Faculty of Law, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

University of Sydney student returns to revamp law school
Following an international design competition, Francis Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt) was commissioned to transform a key site into a new campus for the University of Sydney's law faculty. Inaugurated in 1855, it was the first law school to be established in Australia. After nearly 120 years in Phillip Street Sydney it moved to the heart of the University of Sydney's Camperdown campus.

Designed by one-time Sydney University medallist Richard Francis-Jones, it overlooks Victoria Park towards the centre of Sydney, and features 16 seminar rooms, four 100-seat lecture theatres, a 300-seat auditorium and a ‘moot court’ that gives students simulated first-hand court experience.

Professor Gillian Triggs, Dean of Sydney Law School said: “The architects have designed an elegant and spacious structure that cannot fail to inspire our academic staff, administrators and students. A functional and beautiful environment respects those who use the spaces and motivates all who work in the building.”

The Baulderstone-built building boasts a sophisticated glass double-skin ventilated façade which is made up of occupant-controlled timber louvres to control solar gain and glare. The cavity space within the façade naturally ventilates the building. Other features include a 20 metre high light tower which is used to direct natural light into the underground law library. Clad in curved stainless steel panels and large glass panes, the building also features mixed-mode, chilled-beam and displacement air conditioning and precinct storm water collection.

The project has received numerous awards including AIA awards for Architecture, Urban Design and Sustainability.
source: www.worldarchitecturenews.com
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