New building planned for Bond University

Bond University is again leading Australia and the world in innovative and sustainable design with the announcement of the new Soheil Abedian School of Architecture building. 

A natural extension to the rapidly growing Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture – the Soheil Abedian School of Architecture building has been designed by globally renowned architect Sir Peter Cook from CRAB Studios in London.

Bond University Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Garry Marchant said this is a significant project for the University, the Gold Coast, and the architecture profession. 

“I am truly excited about what this building will provide to our students, the community and industry,” said Professor Marchant. 

 “One of the most exciting features is the unique structural ‘scoops’ within an internal street, which runs the full height and length of the building.   

“These ‘scoops’ will provide unique workspaces for students to exhibit and critique their work in an open classroom format, as well as providing a distinctive space for community events,” he said. 

Along with classrooms and the internal street, there will also be dedicated environmental science laboratories. 

Sir Peter Cook, who was knighted for his contribution to architecture, has designed the building to immerse into the surrounding environment and to complement the adjacent Mirvac School of Sustainable Development building.

“With innovative, ultra-modern, and sustainable design and function, it is hoped this building will become internationally recognisable and iconic in its own right,” said Professor Marchant.

The project is funded by the University with a generous contribution from benefactor Soheil Abedian, which the School of Architecture is also named after. 

ADCO Constructions has been engaged as the principal contractor; construction is due to start before the end of October, with completion and use expected in January 2013.

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

Sir Peter Cook will join Soheil Abedian, and Bond University Chancellor Dr Helen Nugent at an official sod turning this Friday, October 21, 2011. 

The sod turning will form part of the Bond University Great Expectations in Architecture Symposium occurring on the same day.  Sir Peter Cook, along with Dr Yael Reisner also from CRAB Studios, London; Professor Tom Hanrahan from The School of Architecture, PRATT Institute, New York; and Soheil Abedian are the keynote speakers gathering to discuss how architecture has changed, its role in society, and what constitutes design.  A free community forum will be held that evening from 6.30pm. 

 Artist impression of the Soheil Abedian School of Architecture: