Artistic focus

Within the context of the creative industries, The Queensland Academy of Creative lndustries (QACI) represents a new way of teaching and learning. Located in the Kelvin Grove Urban Village, QACI is a state school for high-achieving students in Years 10 to 12. At seven levels high, QACI is also the first multi-storey educational facility developed by Education Queensland.

The success of this project can largely be attributed to the level of collaboration between the architects, the construction company and the client, Education Queensland. PDT Architects was involved with the project from the outset, undertaking the masterplanning, site feasibility and sketch design for the building, prior to joining with ADCO Constructions to undertake the design and construction of the facility, which opened in January 2008.

ADCO Constructions has extensive experience in the construction, refurbishment, fit-out, design and construction, and construction management of a range of projects, including many education facilities in Queensland.

The project team worked within a very tight time frame to deliver QACI, with the philosophy of creating, designing and innovating to find solutions informing all stages of the project, including concept, detailed design and construction.

The $40 million, 6300m² building incorporates a 364-seat auditorium, a double-volume art gallery, drama studio, theatrette, learning areas, music rooms, science laboratories and recording studios. There is wireless capability throughout.

ADCO and PDT Architects share a commitment to delivering high-quality projects on time, on budget and without fuss.

"Our philosophy is to ensure that every project we undertake finishes with a satisfied client. We achieve this by emphasising ongoing communication with clients and commitment to each project. This is supported through management and quality systems that we have developed and refined over a number of years," says ADCO business development manager Shane Aiken.

Education Queensland and representatives from the school were also closely involved with the project throughout. The exterior sun shading and structure on the side of the building was an example of the level of collaboration between all parties. The structure was initially designed by the architectural team, while an artistic advisor and school students came up with the design for the graphics.

The resulting building is a source of pride for the architects, builders, client, students and teachers alike, and is described by one of its students as a creative educational environment that was borne out of a creative collaboration.

For more information, contact ADCO Constructions, phone (07) 3511 5555. Email: brisbane@adcoconstruct.com.au. Or visit the website: www.adcoconstruct.com.au. Contact PDT Architects, phone (07) 3232 1300. Website: www.pdt.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas