page_title: New Law School building, University of Sydney
section_title: Design
hierarchical_section_title: New Law School building, University of Sydney / Design
caption_attribution_description: English: View of the New Law School of the University of Sydney
context_page_description: The New Law School building of the University of Sydney is designed by Sydney-based architectural firm Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp. The building is located at the University's Camperdown campus in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and was officially opened on 30 April 2009. It serves as the new building for the Sydney Law School.
context_section_description: After winning the design competition in 2003, FJMT was commissioned to take charge of the New Law School's design. The architect aimed to use the project as an opportunity to "redefine and reinterpret the architectural dialectic between city and campus". The design focuses on extending the public domain in order to create a new opening between the University and the community. In particular, the study of law is balanced carefully at this new threshold.
  A public area with lawns, terraced landscapes and plazas is created at the level of Eastern Avenue, which is the major artery of the campus. FJMT believes that the public area is an "important contributor to the creation of campus life", therefore enhancing it becomes one of the major design priorities of the New Law School. As a result, movement is expanded out and about the site, as FJMT recognises the social experience of knowledge exchange to be gained through informal interaction of active social participation outside the classroom.
  The geometries of a rectangle, a circle and a triangle constitute the tectonic genesis for the New Law School’s design, where each form accommodates a set of functions. Split superstructures are suspended above that coalesce to frame new open spaces, and also serve as a new open entrance to the University. The suspended splintered fragments re-establish the topographical positioning of the University on a rise above the city. FJMT’s design divided the project into podium and superstructures. Layers of glass and timber louvres that are suspended on sleek stainless steel rods are used in defining the edge and opening of the splintered forms.
  A curvilinear "light-tower" made from stainless steel creates a sculptural form that figures against the silent backdrop of the existing Fisher Library. It draws attention to the presence to the new Law Library. According to Principal Johnathan Redman, the light-tower resembles "19th-century circular reading rooms with a lantern above". There is also a glass bridge that connects splintered forms of the New Law School, and serves as a social hub for students and the wider University community. The sense of transparency and openness introduced invites the public to participate in communication and discussion.
caption: Landscaped public space outside the New Law School
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