![Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Image 1 of 14](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5189/87b0/b3fc/4b6e/2900/0026/newsletter/0607_PHOT_H_TMein_m2867b_2636.jpg?1367967654)
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Architects: John Wardle Architects
- Area: 14600 m²
- Year: 2010
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Photographs:Trevor Mein
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Manufacturers: Archclad
![Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Facade, Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5189/87b4/b3fc/4be3/1300/002b/newsletter/0607_PHOT_H_TMein_m2867b_2673.jpg?1367967659)
Text description provided by the architects. The new Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons Project for Victoria University creates a new presence for the Footscray Park Campus to the north. The new building defines an edge similar to that of a medieval walled hill town. This definition provides a strong image and address to the campus. Gesturing to the community beyond, the new building is a portal providing both visual and physical connectivity into the campus.
![Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Bench](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5189/8751/b3fc/4be3/1300/0026/newsletter/0607_PHOT_H_TMein_m2867b_2804.jpg?1367967560)
The project also creates a new centre to the campus. A large courtyard sits to the south of the building, around which is wrapped a giant folded glass façade. Inside is a vibrant and diverse learning focused environment that supports both informal and formal learning with a series of spaces. The new building incorporates a number of highly specialised laboratory spaces for the School of Human Movement Recreation and Performance.
![Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Steel](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5189/874b/b3fc/4b6e/2900/0023/medium_jpg/0607_PHOT_H_TMein_m2867b_69220.jpg?1367967557)
An intimate understanding of the exacting requirements of each laboratory space was gathered and the spatial definition of these repeatedly tested with the Client. The building itself might be considered a sort of giant apparatus for a scientific experimentation, including a lofty 11 metre high Biomechanics laboratory with an integrated operable box truss and camera, and climate controlled chambers engineered to simulate depleted oxygen, high humidity and extreme temperature environments.
![Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5189/879d/b3fc/4b62/0100/0031/newsletter/0607_PHOT_H_TMein_m2867b_2537.jpg?1367967637)
This $60M development incorporates a range of environmentally sustainable initiatives and has achieved a 5 Star Greenstar Certification. A thermal labyrinth and chimneys support a mixed mode ventilation system that services a new open plan workplace environment for academic staff. The façade to the north is constructed from folded zinc and aluminium panels coloured with reference to the landscape setting.
![Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Chair](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5189/876a/b3fc/4be3/1300/0027/newsletter/0607_PHOT_H_TMein_m2867c_0118.jpg?1367967586)
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5189/8967/b3fc/4be3/1300/002c/newsletter/Floorplan_L02.jpg?1367968101)
![Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Table, Chair](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5189/876c/b3fc/4b62/0100/0030/newsletter/0607_PHOT_H_TMein_m2867c_0123.jpg?1367967586)
The building sits on the old Maribyrnong River escarpment and just above the modern flood levels. A site that was once relegated as a convenient rubbish tip inadvertently became an opportunity to re-imagine the university campus. North facing, the breadth of the Campus and with an elevated aspect across playing fields and ever improving Maribyrnong River, the site beckoned completion. A sweeping horizontal form pronounces a new outlook for Victoria University.
![Victoria University - Exercise Science and Sport Precinct and Learning Commons / John Wardle Architects - Image 10 of 14](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5189/8796/b3fc/4be3/1300/0029/newsletter/0607_PHOT_H_MBrwn_IMG_3524.jpg?1367967631)