winning proposal of the 'UTS podium extension' by lacoste + stevenson in sydney, australia

australian firm lacoste + stevenson architects  in association with DJRD and 6 degrees
has won the design competition for the university of technology sydney's (UTS) podium extension.
the undulating glass volume will create a new identity for the school as a prominent landmark
on broadway street.

the design revolves around the idea of creating a contrasting element to the existing tower above:

'in contrast to the brutalist architecture of the tower, the new podium intervenes as an undulating
semi-transparent building wrapping the podium of buildings 1 and 2. it appears soft and almost
pliable like a curtain; its smooth surface blowing inward dramatically to mark the entrance.
the entrance draws in the life of the city.' - lacoste + stevenson

a frit pattern is applied above the awning level of the glass facade, adding a subtle pattern of
a forest which dapples the light across the interior space. during the night, the projected light
from behind captures the image on the surface of the glass.

another feature of the design is the use of 'lace columns'. the organically carved out structure
facilitates natural ventilation, allows for visual connections, acts as a circulation shaft, a lightwell,
and even creates a courtyard. given the number of tall buildings in the area, the roof of the extension
was treated as a fifth elevation: 80% of the roof will be green, composed in a lace pattern
to continue the aesthetics of the columns.



entrance



rooftop garden



view from broadway at night



ground level



lecture theatre entrance


'heavy, dark and secretive vs. light, airy, and welcoming.'






a new type of structure that accommodates ventilation, circulation, and acts as a lightwell






structure connection to the existing columns




animation by piranha

project info

design team: thierry lacoste, david stevenson, craig allchin, daryl jackson, robin dyke,
angela rowson, josh harrex, yinhui zhou in association with DJRD and 6 degrees.
structural engineers: peter macdonald, jane nixon, tania milinkovich
facade engineers: peter hartigan, jorg kramer
digital architecture: tom barker, hank haeusler
landscape: adrian mcgregor, joe rowling, jack qian