In its 25th year, UniSA is continuing to develop new and dynamic learning spaces and facilities across all campuses but it is City West that is at the centre of Adelaide’s west end revival with the development of spaces that will transform the way South Australians study and work.
And if a picture is worth a thousand words, these images contrasting the west end today with previous decades say it all.
As we go about our daily work it is too easy to forget that the open spaces, modern learning facilities and technology-filled buildings we see today are a far cry from the somewhat jaded light commercial and industrial landscape of the past.
UniSA’s approach to spaces and facilities is underpinned by the desire to create a community of ideas, solutions and connections with a strong focus on places that support new models of learning and engagement.
“To achieve our overarching goals, it is important that we provide the right environments to support our students, staff and alumni,” UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd says.
“We’re committed to fostering creative, diverse thinkers who can adapt and be leaders of change, and we’re providing flexible spaces with cutting-edge resources to support their learning and growth.”
The most recent major construction in the City West campus development, the Jeffrey Smart Building (named after UniSA’s alumnus and world-renowned artist), opened its doors in 2014.
And the following year, a new student lounge, designed with significant student input, opened to offer students a social space to interact and unwind, while a brand new childcare centre created a more modern, quality facility still conveniently located near the campus.
The Health Innovation Building, now under construction in the State Government’s Heath and Biomedical Precinct, is a space to share and advance the University’s health, technology and science expertise. It will be home to the Centre of Cancer Biology, the Science Creativity Education Studio (Sci.C.Ed) and the Innovation and Collaboration Centre.
All three hubs will spearhead high-end developments in cancer treatment, business innovation and public inspiration to engage with science and foster creativity.
Another highlight of UniSA’s City West transformation is the architecturally inspiring Great Hall, which is due for completion in 2017.
Contained in its sleek environmentally-friendly, urban design there’ll be an impressive amphitheatre, a swimming pool, a fully-equipped fitness centre and streetside café, allowing the hall to be used for graduations, exams, sporting events and a range of other formal university events, while providing an everyday hub for the University and its local community.
“By building the Great Hall we’re creating a new heart of the University – an iconic venue where thousands of memories will be made,” Prof Lloyd says.
For more information visit unisa.edu.au/greathall