The design competition launched by the University of Technology Sydney for the redevelopment of its main outdoor space, known as Alumni Green, was won by ASPECT Studios.  An integral part of the UTS City Campus Master Plan, Alumni Green has been transformed into a vibrant, tree-lined city space at the heart of the university. This new-look Alumni Green has three distinct zones, each with its own character and opportunities.

“The Green” is a large, raised turf platform that can be used for both special events and informal daily activities, while its shaped edges offer informal seating areas.  “The Heart” is modelled after town squares like Federation Square in Melbourne and the Pompidou Centre in Paris and is a ceremonial gathering space for students and visitors.  “The Garden” is a mini oasis of trees and plants shading a series of connected student ‘pods’.  Each pod contains facilities ranging from power outlets for laptops, BBQ facilities and even table tennis tables.  Further to Alumni Green, UTS also engaged ASPECT Studios to create an extensive green roof on top of the new DBJ / BVN science building, which provides the building with positive environmental benefits as well as another opportunity for enjoying social engagement and a break in the open air.

Alumni Green is now the main outdoor space on the UTS campus and it acts as both an informal meeting place and an area for official ceremonies that bring together students and visitors. The main aim here was to reduce the physical and visual impact of the lighting system while also guaranteeing flexibility and the best lighting levels for the area’s various purposes. MaxiWoody Compact multiple floodlights mounted on iGuzzini pole-tops proved to be the perfect solution as they maintain the same consistency over the whole area.  The system’s multiple floodlights add to the Green’s mood of relaxed fun and its highly adaptable design has enabled the surveillance cameras to be incorporated within the devices, thereby minimising their visual impact.