The Jeffrey Smart Building, named in recognition of the great Australian artist and UniSA alumnus, houses the UniSA library and a whole host of student services, from teaching and learning support to accommodation services.
With 600 student computers, the facility also features leading-edge, ‘smart’ teaching rooms designed for online collaboration, with computer workstations designed for collaborative learning.
UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd said the Five Green Star rated building will transform the west end of the city by extending the footprint of the University and enhancing the community with a vibrant student population.
“This extends the notion of the university community and we are starting to get a real picture of what this end of town will be like when the suite of buildings planned for the area comes on line – the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and our own new Health Innovation Building and science outreach studio, through to other new buildings and re-developments we have planned in and around City West campus,” he says.
“The Jeffrey Smart Building is the kind of place I think our students will love to learn in because it has been designed for them, with their needs in mind.
“Whether that is a quiet nook to read in or collaborative discussion spaces, or places where they can enjoy some down time or watch a film together – the building has all of that and more.
“The building provides some core practical considerations but also inspiring and exciting features that make it a great place to learn.”
Student Alyssa De Cristofaro, who in her role as a U-Buddy with the Campus Central Team helps students by recommending services, answering queries and giving directions, has seen first-hand the response of students who are using the new building.
“Students are blown away by the architecture and design of the building,” she says.
“They are often asking for a good study place with a nice view – which is the majority of the building.
“The environment allows students to relax, be comfortable and enjoy their surroundings.
“I’m seeing lots of students coming in again and again, so I suppose they do find it to be an effective learning space.
“I think that the student kitchens are also keeping students happy because they can easily access the appliances so they can make their own lunch, making it easier for them to stay and study for longer.
“The feedback from students has been great. They love all the new technology that helps navigate services in the building. And the relaxation area of the library on level two with an Xbox, virtual reality goggles and the very cool 3D printing display has also been a big hit.
“Personally, I like that university services such as Campus Central, the library and the Learning and Teaching Unit are all in one spot so they’re easy to find and there’s always someone that can help.”
The new building, designed by architects John Wardle and Philips/Pilkington, has been built to embrace the streetscape and enhance the links between the green common at the front of the building and the glazed forum-style ground floor entry. This street level also includes a café which faces Hindley Street and looks back into the rest of the campus.
The eight-storey building features panoramic views of the city from a range of vantage points and each level has been designed with colour themes inspired by the South Australian landscape, from the red centre to the coast.
More information about the Jeffrey Smart Building is available online.