University of Adelaide Masterplan 2016-2035 Executive Summary
NEW WAITE HUB 2 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape university of adelaide
Foreword In March 2011, University Council adopted an Infrastructure Master-planning and Development Strategy, built on the Vision and Opportunities 2011-15 for North Terrace. With related plans for Waite and Roseworthy, these documents updated the Campus Development Strategy (with Woods Bagot, 2002) and the Campus Design Framework (with QED, 2006). The new plan will transform the University s physical presence over the coming decades. It provides a spectacular new entrance and central amenities at North Terrace, together with new facilities for many Schools and greatly enhanced campus amenities for students, it will recast the layout and services at Waite and clarify, unify and beautify the grounds at Roseworthy. The 2011 plans identified four strategic areas for action identifying development opportunities, improving use of existing buildings, ensuring infrastructure matched student needs, and improving urban design. These were pursued and reviewed over the next five years, and completion of the Student Hub, the continuation of the Nexus 10 refurbishment for Professions, the Braggs science laboratory building and the work on the Elder Con heritage building were amongst the projects that ensued at North Terrace. Substantial works were also undertaken at Roseworthy and Waite. With the guiding principles and vision endorsed by Estates and Infrastructure Committee and Council, the next challenge is to develop comprehensive feasibility studies and business cases for the lead projects to fulfill this ambition. Importantly, this is a long term aspirational plan a guide to the development of our campuses into the future rather than a prescriptive blueprint. The opportunities identified by the Masterplan are subject to appropriate due diligence and approvals. Although aspirational in nature the Masterplan is flexible in scope and staging, enabling it to respond responsibly to the availability of funding and University strategic priorities. With these plans realised in 2015, and a new medical, dental and nursing building added, we set out to commission a new, much more long-term and more comprehensive master plan for the university in 2016. With Sydney firm FJMT engaged as master planning consultants, a very extensive consultation process was conducted in early 2016, and the attached document The University of Adelaide Campus Master Plan 2016-2035 is the result. I would like to thank the many staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders who contributed to the consultation phase of the plan, as well as Bruce Lines, Virginia Deegan, Roger Parolin and our Infrastructure Branch for their dedication to the task. (Prof) Warren Bebbington Vice-Chancellor and President NEW ROSEWORTHY OUTDOOR HUB francis-jones morehen thorp masterplan 2016-2035 executive summary 3
Introduction The University of Adelaide Masterplan 2016 2035 aims to provide an integrated strategy for the University s built environment in support of its strategic objectives, institutional values and international tertiary sector conditions. The Masterplan is an aspirational document, which articulates coherent and consistent development guidance for the University s three campuses over the next twenty years and beyond. The Masterplan responds to the physical environment, unique University of Adelaide context and international best practice for campus development. The document has been developed over an extensive period of engagement, assessment and review utilising the following inputs: Existing masterplans, reports and infrastructure assessments Lifespan, efficiency and condition of existing buildings Comprehensive stakeholder engagement Expert specialist advice for heritage issues and pedestrian movement Detailed campus analysis including three-dimensional digital surveying In addition to these inputs, the Masterplan is informed by the University s strategic direction and the broader trends of university campuses in a competitive international higher education context. Accordingly, the Masterplan responds to the vision for the University espoused in The Beacon of Enlightenment while also moving beyond its 2023 timeframe. The document brings together a series of principles and guidelines, which have been developed, in response to the above inputs and the University s strategic direction. Whilst the Masterplan is a consciously aspirational document, it is also cognisant of resource and other constraints. As such, it should be read as a living, flexible document that provides a robust framework for development decisions rather than a prescriptive blueprint. The Masterplan recognises the University s unique historical context, enhances the urban environment in supporting physical, social and cultural connectivity, embraces diversity and accessibility, and promotes sustainability and academic excellence. Kintore Avenue Frome Road NORTH TERRACE MASTERPLAN CONCEPT 4 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape university of adelaide
