The Academy Melbourne, Victoria Building, Architect, NAB Project, National Australia Bank

The Academy Melbourne : Architecture

Docklands Building in Victoria design by BVN Architecture, Australia

17 Dec 2010

The Academy

The Academy – National@Docklands, VIC

Design: BVN Architecture

The Academy is an immersive environment that engages all the senses to enhance learning. The design team in conjunction with responsive environment artists and sonic specialists, worked collaboratively with NAB to create The Academy.

It is a 3200m2 publicly accessible space, symbolising NAB’s belief in the potential of its employees and communities NAB support. The space is dedicated to employee training / development and community engagement – experienced in a unique and interactive environment with state-of-the-art technology.

images © Anson Smart

The Academy also establishes a new model for the corporate sector in fulfilling their social responsibility aspirations. It 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. Over 30,000 people have attended business or learning events at The Academy since opening in July 2009.

The Academy is a show piece for NAB’s learning approach and culture. The project 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. In keeping with the philosophy of Transformation, self discovery is encouraged, as one navigates their own path between the timber blades situated throughout the space.

The unique spaces tune in to all senses thereby stimulating learning and creative thinking beyond the usual ways. