UQ Brisbane City establishes a distinctive, state-of-the art learning environment through the transformation of a historic bank and its modern commercial tower extension, providing new settings for postgraduate students within the Architecture and Business Schools, alongside a hub for UQ alumni.

Three key space types were identified: Teaching Suites, Creative Suites, and a series of unique Engagement Spaces which define the public realm. Collectively they provide both informal and formal teaching and learning environments at varying scales, from individual to group and large format.

The public realm and Engagement Spaces support individual work, networking and a variety of event modes. In Creative Suites, ‘Showcase Frames’ allow users to meet, collaborate, and pitch ideas in a range of formats. Teaching Suites offer day to day seminar and didactic teaching whilst being reconfigurable for events. A bespoke wall system with a kit-of-part approach supports these modes with integrated technology to facilitate mixed-mode, hybrid teaching. Whiteboards are magnetic and projectable to ensure collaboration is possible, alongside custom vertical sliding whiteboards maximising writable surface, daylight and connection to the city. Integrated power and portable battery solutions provide users the ability to connect freely in any setting. Materials and finishes are resilient and robust, yet timeless and refined, maximising lifespan and functionality.

The transformation is enabled through a comprehensive set of recognizable installations. Detailed in a manner that is clearly distinguishable from the gravitas of the heritage fabric, the insertions provide all the necessary lighting, power, data, whiteboards, TVs, video conferencing technologies, wayfinding, security, and air-conditioning. The insertions are floor-based, minimising interference with the heritage walls and ceilings whilst providing all contemporary requirements for building compliance, comfort and technology.

The scheme is an exemplar of how privatised spaces can be reopened as social environments to bring educational communities and partners together, in the city.