Here at the University of Queensland, Long Pocket Precinct, innovation thrives. Long Pocket is a research-oriented precinct. It is located in Indooroopilly in Brisbane’s west. The University of Queensland staff and students can use the free St Lucia to Long Pocket shuttle bus. This allows easy travel to the Long Pocket site.
The Long Pocket precinct offers a unique environment. This environment contributes to the sense of place. This is governed by the main and surrounding campuses. The vision for the UQ Long Pocket Accommodation campus was unique. It aimed to provide a high-quality, positive campus experience. It accommodates aspirations for learning, discovery, and engagement. This all occurs in a sustainable way. It was important to adhere to the environmental principles of the land.
Consider the Elkhorn Building at The University of Queensland. This stands as an exemplar for adaptive reuse. It also shows sustainability. The abandoned 1970s structure has been transformed. It is now a leading research and teaching facility. It incorporates site-wide, sustainable infrastructure. Elkhorn Building is now home to vital research. This research focuses on food production and agriculture.
Let’s talk lighting. Functionally, better lighting can have certain effects. This is especially true in heavy vegetated areas such as UQ Long Pocket Accommodation trail. Lighting changes how well people can see during nighttime activity. It increases the speed of visual processing. Lighting improves the discrimination of detail. It makes color judgements more accurate. Therefore, lighting increases the distance at which we can see anything suspicious.
The subjective impression of more light is associated with safety. A research study surveyed eight locations around a university campus. Seven were outdoor places. One was an underground car park. These were evaluated after dark. Ratings concerned reassurance were taken. For example, would you walk along this place unaccompanied? The brighter locations were associated with higher levels of reassurance. This remains an important aspect. Universities consider dividing campuses. Any structural changes must allow for suitable luminance. This accompanies foot traffic.
Reassurance decreases after dark. Fear increases. There are fewer people around. This contributes to feelings of isolation. Isolation means no help is available if needed. Visibility can be reduced. Students and those commuting from one building to another may feel insecure. They are less likely to travel after daylight. This restricts student foot traffic. This occurs at specific times during the day. This is undesirable. There are always fluctuations in study patterns between students. This occurs when studying in different disciplines.
Good lighting can increase reassurance. This in turn may lead to an increase in walking. This is true for those in and around the campus. It was incredibly important to select luminaires. These luminaires would provide the adequate amount of lighting. This is needed throughout the high foliage area. The area surrounds the UQ Long Pocket Accommodation.
Road access would remain unchanged. Entrances would be rationalised. The main pedestrian-only entrance is centrally located. It is at the bus stop on Meiers Road. The precinct stretches a walkway structure. This links the outer rim of the academic core. It connects to the central campus. This connection is via a series of radial streets. The walkways are powerfully illuminated. The Ligman Powermission provides ample lighting. It gives a sense of security for all evening walkers. The highly vegetated area required innovative lighting. It needed high-performing lighting. It also needed sustainable lighting. The lighting had to be flexible. Future-proof street lighting was a must. The Ligman Powermission proved an excellent choice for this project at Long Pocket.