The new design for the University of Melbourne’s architecture building references the old building’s ideas of international collaboration and integration by keeping the Japanese room and garden. The juxtaposition of old and new are also carried through with the use of the Old Commerce building facade and the Napier Waller mural in the library. Yet the preservation of the Japanese room was not complete with the dismissal of the mural, “The Meeting”, in the staircase leading to the Japanese room created by designer Fumiko Yura. Taking inspiration from the original black and white tile mural and the abstract geometric pattern the concept for the staircase is to incorporate the rhythm and interest of the pattern in an atmospheric way that integrates the wooden hanging studio.

For the full process go to the DDA Process Book