Reaching thousands of students, staff and university stakeholders, the consultation provided a clear understanding of needs and aspirations. Specific campus themes arose out of both site analysis and community engagement and are outlined under the Guiding Principles. Engagement Outcomes Representatives of fjmt and University of Adelaide managed engagement with more than 30 stakeholder groups over a three month period. Both structured and casual forums were offered to consider the future of the three campuses. The response was enthusiastic, well considered and insightful. Vibrancy Curiosity Recreation Covered Areas Daylight Wayfinding Curiosity Recreation Multi-use Showcase Amenity City Campus Shaded Critical to the efficacy of the engagement was a clear understanding of the strategic work previously undertaken by the University. This included analysing a range of previous masterplans, strategies, plans and expert reports as well as discussing current strategic priorities and work in progress. fjmt also identified key state and local government strategies and plans for the University s neighbours which may influence the future of each campus. Collaboration The engagement strategy also applied methodologies which balanced campus specific and overarching University of Adelaide priorities by engaging with campus stakeholders as well as broader interest groups. Indigenous overlay Seek input from the University Community Identify the full spectrum of university stakeholders and their representatives Map the degree of influence, expertise or investment of each stakeholder group, as well as the potential impact of the masterplan upon them Identify appropriate and broad reaching methods of engagement for each group Program engagement within a tight project time frame and within the constraints of the Heritage The stakeholder engagement plan sought to: university calender Develop processes for managing each consultation, and collecting, collating and feeding back into the masterplan design Clearly communicate to all stakeholders the scope of the masterplan, deliverables and program to manage expectations Transparency Events A critical component of the masterplan s development was engagement with the University of Adelaide s stakeholders. The consultation process was the broadest undertaken by fjmt for a university campus and provided comprehensive information to develop the design brief and guide key decisions. The high level engagement has encouraged a sense of ownership and support from the University community. Extended Hub An extensive process of engagement with the university community was undertaken to develop a long term vision, understand needs and develop a framework for development over the next 20 years. The resulting feedback reflected a strong alliance of vision and purpose across the spectrum of stakeholder groups and provided clear direction for the masterplan. Recreation Agility Stakeholder Engagement 5
Guiding Principles Through consultation with University of Adelaide s stakeholders and detailed site analysis, a number of key issues were identified on each campus. These have resulted in a set of guiding principles which have informed the masterplan and will direct developments arising from it. They offer a high level of aspiration and quality control which is reflected in the plans but may also be used to test and verify future projects to ensure they align with the masterplan s intent. Place & Identity Vibrancy & Engagement Campus Heart North Terrace Key Issues Currently lacks a clear address or front door to the campus Conflict between pedestrian and vehicular routes Opportunity to create more welcoming, engaging and transparent interfaces with surrounding context and within the campus General demand for casual recreation space and outdoor learning environments Existing Learning Hub space well utilised but at capacity Importance of cultural setting on North Terrace and River Torrens / parkland adjacencies to the Campus identity Unique opportunity to support stronger industry partnerships arising from ORAH Topography and level changes define the campus environment while posing significant movement challenges Waite Key Issues Currently a lack of clear address to Waite Road creating confusion for visitors No primary campus open space The bifurcation of campus along Waite Road should be addressed to improve movement, safety and campus feel Conflict between pedestrian and vehicular routes combined with poor pedestrian amenity and significant level changes combine to discourage movement Currently a decentralized environment of individual disengaged buildings would benefit from a centralised hub Opportunity to reinforce the intent of partnerships at Waite through sharing and collaboration Importance of outdoor / landscaped environment including Arboretum and Yarrabilba Trail Creation of strong address Campus arrival marked through a series of clear and distinctive open spaces and iconic buildings Enhancement of the highly unique character of each campus and the influence of its context Reinforcement of indigenous sense of place and identity Places, addresses and identities within the campus are enhanced. The natural context and topography is embraced to create a layered network of ground planes Overarching identity of University of Adelaide is reinforced Evolution of Learning & Research Engaging Campuses Opening, welcoming, embracing, egalitarian spaces Blurred thresholds and promotion of activity within Spaces to engage industry and community equally Cultural campuses which offer interpretation and programmed events Spaces which encourage curiosity, desire to learn and discovery Spaces which are used 24 hours, all year round Heritage & Future Vision Clear campus centre Creation of ceremonial and social / collaborative hubs Provide open spaces which focus and sustain campus life Centralisation of campus hearts along arteries and place at the geographic centre Hubs and sub-hubs required for larger campuses Embrace cross-disciplinary hubs while maintaining identity and address for faculties Amenity & Wellbeing Roseworthy