Did you scribble on a desk in the Physiology Lecture Theatres at The University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus sometime in the past 48 years?
Chances are your graffiti might have been saved for posterity in a new foyer art installation in the newly refurbished lecture theatres.
UQ Property and Facilities Project manager Iranthi Cabraal said the installation was among strong sustainability features incorporated in the 6.94 million dollar project, which is nearing completion.
The project includes state-of-the-art learning resources to give the lecture theatres a new lease of life after almost half a century of continuous use.
Senior Designer from Cottee Parker Architects Scott Bagnell said the art installation entitled: “Tree of Life” used salvaged 1960s lecture theatre desk tablets and chair frames.
“The artwork forged on the original tablets reflects the history, thoughts and repartee of students that studied in these spaces,” he said.
“This was an important element to maintain as part of the ongoing story telling of the building’s history and engagement of university students into the future.”
Mr Bagnell said a range of recycled materials was incorporated into the refurbishment.
They included two spectacular light fittings reworked from old lecture theatre chair frames, and foyer furniture from floorboards and laminated veneer lumbar beams salvaged from the roof demolition.
“It was important in this refurbishment to create a historical and cultural link between past, present and future users of the spaces by maintaining and respecting some original elements of this significant building and showcase the context and inspiration for which the lecture theatres were built – the study of Physiology,” Mr Bagnell said.
The Physiology Lecture Theatres — famous for their craftsmen timber walls, which have been retained by the University, with the addition of modern acoustic materials — were built in 1963 and adjoin the John Hines and William MacGregor buildings.
The undercroft of the lecture theatres (now the Physiology refectory) was once used to host University graduations before the construction of Mayne Hall (now the Mayne Centre) and subsequently the UQ Centre, where they are now held.
The three lecture theatres which house 800 students, include new digitally printed acoustic ceilings produced from recyclable and recycled plastics, using approximately 60 per cent post consumer waste such as drink bottles.
Extensive use of super-graphics and recycled products that reference elements of Physiology - cells, chromosomes and platelets - are used in each of the spaces.
Two of the lecture theatres honour former Professors of Physiology, Professor HK (Douglas) Lee and Professor Otto Budtz Olsen.
Ms Cabraal said the refurbishment included disability lift access, a new roof, student study and meeting areas, demolition of non-compliant ramps, a new verandah forecourt area, and better maintenance serviceability.
Funding for the refurbishment was provided by the Federal Government and the University’s Teaching and Learning Higher Education Fund.
“The new design allows a blend of traditional and emerging teaching and learning strategies to re-engage with students who are more at home interacting with peers.
The refurbishment provides new learning resources that utilise today’s technology to accommodate changing social patterns, generational change, emerging technologies and the shift to a more learner-centred pedagogy.
The foyer includes the introduction of 2 large three-storey-high light wells to re-direct natural daylight into the space and glass louvers for natural ventilation.
Project builder David Rutter, Director of Kane Construction said his company was excited to collaborate and work closely with a highly dedicated and specialised team to enable the innovative designs to come to fruition.
Media: Jan King (UQ) 0413 601 248 or Scott Bagnell, Senior Interior Designer
Cottee Parker Architects Pty Ltd telephone 07 3846 7422, email: scott.bagnell@cotteeparker.com.au
