Kim Pham
23 May 2015
Landscape architect and University of Canberra alumni Neil Hobbs recently jumped at the opportunity to redesign the University's new southern concourse.
Mr Hobbs, together with alumni Steve Kirsu, designed the landscape architectural plans for the space with construction undertaken by Huon beginning in September 2015.
The 54-year-old studied landscape architecture at the University from 1979-1984 and recently commenced a PhD in the Faculty of Arts and Design considering "can public art transform the public realm?"
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The southern concourse includes modern features like electrical outlets to recharge phones and laptops. Photo: Kim Pham.
"I graduated in 1984 and returned in 2015. It's been 30 years since I've done any formal study. It's a little surreal to come back and work on a space that was so familiar to me and study at the same time," Mr Hobbs said.
The new concourse features an open layout for group and social gatherings as well as space for relaxation and study, and was officially opened by the University's Vice-Chancellor Stephen Parker at a ceremony on 27 April.
An impressive modern inclusion has been the installation of benches featuring power sockets allowing students and staff to charge their devices.
"It's a north facing area so if it's not too windy it's a great place for people to catch some sun, sit on the reclining seats and power their laptop or phone," Mr Hobbs said.
"There is even potential to have temporary movie screenings on occasion and host market days."
The space now features ramp access from one end to the other, architectural lighting and green areas including 380 square meters of turf and almost 6,000 native plants.
It is also home to a memorial garden featuring a plaque dedicated to members of the University who have passed away.
The southern concourse project is the start of improvements to the concourse. A design for a new central concourse is currently underway and is expected to be completed in 2017.
