With the purpose of promoting the interactions between students and staff in spaces that evoke and environmental and cultural context, the new Learning Commons of the Griffith University in Southport, Australia create a range of internal and outdoor learning environments by the Thomson Adsett architectural practice.
The 160 meter long extension can be used for various purposes such as stage events, enrolment day, O-week, interviews, markets or exhibitions and has become the primary campus meeting point. The design was created after observations of the student needs and behaviors to ensure a functional space which offers a shard, sky lounge, aviary and link-up lounge, although these spaces were not included in the original brief.
The environmental footprint of the learning commons was minimized through the louvers which serve as an environmental filter and the circulation is naturally ventilated with the central aviary garden offering a relaxing landscape which can be used for various purposes.
