UNSW - Poly Centre

In a world where business leaders require dynamic environments to advance their education, a new purpose-built space has emerged in the CBD—tailored for postgraduate students studying while balancing professional responsibilities.

The UNSW CBD Campus fitout has been described as a game-changer and "a cut above what other institutions are doing at the moment." Nathan Humphries, Principal at DesignInc, shared his experience:

"I walked through the CBD Campus this morning for the handover, and it was great to see how blown away the client and stakeholder group was… This fitout will be a game-changer for UNSW. It's a pretty special project and another great environment delivered by MPA at 210 George Street."

Working with the client and consultant team, we achieved this versatile environment featuring several unique deliverables. The seminar rooms and learning spaces were designed to transform seamlessly to support different learning modalities. Adaptable operable walls enable these spaces to transition  from a large town hall settings for keynote events to a more intimate seminar environment.

Another essential element of educational spaces is ensuring superior acoustics. From outstanding sound quality to top-of-the-line acoustic solutions, the space incorporates double-glazed walls, ceiling treatments, and custom wall panelling, assuring a quiet, focused environment for learning and discussion. Cutting-edge AV technology, including a sophisticated lectern system that seamlessly controls the room’s technology, further enhances the learning experience.

High-end finishes elevate the space to meet the expectations of a postgraduate audience. Sleek partitions, dark flooring, and timber wall panelling lend a contemporary feel, while the coffered ceiling design with integrated lighting illuminates the space with elegance and precision. A fully operational commercial kitchen adds to the facility’s offerings, enabling the multi-utilisation of the University-led space for events and teaching.

This sophisticated environment combines function, elegance, and innovation, fostering a hub for learning, collaboration, and thought leadership. As a model for future learning environments, it exemplifies how thoughtful design and high-quality features can elevate the educational experience.