New Latelab on the way in Swinburne’s next gen_campus redevelopment

A new 24/7 Latelab and student hub is a step closer as part of Swinburne University of Technology’s transformative next gen_campus revitalisation.

Architect firm Kosloff Architecture has been appointed to design the facility which will be housed in the refurbished building at 27 John Street, opposite the library at the Hawthorn campus.

Designs for the new 24/7 Latelab and business case will be presented to the University Council, Swinburne’s governing body, for approval in late 2023. Where approved, the facility is expected to be ready for students in early 2025.

The 24/7 Latelab and student hub is one of many projects across Swinburne’s Hawthorn, Wantirna and Croydon campuses, that form the next gen_campus project. 

Swinburne students gathered today in a design workshop to have their say on the new Latelab and student hub, which will be brought to life in a refurbishment of the UN building.

Your connected next gen_campus

The ambitious suite of works will ensure students have access to vibrant student spaces and facilities, the latest and most technologically advanced facilities from enrolment to graduation.

It demonstrates Swinburne’s commitment to being the prototype of a new and different university, delivering an innovative, next gen_experience for every student.

Swinburne Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education, Experience and Employability Professor Pip Pattison said capacity will increase by almost 20 per cent compared with the existing 24/7 Latelab and Atrium, providing additional lounges, project rooms, café and group workspaces.

“Providing modern and innovative spaces to study, interact and relax on campus are vital to the next gen_campus we’re building here at Swinburne,” Professor Pattison said.

“These are the spaces where our students will make lasting memories and form lifelong connections as they create and innovate for the future, now.

“Importantly, the new facility will maintain safety and security with secure access 24 hours a day, because we know this is something our students value.”

The new 24/7 Latelab and student hub will provide more formal and informal spaces for students to access at the Hawthorn campus.

Students will also be able to make use of kitchen, lounge and dining spaces, featuring fully self-contained food preparation facilities so students can bring food from home to enjoy on campus.

next gen_campus will reflect Swinburne students’ expectations for an on-campus experience, considering their needs and priorities for how they will use these facilities and spaces to work, study and interact with each other

Student-led design

The announcement of the architects comes as students gathered yesterday for a design workshop to have their say on the new 24/7 Latelab and student hub.

Light, sound and layout were top of mind for attendees, with insightful suggestions around how to leverage these elements to make the spaces feel welcoming for students.

In particular, there were plenty of ideas about how to segment quiet and collaborative spaces to ensure there were opportunities for a variety of uses in the building.

Attendees also discussed sustainability, accessibility and ICT features, such as the ability to host hybrid meetings.

The workshop was the first of many opportunities students will have to be involved in the new 24/7 Latelab and student hub and other next gen_campus projects across Hawthorn, Croydon and Wantirna.

This vision has students at its core and will be developed in collaboration with our diverse student community.

Next gen_campus will reflect their expectations for an on-campus experience, considering their needs and priorities for how they will use these facilities and spaces to work, study and interact with each other.

Our collaborative approach also presents unique opportunities to create curricular and co-curricular opportunities for students, embodying Swinburne’s commitment to work integrated learning and real industry experience to produce job-ready graduates.

Swinburne Chief Operations Officer Nancy Collins said the new 24/7 Latelab and student hub is also an opportunity to advance Swinburne’s commitment to sustainability as it moves towards net zero carbon by 2025.

“This project will be an adaptive re-use of the existing building featuring sustainable design that reduces negative impacts on the environment and promotes the health and comfort of our students in a way that improves building performance and amenity,” she said.

“As part of the building design, we are seeking next gen_ideas that will reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, lower waste and create a productive, healthy, and sustainable environment.”

The vision for the new 24/7 Latelab and student hub has students at its core and will be developed in collaboration with our diverse student community.

Enhancing the next gen_experience

The new 24/7 Latelab and student hub will compliment Campus Heart, the centrepiece of next gen_campus.

The creation of the new 24/7 Latelab and student hub will make way for this ‘learning and social engine’ to be developed on the site of the existing Atrium, expanding from the BA and Library buildings.

There will also be upgrades and improvements to outdoor spaces across Hawthorn, Croydon and Wantirna, ensuring we pay tribute to the traditional owners of the lands on which our campuses stand, and provide culturally safe spaces where all students can gather.

The project will deliver specialist facilities and classrooms across all three

campuses that enable our teachers to create and deliver advanced and innovative forms of digitally enabled blended learning experiences.

These spaces will produce job-ready graduates who are sought after by industry.

Professor Pattison said student input will be vital to developing the spaces that will enhance their next gen_experience.

“Throughout the design phase, we will seek feedback and suggestions from students to create spaces where we can learn, create, connect and innovate together,” Professor Pattison said.

“Together, we are creating campuses for the future, where people and technology work together to build a better world.

“In coming weeks and months, we’ll be promoting opportunities for all students to have a say on these exciting, new spaces, so please get your thinking caps on and get involved.”