Curtin University Academic Heart and Planning Framework

Following the completion of the Greater Curtin vision and master plan, With Architecture Studio along with Urban Equality were commissioned to prepare a master plan for the academic campus. With much of its building stock and infrastructure out-dated there is pressing demand for better research facilities. Furthermore, with changes in contemporary teaching and learning practises, Curtin University is faced with significant development if it is to attract and maintain quality students, staff and researchers, meet growth targets and achieve the vision of being a leading education and research provider. These objectives will depend on forging productive partnerships with industry.

The Academic Heart Master Plan presents a Planning Framework to guide the sustainable delivery, maintenance and disposal of physical facilities and to optimise efficiency in expenditure and return on investment through pluralistic planning outcomes. This work was underpinned by detailed statistical analysis of current space utilisation and projections for future spatial needs based on realistic growth scenarios that were provided by an independent consultant. The Planning Framework is the foundation for the Strategic Asset Management Plan that is developed in tandem with the Master Plan.

The Master Plan equally addresses campus experience and campus life through improvements to legibility, movement, access, retail and support facilities, and the introduction of “shared knowledge clusters” in place of the traditional faculty based planning. The original architecture, landscape and planning have been evaluated for their heritage value and a selection of their physical features and design characteristics identified as Elements to be re-interpreted in future developments. Each new project, whether it be building, landscape of infrastructure, will therefore contribute to the “distinctively Curtin” identity and brand.