The AcademyMelbourne, AustraliaLee J. Brockway Award -Renovations OtherBVN Architecture2010 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture

The Academy

The Academy

Main Site Diagram

Atrium breakout space showing timber blades and Parallel WildernessCommunity Environment: The Academy sets a new standard for corporate education globally as well as a new model for the corporate sector in fulfilling their social responsibility aspirations. It has done so through the construction of a unique interactive environment, designed to challenge and engage the senses; an environment within the day-to-day work environment that is a different place; a distinct zone that embraces the senses, changes and challenges perceptions and traditions through engaging emotions as part of the learning process. In order interpret NABs brief correctly and engage the community that would ultimately be using The Academy, BVN built the story with the client from the very beginning. Regular meetings with key stakeholders meant that NAB endorsed BVNs approach throughout the journey and owned the solutions created. The design team in conjunction with responsive environment artists and sonic specialists, worked collaboratively with NAB to bring to life an innovative learning environment where employees, communities and people can: explore their potential; develop their capabilities, and provide a platform for positive change; and develop innovation in their lives, their businesses, and their communities. The end result is a publicly accessible space, open to NABs people and the community. It can be used by all employees from across the organisation to collaborate, converge, learn and connect either by visiting the site to attend programs and business events, or through virtual learning technologies to participate remotely.

The public interface allows the wider community to also experience the spaceCommunity Environment: The Academy has been designed to transcend commonly accepted ideas about traditional classroom learning by focusing on experiential learning, challenging employees to expand their thinking beyond the usual ways. It achieves this by using a combination of world-class architectural and interior design elements, leading-edge technologies, audio and visual effects as well as digital imagery to stimulate heightened sensory experiences. For example, theres a virtual wilderness, milk crates on walls, flickering digital birds and butterflies, changing lights and other sensory delights that add to a sense of wonderment and playfulness, rarely seen in other traditional learning institutions. A core philosophy of The Academy is the idea that learning occurs in many ways through multiple forms of interaction and connecting with others. Consequently, the space has been designed to be inclusive of everyone, offering new ways of working together and collaborating (refer to next sections). Over time it is anticipated that The Academy will democratise and redevelop the organisation by giving NABs community the chance to create NABs strategy, participate in, and contribute to the culture they want and ultimately the success of the business. The Academy also has a public interface allowing visitors to catch glimpses into the hive of activity as well as experience the space for themselves when it is used for public forums, events and community mentorship programs. More than 30,000 people have attended business or learning events there since opening in July 2009. Edward de Bono has held a learning session, Bob Hawke (former Australian Prime Minister) attended a day for the Centre for Social Impact Yakety Yak series and disadvantaged kids visited The Academy to mix with NAB staff and gain a better understanding of worklife as part of the Foundation for Young Australians program.

Spy 2 training room the spaces are supported by leading edge technologyLearning Environment: NAB required the design of The Academy to provide the following: An interactive environment of wonder, learning and the promise of distinctly differentiated learning experiences; Areas that encourage exploration, development and innovation, where minds and emotions can be engaged, perceptions challenged and knowledge expanded; Spacious training rooms that encourage use of right brain that are flexible and adaptive; and Demonstration of advanced and innovative technology.To achieve these aspirations all spaces tune in to all senses thereby stimulating learning and creative thinking beyond the usual ways. The unique spaces are supported by leading edge technology like the 18 metre panoramic simulation walls. At the same time their design understands the ability to brainstorm and mind map on a wall and share your stories is of equal importance. All rooms have a specially created dial a mood soundscape allowing facilitators to use music to create different levels of energy and moods. Furthermore, through the use of projection and sound, a Parallel Wilderness has been created - a virtual eco-system which co-exists in the atrium space. The Parallel Wilderness grows and changes with the rhythm and energy of The Academy. The content is programmed to be self generating.Technology has been used innovatively in the design of The Academy to enable exploration, creativity and ultimately learning. In addition to the above examples, each training room is also equipped with technology that enables interaction with participants (smartboards); connectivity to remote participants (in other office based locations or through video conferencing via their PCs); projections of environments for learning simulations / role plays (immersion); and engages sight and sound (video and audio capabilities).

