Conceived as a ‘deconstructed park’, the upgrade to the University of Newcastle Auchmuty Library Courtyard provides informal study and meeting spaces.

The incorporation of new forms and colour provide a sense of renewal and vibrancy whilst respecting the natural beauty of the surrounding bushland campus. Flexible and playful outdoor furniture selections allow students and staff alike to customise the space for outdoor informal learning and recreation.

• Client:University of Newcastle, Shortland Campus
• Size:70m2
• Completion2014

Opportunities for relaxation and retreat are created through the incorporation of new seating and shade structures against a playful mural backdrop.

The project includes two separate seating pavilions with a gridded patchwork of coloured ‘leaves’ to filter light and shade to the seating and ‘grassed’ areas below. The artwork to the mural provides visual inspiration and references learning and the crystalisation of new ideas through colourful geometric graphics. The new structures have been designed to retain the existing spirit of the library roof top courtyard, providing a variety of sunny and shaded seating areas to the external space. A vertical games wall and lighting pelmet on the southern wall of the courtyard completes the project and provides for a playful change of personality between day and night.