Neil Appleton, the lead architect behind Edith Cowan University's (ECU) monumental new campus, has expressed immense pride in the completion of what he describes as an "immersive and extraordinary" educational precinct in the heart of Perth.
A Transformative Vision for Perth's CBD
The $853 million ECU City Campus, officially opened earlier this year, stands as a transformative addition to Western Australia's capital. Appleton, a director at architectural firm Architectus, was the design lead for the project, which he says was driven by a desire to create a deeply connected urban university experience.
Located on the former site of the Royal Perth Hospital, the campus is more than just a collection of buildings. Appleton envisioned it as an integral part of the city's fabric, seamlessly blending with the surrounding Yagan Square and the Perth Cultural Centre. The design encourages students and the public to flow through the spaces, breaking down traditional barriers between the institution and the community.
Designing for Connection and Wellbeing
Central to Appleton's philosophy was the creation of environments that foster both learning and wellbeing. The campus features a stunning nine-level "vertical campus" with a dramatic central atrium, flooded with natural light. This design is intentional, promoting visual connections across floors and creating a sense of a unified community.
The campus includes state-of-the-art facilities for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and the School of Business and Law. A key feature is the "Sunken Garden," a tranquil green space on the lower ground level that provides a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city above. Appleton emphasised that integrating nature and light was paramount to counter the potential intensity of a high-rise urban setting.
"We wanted to create a campus that felt grounded and human-centric, despite its verticality," Appleton explained. The use of materials like timber and the incorporation of abundant greenery throughout the building are testaments to this focus on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A Legacy Project for Future Generations
For Appleton, the project represents a career highlight and a significant contribution to Perth's educational and architectural landscape. He noted the unique challenge and privilege of repurposing a site steeped in community history—one associated with care and healing—into a new centre for knowledge and creativity.
The campus is expected to accommodate up to 10,000 students and staff, injecting vibrant life into the Perth CBD. Its opening marks a strategic shift for ECU, consolidating its presence in the city and providing students with unparalleled access to industry, cultural institutions, and public transport.
Appleton's pride is evident as he reflects on the completed work. He believes the campus successfully achieves its goal of being an immersive environment that stimulates collaboration and innovation. It stands not just as a facility for study, but as a dynamic new landmark that promises to shape the future of education and urban life in Western Australia for decades to come.
