The Boilerhouse Discovery Space will see the transformation of the University of New England’s (UNE) existing historic boilerhouse structure and surrounding landscape into a new discovery centre, focused on play-based learning. Hands-on experiences are intended to cultivate curiosity, creativity, collaboration, confidence and a can-do attitude in children aged 0-12 and their families. The space will encourage a love of learning through STEAM principles, and the university has expressed a keen interest in creating a steampunk aesthetic.
A significant addition to the cultural landscape of the university and the New England region more broadly, the new discovery centre is forecast to attract an estimated 90,000 visitors to city representing a notable economic boost.
In the first stage of the process, Architects responded to five key criteria:
- Exhibition design
- Children’s play spaces
- Industrial conversion
- Adaptive re-use
- Environmentally sustainable design
Genton is proud to have been shortlisted from a pool of 58 submissions, among such a strong list of respected Australian Architects.
The full shortlist is available at ArchitectureAU.
For more information on the Boilerhouse Discovery Space, visit: https://uneboilerhouse.org.au/
