A geological showcase to enhance student learning – made possible by Stantec’s engineering
The Earth Sciences Garden at Monash University is the first of its type to be created in Australia, providing a comprehensive showcase of the geology and geomorphology of Victoria. Stantec’s Civil, Structural, Electrical and Hydraulics consultants worked with Earth Scientists from Monash University and landscape architects, Rush\Wright Associates to develop the unusual and weighty garden design.
Comprising a stunning arrangement of some 500 rock specimens, the garden is laid out to form outcrops in a geological map of Victoria. Measuring just 120m x 30m, the site is located in the Clayton Campus adjacent to nearby buildings. Retention walls and significant structural foundations were needed to provide a stable base for the sizeable rock specimens, including a 10-ton Gneiss centerpiece. A co-ordinated approach ensured the services fully integrated with the existing campus infrastructure, providing reticulation and lighting for the landscaped environment.
Stantec’s engineers contributed to this innovative, safe and accessible display, where Monash students can gain valuable hands-on experience in geological technique.
The AILA award jury cited the project as: “This project is a wonderful example of the university’s strategy to promote outdoor learning spaces. The ‘garden’ is an intricate and thoughtfully design space on campus that showcases the physical environment of the region. The project is conceptually innovative through its abstraction of the regions geology and is supported in its execution through a high level of detailing that ensures a unified space on campus”.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- Monash University
- Architect
- Rush\Wright Associates
- Award
- 2018 AILA National Landscape Architecture Awards – Civic Landscape
- 2016 Association for Learning Environments: Landscape/Outdoor Learning Area
- 2016 Think Brick Australia: Bruce Mackenzie Landscape Award Finalist
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