Melbourne Building, MTU
2020
Boulevard Revisited
LOCATION
YEAR
The aim of this project was to reimagine the long and empty boulevard space within the Melbourne Building's Architecture Factory at MTU, while enhancing the building's image and identity. While tackling an educational space, the students were at the forefront when designing.
The concept from the start was focused on the idea of a sanctuary of learning. The material and colour pallette was kept to a minimum. Materials that represent the 21st Century and beyond, supported innovative ideas pulled from environmental and accessible values in technology.
The context of the university as an Irish institution inspired the materialty and form. The design took from the skewed, curvature topography of an Irish Landscape in plan and section. The layering of cardboard as a structural medium was used throughout the space to represent the educational journey of a student, layering of information and knowledge, widening to become open, brighter spaces in which focused communal learning and interaction can occur.
The design was to be able to function in the dual role of exhibition and education whenever required. Zones addressed in the space planning of the design included an entrance exhibitional space for students to showcase their work to visitors, quieter study and library facilities, a crit space, a small enclosed meeting room, a workshop, a darker area dedicated to working with lightboxes, space for private calls, an eating area and kitchenette, an area for recyling materials, and a staircase connecting the boulevard with the mezzanine.
