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The University of Western Australia’s University Hall has won the Harold Krantz Award for Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing at the Australian Institute of Architects 2014 WA Architecture Awards.

Designed by HASSELL and constructed by Probuild, University Hall is UWA’s largest residential hall and provides accommodation for more than 750 students.

The completion of University Hall last year transformed the previous 250 room ‘Currie Hall’ into a 750 room residential college.

Among some of the features of University Hall are new buildings that create a series of cloistered courtyards, a striking visual entrance of colonnades, a range of sustainability initiatives incorporated into the design and cloisters to complement other historic buildings across the campus.

The landscape architecture further integrates the hall with the surrounding campus environment and extends the “university in a park” theme.

The 2014 Australian Institute of Architects Awards (WA) judges commented that in University Hall, the “architects’ ideas of student experience, collegiate environment and ‘place’ are abundantly evident throughout this well-crafted project.”

UWA Director Campus Management Rowan Maclean said she was thrilled to have University Hall recognised in the industry awards.

“University Hall compliments the University’s picturesque grounds and architecture, and will be a facility for students, staff and the community to enjoy for years to come.

“The design of University Hall reinforces the existing collegiate atmosphere and focuses on the importance of connectivity and community activation, making University Hall the ideal place for students to live and learn,” Rowan said.

University Hall underscores the growing international reputation of UWA, and will proudly play a part in the University’s goal to reach the world’s top 50 universities by 2050.

As a state winner for the category, the University Hall project designed by HASSELL will progress to the Australian Institute of Architects National Awards to be held in November.

Media references

David Stacey (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4) 32 637 716