Melbourne-based Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) Architects and Engineers and London’s Wilkinson Eyre Architects (WEA) have been appointed to design an exciting new research hub for Melbourne’s Swinburne University of Technology.

The Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC) at the University’s Hawthorn Campus will provide a space for research specialists and industry partners to collaborate on new technology research and innovation in manufacturing. 

The six storey block will feature a striking new design consisting of sculpted vertical fins resembling engine turbine blades, which will provide shade for the sun and lend a unique three-dimensional shape to the outer surface of the building.

The new centre will accommodate general teaching spaces and shared communal areas.

The appointment is a coup for both SKM and WEA, who have previously collaborated on major projects in Australia and the UK.

“We’re very excited to have the opportunity to design a higher education building in Australia, and we look forward to working with SKM to bring our experience on university projects in the UK to a new context,” said Stafford Critchlow, Director of WEA.

“We believe that this will result in an outstanding outcome for the University,” said Paul Mulgrew, Senior Principal of SKM.

The project is scheduled for completion at the end of 2013.

Sinclair Knight Merz Architects
skmconsulting.com

Wilkinson Eyre Architects
wilkinsoneyre.com