University of Sydney

Including a learning hub and 1,500 sqm of informal learning space, the new University of Sydney Business School by Woods Bagot fosters productive interactions with the business community.

Woods Bagot has designed the flagship home for the new University of Sydney Business School. Catering to over 6,000 students, the Abercrombie precinct includes three 550-seat lecture theatres, eight 100-seat study rooms, 40 seminar rooms, a learning hub and 1,500sqm of informal learning space. The vision for the project was to create a 21st century learning environment that fosters productive interactions with the business community while responding to the needs of students.

The exterior skin draws inspiration from the historic and textural character of the neighbouring Darlington terraces and the university quad. The double-skin facade system was intelligently designed to react to both the interior and exterior building adjacencies, with density and rotation of blades responding to desirable sightlines, privacy concerns and daylight penetration to study areas.

The functional floor plates provide a spectrum of learning environments positioned around a centrally-located social spine, encouraging collaboration and visual accessibility. Providing transparency and a sense of dynamism from the street to informal learning environments, the building is activated via the use of exposed stairs which link the various floors.