RMIT Design Hub

Encased in a skin of shimmering glass, the RMIT Design Hub stands before you. It’s not just a building. It’s a living, breathing testament to innovation. The RMIT Design Hub, completed in 2012, isn’t just a pretty face. This nine-story structure, also known as Building 100, is a research center, archive, exhibition space, and studio all rolled into one. Located on the former Carlton & United Breweries site, the RMIT Design Hub pulses with the energy of design’s future. Designed by Sean Godsell Architects in association with Peddle Thorp Architects, its unique facade sets it apart. 17,000 sandblasted glass discs cloak the RMIT Design Hub. These discs aren’t just for show. They’re part of a dynamic system that adjusts to Melbourne’s ever-changing weather, controlling the amount of sunlight that enters the building. Imagine the building’s skin shimmering and shifting throughout the day, responding to the sun’s arc across the sky. This innovative design helps to regulate the building’s temperature, reducing its reliance on artificial climate control. The RMIT Design Hub also boasts a large underground water tank. This tank collects grey water, which is then reused for flushing toilets, irrigation, and even for the building’s cooling system. Inside, the RMIT Design Hub is designed to encourage interaction and the cross-pollination of ideas. Long corridors double as gallery spaces, their high ceilings and controlled lighting creating a dramatic atmosphere. The flexible layout allows for easy adaptation to different needs, with furniture that can be rearranged to suit various purposes. The RMIT Design Hub’s design encourages researchers from different fields to interact and share their work, fostering a collaborative environment where innovation can flourish. The RMIT Design Hub even played a role in the science fiction film *Predestination*, its futuristic design lending itself perfectly to the film’s themes. This building is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a beacon of creativity, a testament to sustainable design, and a glimpse into the future of design itself.