lahznimmo architects with ASPECT Studios were successful in winning the Australian National University’s design competition to revitalize the public domain of its Canberra campus. The public domain team worked closely with BVN who were the architects for the new buildings in the precinct. The resulting urban outcome reflects the collaboration between the three practices.

The brief for the Public Domain was based on an Urban Design Framework, Public Realm Guidelines, Design Brief and Place Overlay led by Colony Six, Civitas and Oculus.

Key public domain elements include the redevelopment of: University Avenue; the Kambri Precinct and a new terraced creek edge and amphitheatre. Secondary elements include: an intimate Student Courtyard; a new loop road and retail laneway.

Sullivan’s Creek is reinvigorated with substantial areas of native planting and a generous cycle and pedestrian pathway. The pathway creates a strong north south link through the campus in line with the Griffin Legacy.

In line with the masterplan the reimagined University Avenue replaces the previous stepping ground plane with a contiguous one with an uninterrupted sightline from the Campus threshold to the Kambri Precinct. The new University Avenue provides a generous central boulevard predominantly used as a shared pedestrian/cycleway.

The name of the new precinct ‘Kambri’ means ‘meeting place’, and was gifted to the University by local Indigenous elders. Kambri provides a new vibrant social and cultural focus for the Campus bringing together staff, students and the broader Canberra community. The focus of Kambri is a large raised events lawn fringed by trees and a modulated edge providing inviting spaces to inhabit year round. 

The terraced creek edge and amphitheatre create a gradual connection from the lawn down to the water. The amphitheatre provides a flexible space for lounging and soaking up the sun as well as incorporating a stage for curated events.