Key Issues No primary campus open space Rural nature of campus poses unique challenges dealing with the conflict between pedestrian and vehicular movements Importance of Roseworthy College heritage as a defining characteristic of the campus Dispersed campus would benefit from improved gathering and hub space to intensify defined spaces Improved pedestrian connections would benefit campus life due to distances between zones and buildings An increase in density of activity in zones will provide a greater sense of vibrancy Residential areas to respond to the unique rural setting and needs of a non-urban campus Important to separate community from heavy vehicles and bio-security zones Residential areas require improvement Importance of campus zoning to separate community from heavy vehicles and biosecurity zones Encourage innovative, contemporary spaces Immersive learning Flexible indoor / outdoor settings Flexible hours Hub spaces and casual learning environments Group and collaborative learning Interdisciplinary research Industry engagement Digital technology Shared space, open plan Capitalisation Respect the history and unique quality of each campus Classical stone campus heritage Reference hierarchal, classical planning and alignments of previous masterplans Enhance significant trees and natural landscape Reference founding principles of University of Adelaide Future campus which is open, engaged, activated, vibrant, interconnected Evolution from hierarchy to connection Interaction of the physical and virtual A welcoming, amenable, healthy campus Place students and staff at centre of campus Improve experience through outdoor settings Offer areas for quiet contemplation as well as vibrant group settings Encourage casual sport and recreation Provide shade and shelter Promote health and exercise Offer outdoor learning environments Offer space for programmed events, pop ups Create stay a while places Offer opportunity to live on campus as student or visitor 6 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape university of adelaide
Implementation Principles Transparency & Showcase Connectivity Flexibility All potential projects identified in the Masterplan will be progressed within University governance processes and subject to finance, resource availability and on the basis of comprehensive business cases. The guiding principle for the development of potential Masterplan projects is for delivery to consciously strive for best value for the University aligned with the University wide strategic plans and priorities. Within this framework a number of objectives are outlined in support of the guiding principle: Remove barriers to showcase work Blur the distinction between inside and outside Promote interaction, involvement, curiosity Activate pedestrian connections by promoting transparency to interiors Showcase creativity, research, culture Promote daylighting and outlook Encourage and invite interdisciplinary activity Open to all Connect campuses and communities Remove barriers to create truly integrated seamless campuses. Offer spaces for community / industry use Blurring of boundaries between buildings and faculties Offer landscaped, activated pedestrian avenues of beauty and amenity Provide open spaces that strengthen connections between people Offer clear pathways through campus and permeable boundaries Flexible, multiuse space Offer flexibility to accommodate a range of future scenarios - times of growth and consolidation Create a fine grain approach which proposes small and large scale campus interventions Envisage space which is multipurpose, multi-configuration Offer a stageable, responsive and flexible design Provide a living organic masterplan concept Project planning, staging, design and delivery align to strategic priorities and available funding envelopes. Investigation of alternative financing models to fund elements of the vision. Design and construction excellence befitting the campus within a value for money framework. Achieving a balance between existing facility needs and new investments. Logical sequencing of development works. Early Stakeholder engagement. Consideration given to high quality, permanence, and life-cycle economy in building and site development Environmental Leadership Feet & Wheels Lay of the Land Campuses which lead by example Each campus to act as an exemplar of sustainable planning and landscape design Encourage water and energy initiatives Encourage passive design - shelter and shade Promote a bicycle friendly campus Create and promote positive microclimates Promote sustainable landscapes Encourage public transport and pedestrian friendly environments Offer healthy environments Offer campuses as living laboratories Pedestrian and bike priority Prioritise pedestrian experience Support bicycle use through bike hubs, end of trip facilities, clear bike wayfinding Remove cars from campus wherever possible Remove loading from pedestrian paths - centralised loading positions (hub and spoke) Activate pedestrian paths Consider pedestrian experience out of hours Promote safety and accessibility Embrace the topography Facilitate movement through campus for all pedestrians Provide barrier free, best practice pathways for people with disabilities Embrace changes in levels to create integrated landscape and built form solutions such as landscaped podiums, amphitheatres and landscaped terraces francis-jones morehen thorp masterplan 2016-2035 executive summary 7
