At the University of Melbourne's Alan Gilbert Building, HATZ designed a purpose-built Indigenous study space for the Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) Indigenous student community. Shaped by two rounds of direct consultation with Indigenous students and delivered on time and on budget, this tertiary education fit-out was designed to be recognised by its community as their own.
Challenge
The University needed a space the MDHS Indigenous student community could recognise as genuinely theirs, grounded in what the community needed, not what the institution assumed.
Response
Two rounds of student consultation resolved the space around four decisions: opaque gradient glazing for privacy without isolation, banquette seating for informal gathering, a kitchenette to support belonging and dedicated access control. Neutral walls were left ready for students' own artwork and the AIATSIS map.
Outcome
The space functions as a sanctuary designed to be completed by its community, not its architects. As the client put it: "The Indigenous Study Space demonstrates what happens when an architect listens carefully and resolves the brief with conviction." Neslihan Goc, Associate Director, Infrastructure and Facilities, University of Melbourne.
Designing a Future Worth Learning In™
Planning an Indigenous space or student fit-out at your institution? We'd welcome a conversation. Contact Steve Hatzellis at HATZ.
