Colleges of Science

• Sector

  Research Buildings

• Key Lyons contacts

  Carey Lyon
  Adam Pustola

• Client

  Australian National University

• Location

  Peter Baume Building, The Australian National University, 42 Linnaeus Way, Canberra ACT 2601

• Traditional land

  Located on the traditional lands of the Ngunawal people

• Size

  Biosciences building 13,500 square metres
  Teaching building 8,400 square metres
  Central Plant 800 square metres
  Hancock West 1,600 square metres
  Chemistry Sciences building 5,700 square metres

• Project status

  Complete, 2013

Transforming working methods

Our design for ANU’s Colleges of Science enables meaningful connections for researchers, students and teachers, both physically on campus and figuratively in practice. Our innovative solutions for research and work spaces establish the ANU Colleges of Science amongst the best facilities in the world. Located at the centre of ANU, the Biosciences research building brings together two previous disparate research schools into a single integrated, collaborative environment. The two laboratory wings of the building contain high performance and flexible laboratory environments that can be adapted for changing research needs. With the workstations and laboratories designed as a continuous environment, scientists’ work areas are placed in the closest possible proximity to their laboratories.

The BioScience and Chemical Sciences Projects operate as the pinnacle of interconnection within the ANU College of Science. The three-level Chemical Sciences building contains generic wet laboratories and bespoke laboratories for Physical Chemistry and Biochemistry. The layout closely couples laboratories, support spaces and write-up areas, and visually links research at the bench and at the desk. A modular layout allows research groups to be clustered as research projects form and adapt.

Advanced learning spaces

Our design facilitates a unique experience for students, placing them alongside researchers in a thriving social university environment. The Biosciences research building is rich with student spaces such as a drop-in centre where students can be mentored by research academics, or self organise into learning groups. An ‘X’ shape stair at the centre of the building enables interactions between the research students and staff on the lower levels. Conceptually derived from the ‘X’ chromosome, the stair is embedded with social space, seating areas and a small communal kitchen.

Similarly, the Teaching Building places students at the centre of its design, making it a benchmark for innovative learning spaces. The design features large scale laboratories with a capacity to teach 160 students within a single space. Integral with the labs are a series of breakout areas, that allow student groups to move seamlessly between practical activities and other group learning activities. The teaching building also incorporates innovative new learning spaces such as a Lectorial – a hybrid between a lecture theatre and tutorial space.

Connecting the campus through shared architectural language

Critical to the success of this project is its design contribution to the campus itself. The design speaks to the open and interconnected nature of the campus, adding contemporary new buildings while preserving and enhancing outdoor spaces. Each discipline has a distinct identity but is also connected to neighbouring buildings by a shared architectural language and consistency of materials. Central to the design is the integration of the buildings with both existing and new landscape environments. Informed by scientific imagery, the architectural design makes the inner workings of the buildings public. The precinct design responds to key ‘desire lines’ throughout the campus, while the landscape areas include enclosed courtyards within the buildings for use by researchers, as well as shared spaces for student use and learning activities.