Project overview

James Cubit Architects (JCA) were commissioned by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to undertake the design and documentation for a new accessible pedestrian route linking the southern riverbank beneath the riverside expressway with the existing campus accessible pathway network. The significance of the Gardens Point precinct as both the University’s City campus as well as an increasingly important entry portal to the Brisbane CBD is a key element in this scheme design.

The Gardens Point campus has been reinvigorated through its pivotal role in connecting the CBD to the city’s southern suburbs via the pedestrian and cycle network of the Goodwill Bridge and the Bicentennial cycle-way. The increased exposure of the campus community to the general public is a powerful tool for building exposure and community awareness for the University.To address the site’s natural contours and staged evolution of different building levels, Gardens Point has an existing typology of elevated walkways and vertical riser devices such as lifts and stairs.

The design approach by JCA was through a suspended walkway floor supported on galvanised steel structure, whilst remaining cognescent of the complex and competing architectural styles along QUT’s river edge. This was an important and influencing design factor - supported by the client the solution offered a subtle approach, that whilst clearly being a recent insert, through the use of glass it offered less distraction. Added complexity was driven by the project needed the support and inputs of both BCC and Main Roads.The design intention has been to ‘hang’ the floors off the adjacent Z Block.

Exposed aggregate, non-slip walking surfaces to both the bridges and the steps offers not only improved safety but provides a more architectural aesthetic aligned with the overall exposed concrete language of the nearby buildings.The design intent has been for a glass louvre-type screen to semi-enclose the walk-way at Level 4 - The design prompt of which can be found on the existing B Block lift shaft. Emphasising the approach of the new walkway and lift appearing more like and inherent part of the existing architecture rather than competing against the existing language.