Located on the western edge of the University of Sydney Camperdown campus, the Charles Perkins Centre (CPC) is a six storey building (plus three basement levels) designed to foster collaboration and research in a holistic trans-disciplinary manner. This world-leading research and education hub, supports researchers, academics and students from all disciplines working in areas of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Balancing research and education needs, the design supports diverse disciplines such as biomedical, bioinformatics, computational as well as clinical research and social sciences. Within the 50,000 sqm building, over 16,000 sqm is dedicated to wet and dry laboratories. The interior design maximises efficiency and flexibility whilst encouraging collaboration and interaction between different research domains and project nodes. Open-plan office ‘neighbourhoods’, a suite of core lab facilities and shared informal meeting spaces, offer the next generation of researchers and practitioners a place to collaborate, mentor, learn and be inspired. Biology of the human body, DNA sequencing patterns and blood flow inspired the overall architecture and interior design approach for the project. A large central atrium is the social heart of the building and is a place for gathering, interaction, sharing and impromptu casual exchanges. With a bold, sculpted form with horizontal continuous ‘ribbons’, the atrium sinuously diverges from floor to floor linking the balustrade, atrium stairs and screen wall. Views across and between the floorplates are optimised in circulation spaces and interaction zones around the atrium to enhance a sense of openness, connection and informal interaction without compromising security or disturbing lab activities.
Primary floors are arranged in deliberately simple arrangement to facilitate occupant and visitor orientation, with three horizontal functional ‘stripes’ signifying the laboratory zone, interaction/meeting zone and the workplace zone. Warm, earthy colours and layered envriographics contrasts with the smooth white balustrades and also aids in visually articulating the various zones. Inherent flexibility and versatility, along with a series of integrated sustainability initiatives, ensures that the facility successfully accommodates not only the demands of today, but those of the future.
Alternate Version (exterior focus) Located on the western edge of the University of Sydney Camperdown campus, the Charles Perkins Centre (CPC) is a six storey building (plus three basement levels) designed to foster collaboration and research in a holistic trans-disciplinary manner. This world-leading research and education hub, supports researchers, academics and students from all disciplines working in areas of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.9 Balancing research and education needs, the design supports diverse disciplines such as biomedical, bioinformatics, computational as well as clinical research and social sciences. Within the 50,000 sqm building, over 16,000 sqm is dedicated to wet and dry laboratories. The design maximises efficiency and flexibility whilst encouraging collaboration and interaction between different research domains and project nodes. Open-plan office ‘neighbourhoods’, a suite of core lab facilities and shared informal meeting spaces, offer the next generation of researchers and practitioners a place to collaborate, mentor, learn and be inspired.
The building form and elevations are considered in relation to the context and campus alignments including the Wilkinson Axis. Vertical proportions and rhythms of the north-west facade strengthen the harmonious relationship with the adjacent heritage architecture of St John’s College. Composed of a complementary sandstone, this facade is characterised by striated slot windows with deep reveals for articulation and shading. In contrast the southeast facade overlooks a triangular open space with large expanses of glazing sub-divided by a series of natural aluminium horizontal louvres. Articulated layering of sandstone, glazing and aluminium characterise other facades whilst responding to internal functions and scaling the building mass.
A separate pavilion building with a sweeping roofline, adjacent to the main entrance, accommodates a cafe and access to the 360 seat auditorium. The combination of materials, modulation, detailing and the reveal depths all combine to result in a bold, contemporary expression that respects the campus context and successfully accommodates not only the demands of today, but those of the future.
