dwp were engaged by the Australian National University to design their Mathematical Science Institute & College of Computer Science Building located in Canberra, Australia.

dwp|suters + Clarke Keller are designing a new building that brings together the Mathematical Sciences Institute (MSI), the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CS) and Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) on the prestigious Australian National University (ANU) campus within a significant heritage listed zone. Our brief is to provide work and learning spaces for staff and students that support the growing collaboration between the MSI, CS and ASD.

Computer science and mathematics are becoming increasingly linked; the new facility is an innovative, open and flexible environment that is responsive to needs for agile teamwork and reflects ANU’s status as an international leader in these fields.

Our design responds to the heritage fabric of buildings surrounding and includes a playful frit on glazing to reflect the MSI and CS faculties within the building. The new facade provides a dynamic, presence for mathematics while repeating the vertical elements of the adjacent heritage site. The two wings come together in a central collaborative atrium that connects the faculty groups vertically through the building.

This provides a contemporary, readily identifiable built presence while addressing the practical needs of budget and maintenance. The ground floor accommodates contemporary teaching and learning spaces also connected to the open atrium that encourages students to collaborate vertically through the building. Our design response creates intensely collaborative spaces that increase the bump factor across faculties.

Designer: dwp Photography: Rodrigo Vargas

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