North Terrace The focus of the North Terrace Masterplan relates to the reinforcement of address and identity, pedestrian experience and creation of high quality open space. There is a strong desire for the campus to be more connected to the city and wider community and to showcase talent and innovation. Collaboration and cross-disciplinary research will be key to the University s success and this is reinforced through improved connections between facilities, transparency and engaging shared spaces. Improving student and staff experience and reinforcing contemporary pedagogy are a central focus, achieved through a broad range of high amenity spaces and the blurring of boundaries between formal teaching zones and casual space. Culture & Industry Embrace character of North Terrace & Frome Road Outward looking and actively connected to cultural partners, industrial partners and wider community Reinforce the North Terrace city campus locality Take advantage of the nexus between the Adelaide s cultural campus, commercial district and recreational zones Provide venues and settings for wider cultural engagement and showcase the talent of the University Create an arts precinct as an extension of existing cultural precinct Extent the proposed innovation uses at ORAH along the University s Frome Road frontage City to River Concept View from North Terrace at completion of masterplan staging NORTH TERRACE MASTERPLAN CONCEPT Kintore Avenue Reinforce the River Torrens as an important gathering place - Karrawirra Pari (red gum forest river) Leverage the transition in use and scale from CBD to parkland by drawing activity through the campus and offering nodes of interpretation and activation Create greater permeability of the campus between city and river Offer nodes of amenity and outlook to river for active and passive recreation, outdoor learning settings and living laboratory on northern boundary Reinforce and regenerate the riparian character of the Torrens frontage 8 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape university of adelaide
Masterplan Staging Urban Response Legend Hubs Sub-hubs Places Avenues Primary pedestrian connections Secondary pedestrian connections Address Proposed service access ORAH Industry Hub 0-10 years 10-20 years 20+ years development opportunity The first stage of North Terrace s masterplan is pivotal to the campus future success. It provides a new contemporary address and gateway at the intersection of North Terrace and Pulteney St which complements the significant heritage character of North Terrace. A critical need for more hub space and conflict of loading and pedestrian access is resolved through the extension of Hub Central and provision of loading areas underneath the new open space north of Bonython Hall. The removal of the Napier and Ligertwood buildings allows a secondary covered way from North Terrace to the Science precinct. The Nexus site will be enhanced through the creation of a city campus building accommodating professions and administrative functions. Adjacent to Bonython Hall ceremonial and conference facilities will combine with a new arts precinct showcasing music, creative arts, and offering lounge space for community and industry engagement. Teaching and learning spaces will be accommodated predominantly in the northern portion of the complex. The masterplan response to the North Terrace Campus is based upon a number of key improvements. The periphery of the campus will be enhanced by improved address and greater connection with its surrounds, offering permeable boundaries leading into and through the campus. New open spaces and development sites will engage directly with their surrounds and offer welcoming and transparent settings for community and industry connection. The strong north-south connection between the city and river will be enhanced by improved pedestrian paths and removal of vehicular traffic from primary pedestrian zones. Precincts within the campus will be improved through clear internal addresses, a series of active hub spaces connected to pedestrian ways and open space, and greater amenity achieved through sheltered outdoor settings and recreational zones PULTENEY ST TO NEW ADDRESS FROM HUB CENTRAL TO PULTENEY ST francis-jones morehen thorp masterplan 2016-2035 executive summary 9
Waite The original Waite bequest offered both a suite of important historical assets and opportunity for contemporary research and industry collaboration. To unify these elements, physical connections between them require a greater level of clarity and legibility. Waite Road, and the buildings along it, create a barrier between the heritage quarter and the partnership sites. The masterplan offers new vistas and avenues connecting North to South, reinforcement of heritage axes and clear division between vehicular and pedestrian movement. There is opportunity to reinforce partnership intent through shared spaces and gathering nodes. Wooded Campus Embrace the natural and cultural landscape Reinforce assets of the Waite Campus including the Arboretum, Yarrabilba Trail and indigenous tree settings to create a unique destination, campus and work environment Reinforce avenues and laneways as extension of existing legacy of indigenous and introduced plantings Partnership Reinforce Waite partnership intent Create a campus which reinforces and promotes the ideals of industry partnerships Offer zones for sharing of facilities such as equipment, loading, controlled environments and storage Create hubs and gathering spaces which encourage chance meetings and cross-fertilisation of ideas Further blur the boundaries between the academic and research areas of the campus Provide further amenity to campus partners through the provision of high quality open space and hub settings WAITE MASTERPLAN CONCEPT 10 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape university of adelaide
