An in vit in g place t o be ?

n o m or e u gly
bu ildin gs f or RM IT
Three years ago, Lyons Architects were tasked with re-designing the ugly, monolithic
buildings of the RMIT?s City campus. On Wednesday, Melburnians will be able to see the
results.
The university hopes to reinvigorate the monotony so commonly associated with city
architecture. In their eyes, no longer will Melbourne be a ?concrete canyon?, but an inviting
place to visit. Or the top end of city will be, at least.

Image illustrating so ideas of what the new designs will look like, source:
https://nas.rmit.edu.au/about/sustainability-at-nas/

?These new buildings are now something beautiful. There?s natural materials, glass and
light all integrated into the design. We want the campus to be inviting as possible for
students and City- siders alike?, said lead architect Corbyn Lyon earlier this week.
?Arcades and laneways are in place to bring the feel of the city of Melbourne
into the campus? said Lyon.

The idea of ?Melbourne?was integral to the design. Not only are the offerings inside the
NAS included with Melburnians in mind, but the entire project is designed so that the
campus fits seamlessly into the CBD. The laneways are designed for the students to
explore and to ensure they do not miss out on the ?city experience?during university times.
However, they also provide some much-needed respite from the rapidity of urban and
student life.
An upheaval of RMIT?s architecture is well-overdue. The outgoing buildings were, put
simply, horrible and unappealing to the eye ? it would not be uncommon to hear
students actively complain about the appearance of their classrooms. Now, excitingly for
alumni and the public alike, the inside too provides an warm, naturally-lit space that is as
equally inviting as it appears from the outside.
However, the New Academic Street is not all look and no substance; it is the first
Australian educational building to attain a 5-star rating from the Green Building Council of
Australia.

Image showing aspects of how RMIT is going green, source:

http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-locations-and-facilities/locations/melbourne-city-campus/
features-and-facilities/new-academic-street-project

A key element of this rating is a new onsite co-generation energy system which will be built
to provide low carbon electricity and efficient heating and heavy use of low impact
materials, such as plasterboards and timber for furniture.
?Sustainability is very important to us and was always top of mind throughout the whole
design process, whether it be looking at greener materials or incorporating more
environmentally friendly systems?, reinforced Lyon.
The unique design spills into the outdoors too, with more green space to be made
available; with gardens which have been created and scattered throughout the campus.
Open spaces have designed for meetings and creative collaboration, including grassed
terraces and gardens.
?Not only will there now be more gardens in the city campus, there is also a multi-use area
across the campus to allow students to have their own space to do what they want. We
want to be a frontrunner and leader in designing sustainable facilities nation-wide.?
How much does the ground-breaking New Academic Street design interest you? Considering
what it replaces, how willing would you be to explore it? Let us know in the comments below.