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Architect's vision for education excellence realised

Construction commenced on Bond University’s Soheil Abedian School of Architecture building today, with world renowned architects gathering to turn the soil.

Lead architect Sir Peter Cook from CRAB Studios joined Dr Soheil Abedian; and Bond University’s Chancellor Dr Helen Nugent AO and Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Stable on campus for the milestone.

In keeping with the University’s continuous pursuit to provide unique student experiences, the Soheil Abedian School of Architecture building is innovative, ultra-modern, and bold in design; yet practical and creative in function.

Designed by Sir Peter Cook and Gavin Robotham of CRAB Studios in London, who won the international competition late last year, the building is a natural extension to the rapidly growing Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture.

Bond University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Stable said this building was a significant development for the University.

“I am delighted that we are to commence construction on this innovative and visually stunning building,” said Professor Stable.

“The Soheil Abedian School of Architecture building has been designed as a unique and contemporary education space in which our students, industry and the community can learn, gather, and exhibit,” he said.

The project is funded by the University with a generous gift from long-standing supporter and parent of alumni Soheil Abedian, after whom the School is named in recognition of his vision and support.

It was with Soheil’s vision that Bond has been able to create an architecture school that provides students with an education that not only addresses the fundamentals of urban design form, but also inspired an appreciation for international innovation and excellence.

“The establishment of an architectural faculty is a milestone for any progressive city which values its built environment.  It is my ardent hope that the School of Architecture at Bond, through its curriculum and facilities, will provide a platform for our graduates to be true to the art of architecture, that will contribute to the betterment of our civilisation,” said Dr Abedian.

Sir Peter Cook, knighted for his contribution to architecture, took inspiration from Bond University’s original architect Arata Isozaki, as well as the natural surroundings, when designing the building.

Features include an internal streetscape that runs the length of the building and ‘scoops’ that provide individual workspaces for students to exhibit and critique their work, as well as dedicated environmental science laboratories.

The building will complement the adjacent Mirvac School of Sustainable Development building – Australia’s first six-star, green-star, design rated sustainable building.

ADCO Constructions has been engaged as the principal contractor; with completion expected in January 2013.

Expected to create 2000 jobs during construction, once complete the building will house 350 architecture and environmental science students.

The sod turning was part of the day-long Symposium ‘Great Expectations in Architecture’ at which Sir Peter Cook and Dr Soheil Abedian joined Dr Yael Reisner and Mr Mark Baggueley also from CRAB Studios; along with Professor Tom Hanrahan from the School of Architecture, the PRATT Institute, New York; and Canadian luminary Nat Chard in a two-part discussion about Architecture Education and Architecture and its role in society.

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