University of Queensland
The University of Queensland (UQ) is in the top 100 universities worldwide and the largest university in Queensland.
The Michie and Goddard Buildings form the entrance to the Great Court, one of the University’s most unique and well-known features, and home to lecture theatres, tutorial rooms, museums, laboratories and the offices of academic staff.
Whilst all lecture theatres in the Great Court Buildings have been modernised over a period of time, the University wished to preserve the heritage significance of 'Goddard 212', the last of the original tiered lecture theatres remaining in its original design format.
The architectural design, undertaken by award-winning heritage consultants, Riddel Architecture (now Conrad Gargett Riddel), retains elements of the original, conveying the history of the space in a teaching environment of previous generations, whilst incorporating contemporary teaching and learning technologies.
CampbellBarnett was engaged to develop a permanent interpretive exhibition that utilised the spatial opportunities of the theatre, whilst respecting the original design.
The solution involved the creation of a dramatic glass entry portal including an automatic door, and full width, custom-designed lightbox at the rear of the theatre. CampbellBarnett developed the curatorial approach to highlight three main themes: the original construction; Goddard the man, the academic and communicator; the architecture.
The resulting installation is a moving tribute to a time, place and man that have great significance for generations of students and staff at this historic institution.
COLLABORATORS
Design Director: Lea Barnett
Creative Director: Peter Campbell