Masterplan Staging Urban Response Legend Hubs Sub-hubs Places Avenues Primary pedestrian connections Secondary pedestrian connections Address Proposed service access 0-10 years development opportunity The first stage of development proposed by the masterplan intends to move the centre of gravity for recreation and collaboration towards the centre of campus. The new hub will be placed on the intersection of the two primary avenues and will be highly visible to all occupants and visitors. It will provide a node of activation and engagement which will invite researchers, staff, students and collaborators to gather in a convenient location. The Waite building will be revitalised as the new ceremonial address for the campus, its historic rooms adapted to residential quarters overlooking the historic gardens and arboretum. The significant conflict between loading vehicles and pedestrians will be alleviated through a ring road which will reorient loading and vehicle access to the periphery of the campus. It is proposed that Waite Road become a shared zone with traffic calming and repaving as a first stage. The masterplan response to the Waite Campus is based upon creating a central heart and primary open space, while creating better connections across Waite Road and knitting together the partnership sites with the significant heritage assets from the Waite bequest. Waite Road and Hartley Grove will provide a greatly improved pedestrian experience through the diversion of loading traffic and provision of shared ways. The new hub will be created at the geographical heart of the campus offering greater access for partners as well as greater opportunity for outdoor recreation and gathering. Heritage buildings and access to the arboretum will be enhanced through improved visibility, reinforcement of heritage axes and wide tree lined avenues. The Waite building will become the ceremonial address of campus with a contemporary addition facing Waite Road. Opposite the Waite Building, a new quadrangle space will announce the arrival on campus. FROM ARBORETUM TO HUB NEW WAITE ADDRESS francis-jones morehen thorp masterplan 2016-2035 executive summary 11
Roseworthy Roseworthy s new masterplan respects the legacy of Roseworthy College, which brings strong tradition and character to the campus, contrasting and complementing the new addition of the Veterinary Science School and future development. The masterplan promotes a rural oasis within a dryland setting, offering amenity for residents, daily occupants and local community by enhancing the pedestrian experience, creating shaded outdoor settings for socialising and collaboration, clear wayfinding and improved connections between buildings. Rural Oasis Verdant oasis in agricultural dryland Use the colonial farm cottage garden in a flat rural plane as a strong metaphor for Roseworthy Utilise the abundance of water collected and treated on site to offer a verdant, shaded campus Create interstitial verandah spaces to enjoy sheltered outdoor settings Create outdoor rooms surrounded by dense treeplanting and garden beds College Community Reinforce Roseworthy College heritage Reinforce the strong Roseworthy College culture through encouragement of local community engagement and residential college character Leverage the amenity of agricultural / rural setting to create a unique and highly attractive choice for students and staff Create an immersive experience for staff and students which reinforces the living laboratory approach Offer venues and settings to reinterpret the unique agricultural and viticultural heritage of the site ROSEWORTHY MASTERPLAN CONCEPT 12 fjmt studio architecture interiors urban landscape university of adelaide
Masterplan Staging Urban Response Legend Hubs Sub-hubs Places Avenues Primary pedestrian connections Secondary pedestrian connections Address Proposed service access 0-10 years development opportunity The first stage of masterplan development for Roseworthy reinforces the heritage precinct and further enhances the recent improvements to the hub, connecting with the primary pedestrian paths and creating a new shaded outdoor hub - a country verandah. The landscaped character of Roseworthy is celebrated with a completion of the formal coach circle geometry and creation of a suite of casual outdoor gathering settings to the rear of the college. This offers clear primary ceremonial and event space as well as informal secondary space. The masterplan response to the Roseworthy Campus is based upon consolidating and enhancing existing nodes, connections and precincts. A primary campus space is defined at the entry to the campus in front of the Roseworthy College. This encompasses a number of heritage buildings into a pedestrian friendly green space. Behind the college, the campus heart outdoor hub will extend the function of the newly upgraded hub interiors and create a destination at the end of the two primary pedestrian axes. Secondary open spaces along the axes will offer amenity and outdoor learning environment plus creater connection and visitbility to the interiors of the surrounding buildings. Recreation and residential zones are clearly defined and kept within close proximity of the campus heart. The loop road will be reinforced as the primary loading access thus removing vehicles from the central campus wherever possible. NEW OUTDOOR HUB COUNTRY PAVILION francis-jones morehen thorp masterplan 2016-2035 executive summary 13
CONFERENCE AND NEW ADDRESS CONCEPT