By Context and Transformation
The University of Melbourne’s End of Trip facilities, designed by Searle x Waldron Architecture, are part of the recent makeover of the Southbank Campus. Nestled between the Victorian College of the Arts and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, the project contributes to an educational precinct marrying contemporary architecture with Melbourne’s heritage structures.
Adaptive Reuse and Activation
Formerly a Post Masters General Garage from the 1930s, the site now hosts bicycle storage, changerooms, and a student café. A new facade strategy activates the public realm, connecting the campus to Sturt Street and Dodd Street’s new park. The design celebrates the campus’s history of building alterations, retaining visible site subtractions as part of its architectural narrative.
Animated Walkway and Civic Identity
The project features an ‘animated’ walkway adorned with over 18,000 colored timber batten linings, engaging with Linear Park and offering glimpses into the End of Trip facilities and café. Inspired by existing laneways and walls, the design incorporates spaces for art, murals, and posters, contributing to the campus’s cultural identity and urban activation.
Adaptive Features and Civic Engagement
The awning edge serves multiple functions, structurally supporting the heritage facade while creating outdoor seating space. Cantilevered seats provide sunny seating and views into the bike parking facilities. The facade alteration opens sightlines and pedestrian connections, enhancing the urban context with expressive colors and patterns. The project received the 2020 Dulux Grand Prix Award for the best use of color in Australia.
Conclusion
The University of Melbourne Southbank End of Trip project exemplifies adaptive reuse and architectural innovation. By blending historical elements with contemporary design, it redefines the campus as a vibrant hub for creativity and community engagement. This transformation not only enhances the student experience but also contributes to the cultural fabric of Melbourne’s urban landscape.
