Description

The transformation of a commercial building into a contemporary educational facility that provides a focal point for the campus

The University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) Fairfax Building is a focal educational and commercial premises of the UTS campus. Formerly a newspaper printing facility, the 14 storey building has been refurbished and upgraded to provide teaching facilities as well as retail and office space.

The design includes an 80-metre long, six-storey atrium through the centre of the building. The atrium is enclosed by glass walls and roof allowing natural light to penetrate into the heart and reduce the floorplate areas into more flexible and less expansive space. The design focuses on the idea of an internal street, from which activities could spring off on either side over each floor.

The University of Technology, Sydney purchased the Fairfax Building to consolidate its Broadway campus. The re-designed Fairfax Building links the existing UTS buildings and provides a campus hub.

BVN was also engaged to undertake the fit-out for the Faculty of Education and Administration group of UTS, on levels 5 and 6 (8,000m²). This includes academic and research areas, general teaching spaces and facilities. The Admin areas comprise of general office space, support facilities, board rooms and training centres.

The Fairfax Building is one of many projects undertaken by BVN for UTS, including the City Campus 2020 Masterplan, Thomas Street Building and the limited design competition for the Faculty of Engineering and IT building on Broadway.