UOW Unibar

Brewster Hjorth Architect’s dramatic revamp of the Student Union Centre “Unicentre” at the University of Wollongong has brought to life the social hub of the University. A diverse array of  facilities range from a principal on campus meeting place, and a quiet refuge for study and academia, to a entertainment venue for lunchtime concerts, and band nights for up to 1,000 people. Clever design introduces a collection of pavilions located under and around the stand of large eucalypts which form the edge of the central Duck Pond Lawn. Open, light filled internal and external spaces extend the surrounding lawns and pathways and bring the existing infrastructure to a logical focus within the social area. It is a dramatic and beautiful building which fits perfectly into the leafy university campus. The building was short-listed for the RAIA Public architecture Awards 2003 and has received numerous planning and architecture awards. The building replaces the old University Bar with facilities designed to relate much more closely to the social needs of the students and staff. The old building had once been the social focus of the university community, however changing cultural needs had left the building and the facility behind. The design of the building made it possible to open up the main ceremonial route between the Chancellery and the university hall which is used for graduations and other important events and create a new entry to the campus.  The eastern side of the building defines the Vice Chancellor’s lawn which is used as a location for important ceremonies. The collection of open light filled internal and external spaces connect and extend the surrounding lawns and pathways, bringing the existing infrastructure to a logical focus at the University’s new social hub.