The UTS Central concept, by architects fjmt in association with Lacoste + Stevenson and DJRD, was to design a building that responds to its harsh urban environment through both aesthetics and function.

Sunlight will be controlled using operable blinds throughout the main tower, and by intricate sunshades on the north-facing façade, which were designed by Tilt.

Light and heat penetration will be optimised using an algorithm relating to the sun’s position on any particular day of the year.

The sun shading system is designed to regulate the amount of sunlight entering the UTS Reading Room, a space with a triple-height atrium and striking glazed façade, optimising the room conditions for users.

The system is sensitively integrated into the architects’ concept, and is itself a design feature of the building.

FJMT Senior Associate James Perry says the innovative system is not only extremely practical, but beautiful too.

“The outcome of the sunshades will be incredibly exciting and will hopefully captivate the imagination of those within the building,” says James. The 17-storey UTS Central will be a new student hub, home to the UTS Library, Reading Room, a food court, and a range of teaching and learning spaces. It will also accommodate the Faculty of Law, a Science Super Lab and research facilities for the Faculty of Engineering and IT.

The building is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Rating with the Green Building Council of Australia and is on track for construction completion in mid-2019, delivered by Richard Crookes Constructions.

Animation by Realfeel, video courtesy of UTS.