AEB recognised as exemplar building at AIA Queensland awards

AEB recognised as exemplar building at AIA Queensland awards

Jun 23, 2014  | Architecture 

AEB recognised as exemplar building at AIA Queensland awards
(Photo by: Hassell)

The University of Queensland's Advanced Engineering Building has been recognised as an exemplar building at the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland state awards, winning three awards.

Designed by Richard Kirk Architect and HASSELL in joint venture, Advanced Engineering Building (AEB) is a state-of-the-art engineering education building with flexible teaching and learning spaces. Hands-on learning is embraced through an engaging and collaborative education environment. The building was awarded in three categories:

  • FDG Stanley Award for Public Architecture
  • GHM Addison Award for Interior Architecture
  • Harry Marks Award for Sustainable Architecture

The awards jury said the building "exquisitely embodies a significant benchmark in sustainability within a complex building program of research, teaching and learning. AEB expertly embraces setting and place and has created an exemplar of engagement with renewable resources and local industry.

"The project provides teaching, research and laboratory facilities either side of a five storey timber clad, elongated central atrium with a double glazed roof. The axis terminates in an expressive timber trussed off-form concrete lecture theatre back dropped by the lake setting. Thoroughly considered and exquisitely detailed."

“We set out from the early concept phase of AEB to strive towards three primary outcomes,” said HASSELL Principal Mark Loughnan. “Adopting new pedagogies for teaching and learning, embedded sustainability, all encompassed within a high quality, contextual architectural response.”

Another HASSELL-designed project, the Australian Taxation Office on Elizabeth Street in Brisbane, Australia was awarded in the Interior Architecture category. The jury said that "this project brings transparency and intimacy to a quality contemporary workspace for a government agency with strict security and privacy requirements. The project works cleverly around the edges of rigid Government standards to deliver an outstanding workplace environment."

Finally, the Gold Coast University Hospital, designed by Powell Dods Thorpe + Silver Thomas Hanley + HASSELL, was commended in the Public Architecture category. The jury noted that "carefully curated engagement with the parkland setting and sophisticated interiors provide high quality amenity that is comforting and engaging."

Via Hassell
Image,video ©: Hassell