Jury comment
The jury commended Arup Melbourne’s demonstrated and careful attention to all aspects of sustainable design and performance, which also incorporates social sustainability through the participation of a social enterprise. The architects’ holistic approach to sustainability uses wellness as a driver of the outcome and as such the design is embedded with principles of biophilia, healthy living and community. An abundance of greenery features through- out the interior and cork is used on the mezzanines’ flooring and underside as part of a sustainable material palette. Most impressive is a hosted concierge and cafe run by social enterprise Streat, which gives back to the community. Arup Melbourne is on target to achieve a 6-star Green Star interiors rating, with the building targetting a 6-star Green Star rating and 5-star NABERS Energy rating. The tenancy will use 100 percent green power as part of Arup’s commitment to sustainability, working toward being carbon neutral by 2020.
Design statement
The Arup Melbourne workplace is inviting, inspires users to reflect on their knowledge and, through increased connectivity, promotes the open sharing of ideas. The resulting workplace has created a new paradigm in flexibility, sustainability and wellness. The Arup Melbourne experience begins with a unique arrival via the elevated Sky Park, not a typical lift lobby. This garden feature continues throughout the interior, with abundant planting reflecting an evolving, growing workplace. Ostensibly spread over three floors, the workspace is disrupted by expansive voids with mezzanines inserted to create a cascading, terraced effect of five separate levels – a “one-volume” highly connected, agile workplace. The scheme is a salute to total design thinking and integrated engineering; the open stair, ramp and mezzanine steel structures, the exposed ceilings and services, and the visible acoustic treatments are a demonstration of Arup’s expertise.
The Award for Sustainability Advancement is supported by Elton Group. The Australian Interior Design Awards are presented by the Design Institute of Australia and Artichoke magazine. For more images of this project, see the Australian Interior Design Awards gallery.
