UNSW Higher Year Physics Laboratory

BSA was given the task of creating new teaching spaces and laboratory experiment stations for the Higher Year Physics students at the University in the original Old Main Building on their Kensington Campus. The brief provided for the inclusion of presentation areas, breakout spaces, flexible learning spaces and private work areas in addition to the laboratory facilities.

BSA had completed a wide variety of specialist educational facilities prior to their engagement on this project and our understanding of the demonstrable need to balance technical fit out requirements with students’ social mores was essential for the resolution of a design that provided sociable and engaging spaces.

While developing the design for the provision of the laboratory and teaching areas, BSA also introduced collaboration and discussion spaces within the envelope to provide for flexible learning styles and to enhance available teaching options. BSA combined the multiple physics research areas and private work spaces into a single floor plate that increased interaction and collaboration and ensured that different work styles were provided for.