Introducing next gen_campus

Swinburne has embarked on a large program of work to transform our physical environment and deliver a better student experience.

next gen_campus will ensure our students have access to the latest technology and advanced facilities here at Swinburne.

It encompasses nine transformative projects that will revitalise our Hawthorn, Croydon and Wantirna campuses.

On this page:
 

Campus Heart

Campus Heart, the centrepiece of Swinburne’s next gen_campus project, is the ‘learning and social engine’ at our Hawthorn campus. To be constructed on the site of the existing Atrium, this four-storey development will connect refurbished BA and Library buildings. Designs and a business case for Campus Heart will be presented to the University Council, Swinburne’s governing body, for approval in late 2023. Where approved, the facility is expected to be ready for students in mid-2026.

See more about Campus Heart

New 24/7 Latelab and student hub

To make way for the landmark Campus Heart development, a new 24/7 Latelab and student hub will be built in Hawthorn’s 27 John St building opposite the Library. This facility will provide students with additional secure, 24-hour spaces to work, study and relax on campus. Students will be able to make use of accessible kitchen, common room and dining spaces, with almost 20 per cent more capacity than is currently offered at the existing Latelab and Atrium. Designs and a business case for the new 24/7 Latelab will be presented to the University Council, Swinburne’s governing body, for approval in late 2023. Where approved, the facility is expected to be ready for students in early 2025.

See more about new Latelab and student hub

The new 24/7 Latelab and student hub will provide students with additional safe, 24-hour spaces to work, study and relax on campus.

Indigenous Learning Circles

The revitalisation of key public spaces through Swinburne’s next gen_campus will pay tribute to the traditional owners of the lands on which our Australian campuses are located, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. Indigenous Learning Circles will integrate aspects of country, people, culture and art in outdoor spaces across Hawthorn, Croydon and Wantirna, connecting with the existing Aunty Dot Peters AM Flowering Grasslands. Seating and artworks will inspire reflections on connection to country and the culture of our traditional owners. These spaces will support the engagement and success of vocational education students, who often face barriers to education and training. They will also get students out of the classroom into an environment encouraging them to think in a different capacity. It will provide an opportunity for students to reflect, review their goals and to clarify and absorb their understanding of what they've learnt in class.

See more about Indigenous Learning Circles

Indigenous Learning Circles will integrate aspects of country, people, culture and art in outdoor spaces across Hawthorn, Croydon and Wantirna

Digital Teaching Spaces

Education facilities at Swinburne will be transformed into classrooms for the future. Classrooms will be upgraded to create and deliver innovative forms of digitally-enabled, blended learning experiences. This project will help us meet the expectations of contemporary higher and vocational education learners wherever they are in their education journey. In turn, the upgraded spaces will equip graduates with the necessary digital literacies and confidence to respond to technology requirements and opportunities in their field. Designs for the Digital Teaching Spaces are underway. Subject to final approval, they will be constructed progressively throughout 2023 and 2024.

Protolab

Enhancing hands-on employment‐ready opportunities for students to engage with physical making and all types of digital prototyping and fabrication, the Protolab redevelopment will leverage a shared facility for interdisciplinary learning in both vocational and higher education design pathways, including architecture, interior design, building design, engineering, technology, mechatronics and robotics. The refurbishment and upgrade of the existing facility will amplify student and industry engagement in an environment that is highly attractive and relevant to design consultancy and manufacturing industries. It will create a facility that is open and welcoming to both students and external partners, with highly engaged expert technical support, and facilitate the further growth of design programs. Designs for the Protolab redevelopment are underway. Subject to final approval, it is expected to be completed in 2024.

The Protolab redevelopment will leverage a shared facility for interdisciplinary learning in both vocational and higher education design pathways

Construction Simulation Hub

This cutting-edge facility will enable construction engineering students to digitally view, model and experience augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) content. Simulating building and construction sites through AR and VR headsets and a state-of-the-art hologram table, it will also include custom, purpose-made computers for processing 3D and point cloud model data and a 3D scanner. Situated in Hawthorn’s TD building, this facility will ensure both higher and vocational education students have access to the latest technology as they train for job-ready futures.

Applied Mechanics Hub

The Applied Mechanics Hub is a refurbishment of existing engineering lab space that will improve accessibility and ensure students can easily and safely move around the lab. It comprises a thermodynamics lab, statics lab and dynamic lab. The refurbishment will involve the removal of a mezzanine level and stairs, relocating all engineering test rig equipment.

Physiotherapy Lab

A new Physiotherapy Lab will compliment the existing one in Hawthorn’s SPW building, extending capacity and ensuring it can meet future growth for this in-demand teaching area. The refurbished space will provide new digital tools to enhance teaching capability, particularly hybrid and blended modes of delivery, and include space separation for examinations. The design will strengthen SPW's unique identity and provide students with a welcoming environment to learn and grow within. 

The new Physiotherapy Lab will provide new digital tools to enhance Swinburne's teaching capability, particularly hybrid and blended modes of delivery, and include space separation for examinations.

Get involved

This vision has students at its core and will be developed in collaboration with our diverse student community.

next gen_campus will reflect their expectations for an on-campus experience, considering their needs and priorities for how they will use these facilities and spaces to work, study and interact with each other.

Our collaborative approach also presents unique opportunities to create curricular and co-curricular opportunities for students, embodying Swinburne’s commitment to work integrated learning and real industry experience to produce job-ready graduates.

Scroll down to check out next gen_campus events and activities!

Learn more about our Listening Posts

Student advisory groups

Have your say on the future of Swinburne and go into the draw to win a laptop, tablet and other epic prizes!

Join Swinburne’s next gen_experience advisory groups! The fully catered sessions will run at least once a month, and those who attend at least ten sessions will receive a $200 Coles Myer voucher and enter the draw to win one of several major prizes!

Email tbrient@swinburne.edu.au to join

Events

    • Next gen campus

    Campus Heart co-creation workshop

    Swinburne University of Technology is working with students to design and develop your next gen_campus, creating spaces where we can learn connect and innovate together. Join us for food, fun and to have your say on this transformative development!

    Tue 5 December
    12:30 PM to 3:00 PM
    Student Lounge, The George Building
    Free
    Register now (Campus Heart co-creation workshop)

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