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.

lacoste + stevenson: UTS podium extension - 2 entrance

lacoste + stevenson: UTS podium extension - 3 rooftop garden

lacoste + stevenson: UTS podium extension - 4 view from broadway at night

lacoste + stevenson: UTS podium extension - 5 ground level

lacoste + stevenson: UTS podium extension - 6 lecture theatre entrance

lacoste + stevenson: UTS podium extension - 7 ‘heavy, dark and secretive vs. light, airy, and welcoming.’

lacoste + stevenson: UTS podium extension - 8

lacoste + stevenson: UTS podium extension - 9 a new type of structure that accommodates ventilation, circulation, and acts as a lightwell

lacoste + stevenson: UTS podium extension - 10

lacoste + stevenson: UTS podium extension - 11 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