MSD Opens

Following the competition-winning design of NADAAA and JWA, the 15,772 sm (169,768 sf) building has been realized as a tool for understanding architecture. A number of architectural and structural features have been left exposed, so students can see, per a statement from the University, "how materials can work in different ways and how innovative structural solutions enable great spaces." The space that draws the most attention is the raised atrium (photo above), which features suspended studio spaces and is topped by a coffered roof structure with skylights.

Professor Tom Kvan, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning (photo below), said in the statement, "the building is the embodiment of the architectural and design principles explored at the Melbourne School of Design." Further, "this building practices what we teach. It’s a building dedicated to pushing design frontiers and approaching challenges with innovative solutions." This innovation is evident in the building being awarded a 6 Green Star Design Rating (the highest rating, akin to LEED Platinum) and it being the first building to receive all 10 innovation points. It's clear the building will also act as a large-scale laboratory and demonstration for sustainable design and construction.