Menzies Research Building by Lyons

The University of Tasmania’s School of Medicine and the Menzies Research Institute bring together, in Medical Science 1 (MS1), the aspiration to deliver leading edge world-class laboratories, clinical research and medical training facilities.

Initially called the ‘Co-location project’, the conceptual basis for the project was to create a synergistic environment for these once separated facets of the University.

At the core of the concept is the creation of a ‘new culture’, reinforced in the building’s image and its social and functional planning.

As a public building of the city, it invites the public participation of the street through its corner entry; large transparent steel windows and glazed atrium space which is shaped by an organic steel formed structure separating MS1 and the existing heritage building

Feature corner windows formed in steel punctuate this relationship and imply a layered façade comprising of steel and concrete. The shaped steel windows of the upper levels provide the occupants with a means to see the spectacular landscape with new emphasis.

On the street, the steel lined window ‘arch’ forms reference an already established local typology whilst abstractly symbolising the mountains that background Hobart city.