Rising thirteen storeys above the Ultimo streetscape Building U11 stands as a testament to innovation. This isn’t just any building. Building U11 houses the University of Technology Sydney’s Faculty of Engineering and IT. It’s a giant a behemoth of learning and research. Completed in May 2014 teaching commenced just two months later.
Designed by Denton Corker Marshall the building is striking. Its semi-transparent facade a dramatic binary screen. The screen is made of perforated aluminium sheets. The perforations are a pattern of 1s and 0s in computer language. At night gills crease into the aluminium plates. They light up symbolically reinforcing Building U11 as a vibrant structure.
Inside Building U11 is equally impressive. A crevasse-like atrium runs through the heart of the building. Natural light floods the interior. Stairs and escalators provide access to various levels. Collaborative theatres collaborative classrooms and learning commons offer a variety of learning spaces. The building is even a living lab. It displays real-time data on its performance. Sensors collect information on air quality temperature and structural movement. This data is used for teaching and research displayed on screens throughout Building U11.
The sustainability of Building U11 is noteworthy. It boasts a 5-Star Green Star Design rating. A roof-top wind turbine solar panels and solar concentrating troughs generate about 20% of the building’s energy. Building U11 received significant funding. A $50 million Education Investment Fund grant from the Australian Government was crucial.
Building U11’s Data Arena is a marvel. A 360-degree interactive data visualisation facility. It changes how we view and interact with data. Business government and researchers use it to visualise information. They identify trends and solve problems.
Building U11’s design reflects UTS’s position at the forefront of technology. Innovative teaching research spaces are student-centred. They support industry-focused research. Building U11 is more than a building. It’s a symbol of progress a hub for innovation a testament to the power of education and technology. It’s a place where the future of engineering and IT is being built. A place you can explore and marvel at. Remember to check out the Data Arena for an unforgettable experience.