School of Design & the Built Environment
The new facility for Curtin’s School of Design and the Built Environment (DBE) is a landmark building for Curtin University’s Perth campus, sitting at the heart of the University’s dedicated innovation precinct.
The new building contributes significantly to the vibrant University community, enabling world-class student engagement, learning and teaching, research, collaboration and industry partnerships.
The five-storey building has been designed to serve as a living laboratory and teaching tool. In addition to supporting DBE’s learning and teaching program, it also houses the school’s professional and academic staff and complementary commercial tenants. A large central courtyard links adjacent activities of the makerspace, collaboration hub and exhibition spaces located at ground level.
- Traditional Custodians Wadjuk people of the Nyungar Nation
- Client Curtin University
- Location Bentley, Perth
- Project Duration 2016 – 2022
- Floor Levels 5
- Sustainability Rating 6 Star Green Star - Design and As Built
- Selected Awards
- The Hillson Beasley Award for Educational Architecture, AIA Western Australia Awards, 2023.
- The John Septimus Roe Award for Urban Design / Curtin Exchange Precinct Stage 01The John Septimus Roe Award for Urban Design / Curtin Exchange Precinct Stage 01 by Christou Design Group with Wardle, Nettleton Tribe and Six Degrees, AIA Western Australia Awards, 2023.
- Award for Interior Architecture, AIA Western Australia Awards, 2023.
- Award for Sustainable Architecture, AIA Western Australia Awards, 2023.
The primary circulation space is an actively changing space, supporting a wide range of learning activites including presentations, informal learning, crits, discussions and classes.
The history and culture of the site is honoured with an integrated artwork 'Winin Katidjin Bilya' by Indigenous artist Kamsani Bin Salleh, which depicts the Living Knowledge River. It was created in consultation with Noongar Elders Prof Marion Kickett and Dr Noel Nannup.
