2009: Building on the past

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Tags: engineering, summer-2011

Patrick Chambers, Bachelor of Engineering

Patrick Chambers at the construction site of the new Global Change Institute building

Two years ago Patrick Chambers was walking the corridors of the St Lucia campus as an undergraduate engineer.

Today, he’s working on one of the University’s biggest construction projects.

Following graduation, Mr Chambers started working for Medland Metropolis, where his passion for sustainability has been put to good use working on the development of UQ’s new Global Change Institute (GCI).

He said being involved in the project was an excellent opportunity to advance his knowledge and skills in sustainable engineering.

“The building aspiration is to be completely zero-net energy, and thus is an extremely challenging engineering feat,” he said.

“One of my most important philosophies is that of sustainability, so to be associated with a building that pushes the boundaries of conventional buildings is something I am very proud of.

“It feels great to be working on a site that I walked past every day during my student days and it will feel even better to be able to tell people that I was involved in its design.”

As part of his role on the project, Mr Chambers has constructed a 3D model of the complex to accurately gauge the building’s thermal performance.

“This involved constructing the building geometry, inputting material thicknesses, and thermodynamic properties for every single element of the building structure and façade,” Mr Chambers said.

“I also had to liaise with the architect and GCI staff to pre-determine energy distribution and usage in the building.”

In September, Mr Chambers, along with a Medland Metropolis colleague, presented a lecture to UQ architecture students on how to integrate mechanics with architecture, with a focus on the GCI building.

Mr Chambers said he had been interested in science from a young age, and in particular the difference between certain materials.

“I would continually break chopstick and rulers, trying to bend them as far as possible,” Mr Chambers said.

“I was interested in why they would bend and break differently.”

But it was his father’s passion for physics and mathematics that inspired him to study mechanical engineering at university.

“While studying, I began to appreciate how well Dad prepared me for this career path,” he said.

By Caroline Bird

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