Content
Architecture
The University of the Sunshine Coast is renowned for its distinctive architecture. The buildings on campus have received 33 awards for planning, architecture and construction.
In 1997 the Library was awarded the prestigious Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Buildings. In 2000 the University received the Royal Australian Institute of Architects President's Award.
All buildings on campus focus on environmentally sustainable design (ESD) to suit the sub-tropical climate of the Sunshine Coast.
Buildings have been designed with strategies for passive lighting and natural ventilation to minimise the use of non-renewable energy.
The University's ESD design strategies include:
- extensive use of screens, fins, sun shelters and tree plantings to reduce direct sunlight on buildings
- chilled water to supply air-conditioning to buildings, where applicable
- integrated building cooling systems, including atriums, breezeways, louvres, thermal chimneys and high loft ceilings to allow for the movement of warm air away from work and teaching spaces
- locating buildings to take advantage of prevailing breezes
- using lightweight building fabric and low maintenance materials
Architects commissioned by the University include:
- MGT and associate Geoffrey Pie Architects
- John Mainwaring, Lawrence Nield and Associates
- Clare Design
- Darryl Jackson and associate Down & Neyland Architects
- Bligh Voller Nield
- DesignInc
- Gabriel and Elizabeth Poole
- Ken Down Architects
- Roger Todd
- Peter Thompsett
- Architectus
- Hassell
- Guida Moseley Brown Architects
- Core Architects