The competition for the building of the Faculty of Architecture in Melbourne has a winner

John Wardle Architects and Office dA won the architectural competition for the design of the new building of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, which is part of the University of Melbourne.
      The building will contain spaces designated for research, teaching, lectures, a library, exhibitions, and workshops. It is specifically intended for students and faculty of a newly established undergraduate program focused on the creation and protection of the environment.
      The jury was most impressed by the joint design from the team composed of John Wardle Architects from Melbourne and Office dA from Boston. The dean of the faculty, Prof. Tom Kvan, stated: "The winning design reflects a great understanding of the process of education, the relationship to the environment, and social issues. It will be an inspiration for students and faculty alike. It will benefit the university campus environment."
      The jury of the competition organized by the Australian Institute of Architects included Prof. Peter Elliott (RMIT University), French architect Odile Decq, Prof. Glyn Davis (Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne), and Prof. Tom Kvan (Dean of the Faculty). The competition received 133 entries from 15 countries.
      Six proposals that advanced to the final round had to address four key themes of the brief: Building as Pedagogy, Academic Environment, Creative Studio, and Living Building. In evaluating the competition entries, the jury also focused on the architects' ability to collaborate with the university as the client for the building. The shortlist included proposals from Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Sauerbruch Hutton and NH Architecture, KoningEizenberg with William J Mitchell and Gehry Technologies, Denton Corker Marshall Pty Ltd, McBride Charles Ryan, and John Wardle Architects & Office dA.