Tasmania’s future architects, artists, designers, and technology experts have been brought together in the Workshop, an exciting new creative hub at the University of Tasmania at Inveresk.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black said the refurbished Workshop and Levee Studios, officially opened today, was an investment in the next chapter of art, design and technology education in Launceston.
“We are building on a proud history of art and design excellence, which has seen people come from all over the world to study in Tasmania and go on to shape the communities we live in,” Professor Black said.
“Our architecture program has a strong reputation for sustainability and equity in design and a tradition of learning by making. You can find University of Tasmania alumni in leading architectural practices here at home and around the world, often at the forefront of sustainable design and pushing for new ways to develop much needed housing.”
Joining the School of Architecture and Design in the Workshop and Levee Studios are the Schools of Information and Communication Technology, and Creative Arts and Media, which has always been an important part of the cultural scene in the North.
“These facilities bring together different types of creative and technical talent in a highly collaborative space,” Professor Black said.
“It will enhance the ways we deliver hands-on teaching and research, create an exciting and memorable student experience, and grow Launceston’s standing as a place of learning by making and solving problems through the lens of art, design and technology.”
Originally a Diesel Locomotive Workshop, the $27 million refurbishment of the former Architecture and Design and Fine Furniture building was led by local architects XSquared and BVN Architects. Tasmanian construction company VOS collaborated with over 200 local workers, including 20 apprentices to deliver the project.
Students can now enjoy new teaching, study and social spaces, and specialised workshops for ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and time-based media. Student-occupied studios and the student-led Lantern Gallery encourage and showcase creative practice, while a Black Room exhibition space displays mixed media, video and light-based artworks.
Research students co-located for the first time are already embracing new ways of working together and a creatives-in-residence program will invite professional artists and visiting researchers to interact with students and the community.
There is a focus on learning by making, supporting tech design and STEM with object-making spaces and digital fabrication workshop, and teaching space for TasTAFE.
The landscaped entrance via University Square, outdoor terrace, LGBTQIA+ space, bike hub, showers and lockers complete the facilities to enhance campus life for students at Inveresk.
Exciting learning activities made possible in the improved facilities include a learning by making project with The Forest Education Foundation and Hagley Farm School and a ‘worm wall’ for the Inveresk Community Garden.
The Workshop and Levee Studios is now complete and will welcome over 500 students and 50 staff focused on creative arts and media, architecture and design and information communication technology from next week.
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