Life Sciences Building: The first Australian project to win UNESCO Prix Versailles Campus
The University of Melbourne Life Sciences Building has taken out the prestigious Prix Versailles Campus category, the first Australian project to do so.
The international award recognises architecture from around the world by a global, diverse panel made up of renowned architects, designers, and figures in the arts.
Some of the jurors include Sir David Adjaye from Adjaye Associates, UK, Thom Mayne from Morphosis Architects, USA, and Francesco Bandarin, Former Assistant Director-General for Culture at UNESCO and the Chairman of the 2020 Prix Versailles Jury.
The University of Melbourne opened its 10,200sqm Life Science Building early 2019 to accommodate learning and teaching across different disciplines, in a facility that achieved world leading sustainability certification. Its innovative laboratories and bespoke, collaborative classrooms enable the university to deliver progressive and engaging student experiences.
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“I’m delighted that the building won this award. It’s testament to the creativity, expertise, quality workmanship, careful thought and general care and team work that characterised the project. The University of Melbourne now has an ‘award winning’ building that is a delight in which to teach, learn and study.”
The new building turns what was once a ‘back-of-house’ corner entrance to the university into a beautiful, vibrant place where people come together each day.
Principal Mark Loughnan said the announcement of being the first Australian project to win the Campus category demonstrates the magnitude of talent coming out of Australia.