The Australian National University (ANU) will construct a “pop-up village” at the heart of its Canberra campus, while it awaits the $220-million redevelopment of Union Court and University Avenue.
The pop-up village is designed by Oculus, Craig Tan Architects and Therefore Studio. It will feature a series of temporary structures that will provide spaces for food, retail, services and events, including a music venue for interstate and international artists.
The structures will be made from materials that enable dismantling, recycling and reuse where possible. “The natural timber finishes and tonal paint colours on wall claddings complement the existing trees and buildings on the site,” said the design team in a statement. “The translucent cladding acts as a sympathetic contemporary addition which will allow internal lighting to further illuminate the surrounding site, amplifying the context and promoting safe night-time use for the student village.”
The pop-up village will be in place from mid-2017 to early-2019.
The $220 million project to revitalize Union Court began in 2014. In 2015, Canadian urban design firm Civitas created an urban design framework for the redevelopment. Stage one will include a new student services hub, teaching building, health and wellbeing building, pool and gym, student accommodation, an underground carpark, an amphitheatre and retail and hospitality venues. Key buildings and services are expected to be operational by 2019.
