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Abedian School of Architecture welcomes its first students

Announcement posted by Promedia Public Relations 15 Oct 2013

The doors of Bond’s new world-class school of architecture, the Abedian School of Architecture (ASA) were officially opened today, following a ‘sneak preview’ tour of the premises by the building’s internationally-renowned architects late last week.

The new $16.2 million School is the result of a generous gift from Bond University alumnus parent and long-time supporter, Soheil Abedian.

Bond University Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Brailsford said the University values its extensive network of alumni and their families and is very grateful for the continued support they provide to progress the university.

“It is through our relationship with our alumni and the generous financial support from our benefactors that Bond University continues to grow as a leader in education, offering students state-of-the-art facilities and global learning experiences,” Professor Brailsford said.

“The Abedian School of Architecture puts Australia and Bond University on the world stage and enables Bond to offer a unique architecture program at a time when internationally sustainable design is critically important,” he said.

The ASA’s features include an internal streetscape that runs the length of the building and ‘scoops’ that provide individual workplaces for students to exhibit and critique their work, as well as dedicated environmental science laboratories. Professor Brailsford said the building was designed to promote creativity and inspiration for students who would be studying and learning in an architectural wonder.

“This stunning and innovative learning space raises the bar in relation to Bond University’s built form and we are sure it will be inspirational for all those who have the honour of learning here.”

The building will also add to the depth of the Gold Coast’s cultural base being made available for a wide range of community activities including the arts, music and special events.

Designed by globally renowned architects Sir Peter Cook and Gavin Robotham from CRAB Studios in London the new building is innovative, ultra-modern and bold in design; yet practical in function.

CRAB Studios won the commission to design the building after an international competition. 

Sir Peter Cook, knighted for his contribution to architecture, took inspiration from Bond University’s original architect Arata lsozaki, as well as the natural surroundings when designing the building. 

"As a centre of education, it is very much based on 50 years of teaching experience, so hopefully the students that are taught here will be inspired and surprised and it will raise their own game,” Sir Peter said.

"They will say 'My god if you can do this then we can do something really interesting too'."

Gavin Robotham said he was very pleased with the final result.

"If we compare some of the renderings we did right at the beginning, it still holds the DNA of that initial idea," he said.

"Part of the original concept was about a hierarchy of interconnecting views, to ensure the building was not ‘parcelled off’ with everyone working in enclosed space.

"It’s all about learning through seeing, based on the same model as the studios in Harvard and Sci-Arc - it is a model that works."

Soheil Abedian, founder of the Sunland Group said he was delighted to see that Bond University has established an architectural School, which will be the centre of design excellence for students nationally and internationally.

“It is my ardent hope that the graduates will receive an education that will be fundamental in shaping the urban built form in Australia as well as contributing to international design innovation and excellence. 

“I have no doubt that Bond has the vision to make its mark on an international level,” he said.

It was Colin Kitto, Gold Coast Manager of ADCO Constructions Pty Ltd, whose team was charged with the responsibility of ensuring the CRAB Studios vision and dream became a reality.

“There were of course considerable challenges in building such an innovative structure, such as the three-storey-high scoops that form an integral part of the interior, but they are in fact a world-first in terms of construction, and we are justifiably proud of this stunning building,” Mr Kitto said.

“For the past 22 months, Bond architecture students have been privy to a real-life case study in design and construction and have been able to witness the creation of a world-class architecturally iconic building.”

Students who are interested in learning more about the Bachelor of Architectural Studies should call 1800 074 074.

Visit www.bond.edu.au/architecture for all the latest facts on the program.