Look around and uncover the award-winning design and architectural features of the Kambri precinct – they’re right before your eyes!
Long before the precinct burst to life in February 2019 with the daily bustle of university staff and students, the appointed architects for Kambri – BVN – were busy creating a united ensemble of six buildings around new public spaces, each with their own distinctive character and purpose.
Kambri was envisioned as an inclusive space for students, staff and visitors, merging contemporary learning with an enriched cultural life to bring a diverse array of great thinkers, artists and creators together.
Surrounded by nature, Kambri has fast become Canberra’s social and cultural focus. It boasts plenty of green spaces, plus architecturally designed buildings offering the latest state-of-the-art technology and facilities, and an eclectic retail mix of restaurants, cafes and shops.
Reflecting on the design of Kambri precinct, ANU Vice-President for Engagement and Global Relations, Jane O’Dwyer, says, “It incorporates a number of elements that offer a new educational, physical, creative and social experience in a village setting, while also reflecting the Indigenous connection in its landscaping and native bush garden.”
The collaborators on the Kambri precinct included ANU (as the client), BVN (architect), ColonySix (development manager), Lendlease (builder), Civitas (urban designer), Aspect Studios and lahznimmo architects (landscape architect) who worked together on innovative approaches to create a modern university hub.
In June this year, Kambri at ANU was proud to win 2020 ACT Architecture Awards across multiple categories, including Public Architecture, Urban Design, Commercial Architecture, Educational Architecture and Sustainable Architecture.
The coveted Australian Institute of Architects Awards offer an opportunity for public and peer recognition of the innovative work of architects, with entries progressing to the National Architecture Awards (to be announced in early November).
One of Kambri’s most striking buildings, the Marie Reay Teaching Centre took away The Derek Wrigley Award for Sustainable Architecture, with the building expected to achieve the world’s best practice rating for ecological footprint across its lifecycle – the highest level of achievement for an educational building.
Sam Jordan, Director of ColonySix, said, “ColonySix is incredibly proud to be a part of the Kambri project, from helping ANU create concepts of cutting-edge quality, reinventing an ‘urban village’ in the centre of the Acton campus, delivering powerful and lasting experiences through built form and active public realm, as well as delivering leading sustainability outcomes for the precinct.”
The Kambri precinct embodies the spirit of Canberra, connecting public spaces to culture, entertainment and education through a vibrant mix of eateries, art, film, music, theatre and thought, all set amongst cutting-edge award-winning design and architecture.