Monash University Western Precinct Landscape

Clayton, Australia
Photo © John Gollings
Photo © John Gollings
Photo © John Gollings
Photo © Michael Wright
Photo © John Gollings
Photo © John Gollings
© John Gollings
Photo © John Gollings
Photo © Michael Wright
Photo © John Gollings
Photo © John Gollings
Photo © Scenery Melbourne
Drawing © Rush Wright Associates
Architekci Krajobrazu
Rush\Wright Associates
Location
Wellington Rd, Clayton VIC, 3800 Clayton, Australia
Year
2018
Client
Monash University
Civil, Structural, Hydraulic, and Electrical Engineer:
Wood & Grieve Engineers
Project Management
TSA Management
Access Consultant
Architecture & Access (Aust) Pty Ltd
Wetland Specialist Engineer
E2 Design Lab
STRIP Lighting Design
NDY Light
STRIP Cost Planning
Donald Cant Watts Corke
STRIP Planting Design
Plant Design Pty Ltd (Paul Thompson)
18 Innovation Walk Architect & Artists
Kosloff Architecture + Callum Morton + Monash Art Projects
Contractor
PTA Landscapes Pty Ltd

Monash University Science Technology Research and Innovation Precinct (STRIP) at Clayton campus realises a 20 year masterplan vision. The project was designed and delivered in two stages over a period of four years. Each stage was delivered in concert with major building redevelopments to produce cohesive, curated and seamless outcomes. The project completes a significant part of the campus’ distinctive primary walk network, extending the roll-out of Monash standard, pedestrian-oriented materials and finishes into what was a car-dominated and under-capitalised part of the campus.

The Stage one Biobasin was initially conceived as a Feasibility Study in 2009/10, just as the ‘millennial’ drought was reaching its apogee, then breaking. In landscapes around Melbourne, the focus was on water conservation, resilience and sustainability. At Monash University, the CRC for Water Sensitive Cities had been established in the STRIP buildings adjacent. The Biobasin is significant for being one of the first contemporary landscapes at Monash, to embed academic research and knowledge into practice on campus; pursuant to the idea of the campus as a living laboratory.

The parti is a wetland and swale. The wetland accepts rainwater from adjacent roofs, while the swale accepts stormwater runoff from adjoining walks. A tank stores the treated results, which are used for biological experiments. The design is deliberately artificial, made like a ‘slice’ through a semi-natural system. Weirs and rock batters define the two watery zones.

The award jury cited the project as: “Stage one shows a meaningful commitment to sustainability and the principles of WSUD, while at the same time offering a calm sense of place for students, with seating for individuals and groups integrated into the design. Stage two reads as a distinct landscape space, with curved edges relating the design to The Spill. The jury commends the design team for its playful yet sensitive approach to program, thoughtful planting and robust design solution.”

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Other Projects by Rush\Wright Associates

St Columba’s College Central Campus Redevelopment
Melbourne, Australia
Carrum Station and Foreshore Precinct
Melbourne, Australia
Brunswick Street Streetscape Masterplan
Melbourne, Australia
Earth Sciences Garden Monash University
Clayton, Australia
LaTrobe Institute for Molecular Science, LaTrobe University
Melbourne, Australia