UTS has engaged multi-disciplinary consultant teams to lead the planning and design of all projects proposed under the Master Plan. Early planning and brief development has generally been undertaken in-house. The planning and design process's ultimate aim has been to ensure that each project meets the long-term requirements of the university, including the UTS model of learning and its industry-focused research.
Achieving design excellence
All new buildings delivered under the City Campus Master Plan have been subject to the NSW Government's guidelines on design excellence. Architects have generally been selected through a design competition process, which has allowed UTS to explore best practice in learning environments. The notable exception was the appointment of Gehry Partners LLP to design the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building, internationally renowned American architect Frank Gehry's first in Australia.
Brief development and end-user consultation
UTS developed detailed briefs, including faculty and division-specific accommodation schedules where required. An accommodation schedule outlines the spatial requirements of an organisation based on information, such as projected staff and student numbers, and their strategic direction. The university engaged expert consultants to develop these accommodation schedules in close consultation with each end-user (faculty or division) within the university for all new major facilities.
Selected staff and student user-groups have and will be consulted during the design process, as appropriate.