Landscape architecture practice Taylor Cullity Lethlean’s (TCL) work on a square for Monash University’s Clayton campus, in Melbourne’s suburban south-east, has come to fruition with the square now open for the start of the university year.
The studio says the Northern Plaza project reflects a broader trend in the design of university spaces to host staff, students and the wider community in a more varied range of ways. Universities also need to provide for growing student populations, and a greater proportion of students choosing to live on-campus, with access to multipurpose open space.
Reflecting this, the plaza contains terraces, informal seating, long study desks, a dining area and barbecues within a 75 by 75 metre space.
“Northern Plaza has been transformed to become the vibrant heart of the campus overflowing with activity, colour and laughter,” said TCL studio principal Lisa Howard.
The square, located adjacent to the campus centre, is the latest in a series of redevelopment projects at the suburban campus, including the $45 million redevelopment of the Alexander Theatre by Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design and the currently under construction “gateway” learning and teaching building by John Wardle Architects.
