Light-Filled Gateway Unveiled for Sydney University of Technology

Australia-based <a href="http://lacoste-stevenson.com.au/outstanding/" target="_blank">Lacoste + Stevenson</a> were recently awarded the first place prize in a competition to design the new <a href="http://lacoste-stevenson.com.au/outstanding/" target="_blank">UTS Podium Extension</a> at the University of Technology in Sydney. The light, transparent, and inviting three-story building is covered in glass, creating a welcome contrast to the stark and brutal UTS Tower in the background. Like a light and airy cloud, the Podium Extension acts as the front door to the University and leads to the heart of the campus. Ample <a href="../tag/daylighting" target="_blank">daylighting</a>, natural ventilation and a <a href="../green-roof/" target="_blank">green roof</a> make up the structure's green building strategy.

The new podium will serve as a buffer zone for the university, acting as a gate and creating visual contrast to the stark tower behind it.

Covered completely in glass, the podium extension is like a window in the heart of the university. At night art, movies, and other media are projected onto the glass facade.

Inside, the space is filled with light and is airy and welcoming to students as well as visitors.

An open floor plan and flexible spaces allow the building to be used for various programs and meetings.

Also included inside the building is an experimental cinema and a book shop.

The roof is a lacy network of green spaces and atriums comprising 80% of the floor, which provides extra insulation and an attractive space as seen from above.

The new podium will strike a total contrast to the existing brutalist tower behind.

The UTS Tower in the background is heavy, dark and secretive. The new podium is light, airy and welcoming.

A new type of structure accommodating ventilation and circulation shafts, acting as lightwells.

The columns consist of a sandwich 2 steel sheets with a gap of 50mm filled with water for thermal mass and fire protection.

Structure connection to the existing columns.