Get the inside story on Building 2

June 2017

While Building 2’s distinctive exterior with its glass-encased podium and twisting tower has already been acclaimed as one of the buildings likely to shape Sydney’s skyline of the future, far less is known about the interiors – and there’s a good reason for that.

Behind the scenes, design development is ongoing to finalise the distinctive internal spaces for the 17 levels, which include an activated rooftop. The design process is particularly complex for this project, given that this will not be a faculty building but rather a shared student and research hub that needs to serve UTS’s needs well into the future.
 

So, what do the interiors look like?

While the final picture for the interiors is still a work in progress, here’s what we know so far.

The Building 2 podium on levels 3–8, overlooking Alumni Green to the north and Broadway to the south, will be a vibrant, connected student space featuring a triple-height scholarly reading room occupying a commanding position overlooking the Green. The reading room connects seamlessly  into the new UTS Library, which will span three levels and will include a range of different study and learning spaces.

Artist's impression of Building 2 reading roomArtist’s impression of Building 2’s triple-height reading room


Other notable spaces in the podium include:

  • three-level learning commons
  • food court
  • Careers space and Student Services counter
  • showcase (exhibition) space
  • industry hub
  • a number of different sized general teaching spaces (GTS) ranging from 48 to 350 seats.

 Artist's impression of Building 2 collaborative theatreArtist’s impression of a 350-seat GTS


Top of the tower

Aptly, given the way it seems to reach for the clouds, Building 2’s nine-level tower is likely to be dedicated to various research activities. More details will be shared about the floor-by-floor breakdown of the Building 2 tower over coming months.


Going underground

The new building’s two below-ground floors (levels 1 and 2) will also deliver a few surprises, including a super-sized Science lab on level 1. Seating 250 students, it will be even larger than Building 7’s Super Lab.


Step outside

Building 2’s outdoor spaces will include a grand flight of stairs connecting level 4 to Alumni Green and acting as an informal space for students to gather, connect and share ideas. An outdoor terrace off the middle library floor on level 8 runs the full length of the building, providing an excellent vantage point overlooking Alumni Green. The icing on the cake will be the ‘activated’ rooftop, with consideration currently being given to various activities. 
 
Artist's impression of Building 2Artist’s impression from Alumni Green shows the level 8 terrace


Behind the hoardings

The end of demolition and start of construction has brought with it a run of fine weather – and considerably less noise impact, much to the delight of those in surrounding buildings. Importantly, the first concrete for the new building’s lift core and columns has been poured. Want to see it for yourself? The hoarding now has a viewing window  on Broadway, close to the Tower.

Building 2 viewing windowA student peers through the viewing window to check on construction progress

 

Please be aware that:

  • While construction is generally less impactful than demolition, those in close proximity to the works may still experience noise or vibration from construction trucks, concrete pours and other activities.
  • To speed up the passage of concrete trucks and other deliveries through the work site, a new vehicle entry is being created from Broadway, which will require extra vigilance from all pedestrians.
  • Watching the tower crane pulling its weight on site is encouraged, but please choose a safe viewing spot away from the crowds.

Building 2 tower craneBuilding 2's tower crane is an impressive sight
 

Upcoming milestones

  • Second tower crane installed – July 2017
  • Jump form becomes visible – August 2017
  • Installation of facade, services and internal finishes commences – April 2018
  • Topping out – late 2018
  • Building commissioning commences – May 2019
  • New Building 2 complete – mid 2019
     

Further information

Visit the UTS website or Staff Connect (staff only) for further information on this and other projects. For enquiries about this project or the contractors, please contact masterplan.feedback@uts.edu.au.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.