Location: Sydney, Australia.

Architect: Architectus.

The University of Sydney has unveiled its new Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) building, which aims to modernize the campus while preserving its heritage. The FASS building is located next to the refurbished RD Watt Building and is designed to integrate with the landscape and heritage context, promote environmental and social sustainability, and provide new teaching and learning environments. The building features a granite plinth that references the former aboriginal owned Orphan School Creek, and a low-maintenance glass facade with a metallic bronze coated interstitial fabric mesh that responds to light. The building also fosters social sustainability through collaboration and community between students and academics, with a large central atrium and feature staircase connecting the lower two teaching and learning levels. The FASS building has achieved a University of Sydney Silver sustainability rating, equivalent to 5 Star Green Star, through an integrated design that incorporates key sustainability features such as high energy performance facade, solar energy capture and reuse, rainwater recycling, end of trip facilities, and sustainable materials. The RD Watt Building has been restored to its original plan and external facade, with sympathetic transformation of internal spaces into a 21st century facility.

Photo credit: Brett Boardman, Anthony Fretwell.