Scribble training space the ability to brain storm on a wall is of equal importanceLearning Environment: Materiality of the 10 primary training spaces relates to the concept and designated learning style for the training rooms, delivering an experiential environment that enhances right brain activation: Self Analysis and Focused Based Learning: Lodge - Timber; Zen - Light timber, bronze metal screens; Camp - Plywood Technology, Logistics, Strategy Based Learning: Vault - Black mesh screens, Spy 1 - White mesh, Spy 2 - White mesh Role Play, Brainstorming, Team Development: Create - White milk crates; White -White milk crates; Scribble - Xanita Board, plywood, Stage - Black painted plywood, curtains, raw ply floor Spatially The Academy is a journey with destinations. The spaces in between were treated with the same thoughtfulness as the primary training spaces, supporting a "Learning anytime, anywhere" philosophy. The physical spaces are connected by a journey through the atrium area and the Parallel Wilderness which is designed to create a unique and interactive environment of sight, sound and feelings that engage all senses.A key principal of the space is to be inclusive, encouraging congregation and dialogue, thereby enabling all Learners to be successful. This is achieved through a communal area where people come together through replenishment. All participants, no matter what position they hold, join together on large tables for meals, gather at the coffee cart and refill drink bottles at the atrium fountain. Even the unisex toilets large washbasin encourages interaction. There is also no hierarchy of seating in the training rooms.The Academy was designed for ongoing change enabling easy adaptation for future changes in Educational delivery systems. A fundamental design principle was that every element or space should be able to do at least three things. All primary spaces except for Vault take multiple modes of set up; providing NAB with considerable flexibility to cater for different training programs. The Academy switches from learning environment to community function easily.

The Academy reception with glimpses of the atrium the primary point of initial engagementPhysical Environment: The Academy occupies most of level 1 and atrium at NABs Docklands Headquarters. The insertion of The Academy into this building was always considered as an evolution of the clients original workspace. The Academy is designed to respect and enhance the original building yet be distinct to the broader Docklands building. Paths flowing into The Academy begin the transformation from one environment to a completely distinctive and different space.The physical space was to comprise 10 training zones; syndicate/breakout areas; reception; touchdown space; storage room; catering / kitchen area all connected and integrated by a journey through the interactive atrium area. Consequently, the design intent was to create experiences not just spaces. All spaces offer different types of experiences founded on the underlying principle of TRANSFORMATION. The journey starts with the timber stair. Designed to slow the visitor down and open their mind, it physically cocoons you, is warm to touch and the specially created soundscape responds to your rhythm through sensors. As participants move up the stairs towards The Academy, they note a transformation from the core surrounds (Docklands) to something that is entirely different.The reception is the primary point of initial engagement and was designed as a welcoming point to a unique experience. The glimpses of the atrium beyond with its interactive projections and sound invoke curiosity and a desire to explore, thus inviting / drawing people into the space. In keeping with the philosophy of Transformation, self discovery is encouraged, as one enters into the Academy through reception and navigates their way between the timber blades situated throughout the atrium space. Made of plywood, raw, white or black, the blades act as signage as well as portals into the Parallel Wilderness, holding speakers for soundscapes.

Atrium breakout space showing timber blades and Parallel WildernessPhysical Environment: The blades encourage one to find their own pathways through the space, to take on the journey of self discovery. Participants encounter opportunities to travel directly to their destination or to explore and journey through the blades and observe, listen to and touch the interactive environment around them. The large and spacious training rooms are where learning becomes a reality. These unique learning spaces tune in to all senses - energy zones that affect the rhythm of the human body. The spaces are flexible and adaptive, free of cables / cords and other office clutter. Furniture can be moved around to reflect individual/team member engagement needs and they have sufficient storage capability. The insertion of The Academy into NABs Dockland building was always considered as an evolution of the clients original workspace. The Academy is designed to respect and enhance the original building. It has recreated one of the most important spaces in the Campus, Atrium 1. The adaptation of the existing building was fundamental to the design teams sustainable approach as was the fact that materials and finishes are generally very raw. Typically the atrium space has been stripped back, exposing slabs and columns, concrete floors are polished. The primary spaces with their individual aesthetics are highlighted against the raw backdrop. Materials used have been kept to a minimum with significant use of plywood, recyclable and re-usable materials. There is limited use of ceilings and floor finishes are very simple and serviceable consisting of rubber and polished concrete. The design team looked for materials that created interest but were not embellished. White and Create rooms are lined with white milk crates which were sourced locally. Low VOC Paints and non toxic glues were used throughout and where possible fixings (such as the blades) were chosen to enable disassembly.

External view of Vault with River of Words projection and soundscape by Eness + RumblefishPlanning Process: In March 2007, following endorsement of the plan by NABs Australian Executives, BVN started working closely with Maria Tassone from NAB and her Project team, on The Academy. From the outset, the design team brainstormed ideas on how to meet NABs aspirations. Extensive internal investigation was undertaken by BVN, especially into new educational theories. Ideas generated were tested in sketch plan and with 3D model making to ensure feasibility. These ideas were then discussed at client meetings with NAB in which further brainstorming and refining took place. These client meetings took place throughout all phases of the project. The design team and NAB also worked collaboratively with cutting edge local and overseas responsive environment artists and sonic specialists, Eness, The Amber Theatre and Rumblefish, to create fresh ideas and new ways of looking at things, especially regarding the use of technology. In order to achieve the clients high aspirations for the project BVN had frequent meetings with all consultants to develop ideas in the design and construction process ensuring all unknowns were explored. The design team pushed the boundaries with themselves and all consultants. Every solution presented was questioned thereby lifting everyones expectations and ultimately raising benchmarks.The Academy has set a benchmark for corporate education, and importantly, it is a primary lever for business capability transformation across NAB. Maria Tassone says, We didnt want this to be a space where learning is done to you. It's about taking learning and education beyond the usual parameter...The outcome is nothing short of world class, with significant interest both local and globally on what the future of corporate universities is all aboutThe feedback from our people has been overwhelming positive and has brought out a sense of pride in our organisation. In addition, utilisation of the Academy runs at 95% and is booked out up to 3 months in advance.

