Lendlease, the contractor behind Flinders University’s remarkable new Plaza and Student Hub, has been recognised in the Australian Institute of Building’s 2016 SA Excellence in Building Awards.
Flinders University congratulates Matthew Gooding, the project’s Construction Manager, and his team who took home the Professional Excellence Award for their role in the redevelopment, recognising an outstanding effort to transform the Bedford Park campus in just a little over a year.
Mr Gooding says the Student Hub presented unique challenges for the local team who worked within the operating university with thousands of students.
“The transformation occurred in the very heart of the university at one of its busiest thoroughfares and major social interaction spaces. Meticulous planning was required to maintain safe access in, around, and in some cases through the middle of the construction site, so operations could be maintained,” he said.
The tight schedule also led to innovations on the project.
“During the initial design phase, we encouraged the design team to reuse as much of the existing structures as possible which overall provided a faster construction program and the ability for the ground floor areas of the existing Union Building to continue operating during construction.
“The success of this project was a direct result of strong relationships developed across all spectrums of the broader project team, from project managers to cost planners, subcontractors and suppliers,” Mr Gooding said.
Professor Clare Pollock, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students), says the Hub is a place for “our community to learn, collaborate and socialise, with a stunning modern design which takes full advantage of the university’s great natural setting”.
“Learning spaces in the Hub reflect the modern ways in which students learn – with banks of computers, flexible furniture and plenty of room for students to plug in their own devices,” Professor Pollock said.
“The Hub has a range of individual and collaborative learning spaces and with the best of modern technology it’s a truly integrated environment.
“Our Hub provides students with great modern facilities to encourage them to come on campus for more than just their formal scheduled classes. We believe that their educational experience will be richer and the extended networks that grow from this will help them in their professional and social lives. We want our students to feel at home here, and a key part of our vibrant University community.”
Professor Pollock said the Hub is “just one part of our plans to activate and enliven our campus in our 50th celebratory year, and beyond”.
The Australian Institute of Building encourages high professional standards through its membership, code of ethics, qualifications and continuing professional development programs.