Australian University Student Center Petal View by Hassell

international design practice, HASSELL, has completed the ‘EZONE’ student hub for the university of western australia’s (UWA) faculty of engineering and mathematical sciences (EMS).
forming part of the crawley campus in perth, the new building serves as a shared precinct for the EMS community and their partners while providing a new western gateway into the university.

the program comprises three engineering labs, higher degree workspaces, and 14 flexible learning studios. these functions are supported by a large ‘learning steps’ meeting place, a café and beautiful outdoor spaces for both learning and socializing. with space for students, alumni, researchers, and industry partners to come together and thrive, EZONE is designed by HASSELL for the connection of people and the exchange of ideas.

the design team has blurred the traditional boundaries between building and garden, inside and outside, for a learning environment that encourages interaction and collaboration.

Design specifications implemented by Hassell

innovative sustainability measures are integral to the design, including PV cell glass skylights, a wind turbine, and the ‘veil’ façade that both contains and reveals the new ‘living building’
mitigating glare, heat, and filtering sunlight with petals fixed at different angles to suit their orientation.
the veil creates a unique identity for EZONE’s exterior, designed to represent a six pointed sun symbol.
one of UWA’s ‘۱۰۰ treasures’, cast into many of the concrete buildings on campus.
the geometric, repeating nature of the veil creates a striking elevation with a nod to mathematics and engineering while filtering views into surrounding tree canopies.

not one to let a learning opportunity pass by, UWA encouraged and facilitated student involvement during the build.
a viewing platform was installed and site tours were coordinated to give students and staff the opportunity to learn about the project’s journey.