The Buildings
The new and refurbished buildings will reflect Southbank Institute's innovative, flexible, and future-focused nature.
Internally, each building has been designed to function as an open space. Mobile partitioning means that learning and display areas can be re-organised to suit different client needs.
Careful placement of air-conditioning, plumbing, and electrical and information technology co9 August, 2007rt every configuration.
This flexibility will allow Institute staff to utilise a range of different learning modes, including group work, live demonstrations, and activity and project-based learning.
Externally, the buildings have been architecturally-designed to complement the Southbank area.
All buildings have been oriented to reduce the effect of wind tunnels and to create sheltered outdoor zones. Significant trees on the site have been preserved, while new landscaping has been selected for its suitability to the south-east Queensland climate.
Innovative designs and technologies have been employed to make the new buildings environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
High mass construction has been adopted to increase each building's thermal storage. Building skins will act as climatic modifiers by incorporating weather protection, solar protection, and glare control in their design. Glazing levels will be controlled to optimise solar access, daylighting levels, and insulation.
These design elements will reduce external energy use for cooling and heating.
Looking to the future, a strategy is in place to retro-fit solar hot water and photovoltaic technology when they become cost-effective.
Last updated 9 August, 2007

