Address: | 65 Chancellors Circle |
Constructed: | 1966-69 |
Architects: | Number Ten Architectural Group |
Tours: | Part of the QR Code Tour |
University Centre is a five-storey poured and pre-cast concrete structure constructed as part of a campus planning strategy that aimed to develop the campus as an urban centre. New construction on the campus was to be multi-purpose and flexible in design.
The overall design of the building had to maintain an unobstructed view down Chancellor Matheson Road to the portico of the Administration Building. This requirement to remain unobtrusive to the surrounding structures drove the project below grade. The above grade facilities include dining space, offices and conference rooms, while the lounges, cafeteria, bookstore and open spaces for gathering were located below grade. This below-grade construction was the catalyst for a campus-wide network of climate-controlled tunnels. University Centre serves as the central meeting point for all of the campus tunnels, culminating in a two-storey multifunctional space referred to as a “campo”. This space was conceived of as a main street that could act as a market, plaza or venue for speech and debate.