CDU Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman unveils new $250m Darwin City campus design

The new campus designs for Charles Darwin University’s Darwin CBD campus have been unveiled. What do you think? Check out the photos and vote in our poll.

A LIVELY community space with a nod to Top End tropical architecture is the goal of Charles Darwin University’s newest and final design for its $250m CBD campus.

The design, unveiled by Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman on Friday, was done by national firm MODE and features a mix of light and earthy colours, louvres throughout and extensive greenery inside and outside the building.

The focal point of the design, which replaces the controversial previous plan, is the boab tree preserved on the site. The sloping facade allows the tree to receive enough sunlight. It is made up of louvres to manage the head load and a variety of landscaped terraces and sunshades.

“This is going to be an absolute game changer for Darwin and actually a game changer for the Northern Territory,” Prof Bowman said.

“We know that Darwin is a tourism mecca, we know it is a great seat of government but this will be a beacon saying Darwin is an education city.”

Prof Bowman said by the end of 2021 he hoped the slab would be poured as well as other foundation works completed. More than 700 jobs will be created during construction.

The campus is slated to be finished in 2024. Once open it will house the CDU and NT libraries, Asia Pacific College of Business and Law, the College of Indigenous Futures, Education and the Arts, IT teaching and the university’s International College and art gallery.

MODE lead architect Rob McCray said the primary aim of the design was to make the campus welcoming and a vital part of the CBD community.

“What we tried to do is make it connected and inviting so when you approach the building you’ll be able to see into the building, you’ll see activity,” he said.

“You will have a feel of this is a place that I’m welcome.”

Mr McCray said extensive consideration had been made for the elements, such as controlling and managing the flow of stormwater from monsoonal rains.

The project team also collaborated with the CSIRO Darwin Living Lab to ensure the building is energy efficient, liveable and resilient in the Top End climate.

Property Council of Australia NT division executive director Ruth Palmer said the design was a significant improvement and was confident the campus would contribute to economic growth.

“While we did not agree with the original design, we instead took an active role in working with CDU to guarantee a long-lasting building that looks great and is well suited to Darwin’s climate,” she said.

“This building will dominate the town centre. It must be aesthetically pleasing and invigorating to encourage further investments and development.”