Factory house– ING CENTRE

HASSELL was invited to participate in a competition for the Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC), a new landmark building at the Hawthorn Campus of Swinburne University in Melbourne. The competition entry reflected Swinburne's developments in the fields of research, innovation and technical excellence. To allow for maximum flexibility and accessibility, the design placed the factory spaces in the centre of the building, surrounded by a flexible program layout. This concept of a factory 'heart' generates a high level of possible interaction between the learning and office space, promoting maximum integration and opportunity. Translucency and natural light were also major components of the design. Various types of channel glass and their different modes of transparency and reflection act together with a metal mesh to provide depth and texture, responding to internal program use and to the changing light and seasonal conditions. The building form and façade integrates within the Victorian heritage street frontage and local neighbourhood yet creates its own identity for the AMC. During the day, the building shines and reflects, while at night it glows, hinting to the passerby of the active research and innovation taking place within its walls.