Vault training spacePlanning Process Timeline:

Feasibility Study Mar 2007 Schematic Design Dec 2007 Jan 2008 Design DevelopmentFeb 2008 Mar 2008Documentation and TenderApr 2008 Sep 2008Construction Oct 2008 Mar 2009OccupancyApr 2009LaunchJuly 2009The following consultants were involved throughout the process from Schematic Design onwards:

Eness - Responsive Environment Artists The Amber Theatre - Sonic Branding & Interactive Sound ExperiencesRumblefish - Sonic Branding & Interactive Sound ExperiencesiVision - Technology Installation ManagementAECOM - Mechanical / Acoustic EngineerAurecon Group - Electrical EngineerRobert Bird and Associates - Structural EngineerArup Fire - Fire Engineer

Floor plan

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture2010 Project Data

Submitting Firm :BVN ArchitectureProject RoleInterior ArchitectsProject ContactNinotschka TitchkoskyTitlePrincipal / Victorian State DirectorAddress71 Flinders LaneCity, State or Province, CountryMelbourne, VIC, Australia, 3000Phone+61 3 9639 9199

Other Firm:EnessProject RoleResponsive Environment ArtistsProject ContactNimrod WeisTitleDirectorAddressLevel 1, 127 Greville StreetCity, State or Province, CountryPrahran, VIC, Australia, 3181Phone+61 3 9521 5521

Other Firm:The Amber Theatre / RumblefishProject RoleSonic Branding & Interactive Sound ExperiencesProject ContactThe Amber Theatre Marcel de BieRumblefish Brian RuppTitleMarcel de Bie Creative Director / FounderBrian Rupp Creative Director AddressThe Amber Theatre 243 Edward StreetRumblefish 107 SE Washington Street, Suite 700 City, State or Province, CountryThe Amber Theatre Brunswick East, VIC, Australia, 3057Rumblefish Portland, OR 97214, USA PhoneThe Amber Theatre +61 0 407 318 065Rumblefish 503 248 0706 or 800 293 9102

Construction Firm:Bovis Lend LeaseProject RoleProject Construction and ManagementProject ContactHugh MitchellTitleConstruction ManagerAddressLevel 2 The Gauge, 825 Bourke Street, City, State or Province, CountryVictoria Harbour, VIC, Australia, 3008Phone+61 3 9643 0173

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture2010 Project Details

Project NameThe AcademyCityMelbourneStateVICDistrict NameN/ASupt/PresidentN/A Ms Maria Tassone GM Strategy & InnovationOccupancy Date20/04/2009Grades HousedN/A Corporate University open to NABs (National Australia Bank) people and the communityCapacity (Students)10 training rooms and auditorium. Capacity is listed by room name: 1. Lodge - 16 2. Zen - 18 3. Spy - 20 4. Spy 2 -20 5. Vault - 18 6. Camp - 20 7. Stage - 20 8. Scribble 20 9. Create - 20 10. White - 20 11. Auditorium - 300Site Size (acres)0.32haGross Area (sq. ft.)34,444.8 sq. ft. (3,200sqm)Per Occupant (pupil)114.816 sq. ft when auditorium is at capacity (note rooms and auditorium are never at full capacity at the same time) gross/net please indicate 3,200sqm

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture2010 Project Details

Design and Build? Yes (Construction management through Bovis Lend Lease)If yes, Total Cost: $7-$8M Approximately - ConfidentialIncludes:Design and Construction, Fittings & Special Equipment, Loose Furniture & Equipment If no, N/ASite Development:N/ABuilding Construction:N/AFixed Equipment:N/AOther:N/ATotal:$7-$8M Approximately - Confidential

Supporting/Supplemental files/ImagesAtrium breakout space with communal dining area - a key principal of the space is to be inclusive, encouraging congregation and dialogue.

Supporting/Supplemental files/ImagesCreate training space designed for Role Play, Brainstorming and Team Development.

Supporting/Supplemental files/ImagesLodge training space designed for Self Analysis and Focused Based Learning.

Supporting/Supplemental files/ImagesCamp training space designed for Self Analysis and Focused Based Learning.

Supporting/Supplemental files/ImagesSection showing The Academy Stairs where the journey starts.

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