australian of the Year Tanya Monro.

As well as the institute, it will house a 400-seat lecture theatre and laboratories.

The Public Works Committee this week approved funding of $5 million for capital works, which is in addition to $1.5 million from Defence SA and $750,000 from the Premier's Science and Research Fund for equipment.

"The University of Adelaide is a world leader in photonics research and the IPAS will allow it to continue its outstanding work in areas as diverse as defence, reproductive health and the wine industry," Science and Information Economy Minister Jay Weatherill said.

Opposition science spokesman Martin Hamilton-Smith supported the investment but said it highlighted poor Budget decisions.

Funding to research bodies, such as BioInnovation SA, had been cut while millions of dollars had been spent on government office fit-outs.

"The state Liberals are calling on Labor to bring forward more science-based infrastructure projects as a catalyst for economic growth," he said. This should include a funding pool to support Australian Research Council bids.