The Project
The RMIT Trade Innovation Centre is a high-tech 1700 square meter facility inside Bundoora East Campus. It’s designed to allow students to develop industrial skills in various trade courses, including building and construction, rigging, surveying, electrical engineering, plumbing, and carpentry. WGA’s work focused on a design that can accommodate a range of sophisticated features, including:
- A simulation space of a three-storey training rig to mimic a building during construction.
- A 2.5-metre-deep sand pit for plumbing and shoring training
- Multiuse zones that can expand and contract as needed with double-height ceilings throughout the workshop
Technical Solutions
WGA provided a multitude of engineering services, including feasibility studies, concept and schematic design and Engineering advice for structural, civil, traffic, and waste management, as well as detailed structural, civil, and geotechnical design for stage 1 works. To build a structure that demanded innovative elements and versatile spaces, WGA’s contribution to the project included several key elements, including:
- Geotechnical and contamination assessment services: Prepared a deep fill site to support the open, column free, warehouse-like structure. The work ensured careful ground preparation and reinforcement.
- Structural and civil design: Enabled the building’s sophisticated layout, which integrates the above practical needs while holding the Centre’s strength, flexibility and aesthetic functionality.
- The Preliminary Design advice on Traffic Management and Waste Management: Optimised waste disposal and site access flow, improved safety and efficiency in planning parking layouts, loading zones and ensure regulatory compliance. Efficient Waste disposal
Client Focus
While the striking entrance and full-height glazed partitions and panelling give it a unique look, the inside resembles the true features of ‘trade zones’ to offer students an immersive hands-on learning experience. The Centre is also named Murmuk-nganjin marnang, meaning ‘We Work Hands’, following engagement with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
Image Credits: RMIT
Key Personnel
- Michael Harnack Melbourne | Buildings Lead - VIC
- Lucie Missen Melbourne | Geotechnical Technical Lead
The RMIT Trade Innovation Centre is included in the following sectors & services.
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