RMIT Multifaith & Wellbeing Centre by Idle Architecture Studio | 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards

Описание: RMIT Multifaith & Wellbeing Centre by Idle Architecture Studio | 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards

Educational Architecture

Wurundjeri

Acknowledging the increasing demand for prayer facilities available to the RMIT community, we carried-out a feasibility study in 2019 to select the optimal location for a Muslim Prayer Space from eight possibilities. Located on the border of Melbourne CBD and central within the RMIT City Campus and Social Innovation Precinct, the Orr Street site was chosen.

Then engaged as architects for the evolved and broadened project; the RMIT Multifaith & Wellbeing Centre; our brief described a bespoke facility, accommodating a range of groups from within the RMIT community, with a broad but unifying umbrella of spirituality and wellness, no longer just formal faith groups. It was to be a safe and unifying space that fostered meaningful connections between staff and students from all backgrounds, enriching their time at RMIT.

Extensive stakeholder and user consultation ensured an in-depth understanding of the diverse groups’ needs, including critical liturgical and worship practices, whilst also identifying potential usage overlaps, challenging preconceived ideas, and highlighting innovation opportunities.

The building comprises prayer spaces, ablution facilities, chaplaincy services, office areas and a variety of multi-purpose areas for the various user groups. The primary spaces lead from a generously sized central spine and open staircase, facilitating movement throughout the building and encouraging respectful interactions between users. The main prayer and multipurpose spaces offer thoughtful, controlled views out to the inner-city context. Shafts of light penetrate through the shrouded windows, while a full-height, coloured glass feature window pronounces the entry. Accommodation at peak usage periods, such as Ramadan, required program flexibility achieved through linked overflow spaces.

The architectural expression is one of integrity and strength, appropriately civic in nature whilst avoiding alignment with any singular faith or activity group. Mindful of the need to be welcoming yet protective, it’s presentation to the street has been carefully curated and includes a recessed, sheltered entry, dramatic gold-shrouded windows, full height views of the staircase and a street level ‘shop window’ providing views into the main foyer and a multipurpose space. Interesting yet understated was the intent for this inner urban context.

During all phases input from structural, services, and compliance consultants ensured that the original design concepts endured. Due to the rigorous functional requirements, we worked closely with acoustic and lighting specialists to ensure the building performed as required. Where possible we sought involvement from RMIT students, including decals, cushions and a future mural.

Navigating the torrid Covid-19 period, involving tertiary budget cuts, increasing construction prices and extensive lockdowns, challenged the realisation of this project, resulting in a substantial VM process. The strength of the original concept enabled the required design changes to be adopted without watering-down the users’ facilities or the architectural expression.

Additional to default compliance our design was required to meet RMIT Design Standards and a project-specific ESD strategy, establishing ambitious environmental performance goals. A variety of active and passive strategies were utilised, including orientation, window placement, sun-shading, airtightness, thermal insulation, natural ventilation and prioritisation of materials with lower embodied energy or high recycled content and locally manufactured.
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The Australian Institute of Architects Presentation to Juries offered entrants in the 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards an opportunity to address judges with their nominated projects. Featuring some of Australia’s most prominent architects.

Presentation to Juries is a rare opportunity for the public to learn about the influences behind some of Victoria’s most innovative buildings and follow the architectural process from concept to construction.