Perhaps you’ve wondered what goes on behind the walls of 100 Leicester St. It’s not just another building. It is Building 278 at the University of Melbourne. This is one of two buildings for the Melbourne Graduate School of Education.
100 Leicester St stands proudly on Leicester Street. It sits perfectly between Queensberry and Pelham Streets. Its location offers convenience. It is near the CBD and the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus.
Completed in 2016, this building aimed to boost the University’s student accommodation. It offers so much more than just rooms. The architects considered how the building could enrich the public space. They wanted to make a positive impact on the area.
Look closely and you will see the urban design solution. It strengthens the existing streetscape. It acknowledges the amenity of nearby buildings. The goal was to provide affordable, comfortable housing for students.
A key feature is the new laneway. It connects Bouverie Street and Leicester Street. This laneway creates a north-facing Village Square. This design breaks down the building’s volume. It avoids a large, bulky feel. Instead, it offers smaller, more inviting spaces.
Most multi-room apartments face north. This design meets the 5 Star Green Star standards. The spatial logic reduces the building’s street impact. It provides a new laneway connection. It also lessens the environmental impact on adjacent properties. A single tower would not achieve this.
Inside 100 Leicester St, academic life thrives. Cultural exchanges occur daily. Social connections flourish. The building and Village Square create a hub. They encourage connectivity and participation. They support the University of Melbourne’s knowledge transfer goals.
100 Leicester St has nine levels. Many levels require a key card for access. The building includes many facilities. There are toilets for all genders. Some are accessible. There are student lounges and informal learning spaces.
You will find meeting rooms and offices. There are also kitchens and workspaces. The many workstations provide space for focused study. Lifts and stairs connect all the levels.
Consider the activity on each level. Level 1 has a student kitchenette with a microwave. Levels 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 all offer unique facilities. Level 3 even includes a student lounge.
Take a moment to appreciate 100 Leicester St. It is more than just a building. It is a place of learning and community. It enriches both the University and the city.