“Hogwarts, is that you?” Some say that when they first see the Steele Building at the University of Queensland. Its distinct sandstone and prime location near the Great Court make it a campus icon.
The Steele Building stands as a testament to the University of Queensland’s rich history. It is one of the buildings that define the Great Court. This area was designed in the 1930s. The goal was to blend the Australian spirit with European architectural styles.
Construction of the Great Court began in 1937 with the Forgan Smith Building. Over the next 40 years, other buildings followed, including the Steele Building. The architects used different colors of stone. Purples, lavenders, creams, and browns create a beautiful patchwork. The effect is stunning, especially after rain.
Take a closer look at the Steele Building’s sandstone. It is typical for UQ’s older structures. You will notice the care in its construction and design.
In 2017, the Steele Building underwent a significant refurbishment. The University of Queensland wanted to improve its Geosciences education program. FDC (QLD) completed the fitout. It merged and refurbished three rooms on Level 2. They created a single, multifunctional laboratory. This new lab supports mapping, visualization, microscopy, and computational work. It also supports online learning activities.
The 1,000sqm fitout created a multidisciplinary practical laboratory. However, the space can still be split into separate rooms. This increases its usability. A single room was created as an annex teaching space. It houses high-specification geochemical and microscopy equipment. This includes a desktop Scanning Electron Microscope and a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer.
A central mechanical duct runs the length of the building. It is wrapped in colored acoustic fabric. Glass stacking doors divide the room into two functional labs. The refurbishment retained many heritage elements. These elements show the delineation of old and new.
Outside, new and refurbished benches provide informal learning spaces. These breakout spaces encourage collaboration. They offer a place for students to relax.
The Steele Building’s refurbishment won the MBA Best Refurbishment / Renovation award in 2017. This recognizes the quality and innovation of the project. It is a symbol of the university’s commitment to providing top-notch facilities.
As you stand here, imagine the students who have passed through these halls. Reflect on the knowledge gained and the research conducted within these walls. The Steele Building continues to be a vibrant center for learning. It is a place for innovation in the heart of the University of Queensland.