The Macquarie University Incubator was named the overall winner of Learning Environments Australasia’s 11th Annual Excellence in Educational Facilities Awards in Sydney. The Incubator, designed by Architectus, was chosen from a field of 58 entries from across the Asia Pacific. Architectus also took home the top honour at the 2017 Awards with the University of Melbourne’s Arts West Building.
The Incubator also won the award for Category 2: New Construction / New Individual Facility over $8 million.
According to the judges, the Incubator “makes innovators want to be there and users want to innovate, linking the mind and spirit through form. The layout gives users a place to arrive, think, meet and explore ideas”.
Stating that the Awards showcase architects and educators working together to produce excellent educational facilities, Deb O’Riley, chair of Learning Environments Australasia observed that the eyes of the world have turned to Australasia for best practice in learning space design. The Incubator is a prime example of how a learning space can support teaching and encourage learning, she added.
Learning Environments Australasia (LEA) is the peak body advocating for quality and innovation in learning environments to enhance student outcomes. The LEA awards reflect the organisation’s focus on the design and use of engaging and innovative learning spaces and programs, while also challenging existing practices to ensure continual improvement.
All the award winners and commendations can be viewed here.
