More accolades for our new Hub and Plaza

Flinders’ successful new Plaza and Student Hub last night won a national higher education award.

The latest award, for Facilities Innovation, was announced in Melbourne last night at the Australian Financial Review Higher Education Summit.

The judges described the Flinders University 50th Anniversary facilities as an “impressive project that has truly delivered on its aims”.  They said it “genuinely transforms the heart of the Bedford Park campus, “enhancing the student and staff experience and significantly improving the overall functioning of the University”.

Officially opened in March, the new facilities have already been acknowledged in numerous other awards, including the Australian Institute of Building’s 2016 SA Excellence in Building Awards.

At the official launch, Flinders Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said the development is at the heart of the University’s development and transformation.

“The Hub’s cutting-edge design is influenced by the latest research, which demonstrates that the best education occurs when students learn from each other – discussing, challenging, debating and testing ideas,” Professor Stirling said.

“This inspirational environment will support and stimulate collaborative learning activities by providing comfortable spaces equipped with the latest technology, offering students a modern, rich and rewarding learning experience.”

Along with a rich array of food and beverage outlets, study spaces and event facilities, the Plaza and Student Hub features Indigenous art installations and connections to the traditional landowners.

FAST FACTS 

  • Total area (new build and refurbishment) – approximately 11,000 m².
  • Technology and energy efficiency are hallmarks of the new Hub and Plaza. This includes a new, super-fast Wi-Fi network a cinema screen in the Plaza.
  • Spaces for students include laptop benches, study booths, group study lounges and group study tables, as well as individual booths. A video gaming lounge is also available to students.
  • Interactive touchscreens help students and visitors navigate the building and environs while digital signage keeps the University community up to date with events and activities.
  • The super screen is already being used for community, sporting and artistic events, such as the Adelaide Fringe on Tour, Open Days, O’Week concerts and Springfest.
  • Sustainability features include natural ventilation, chilled beams, a 100KW solar panel system to help offset energy usage, and an energy efficient building management system.
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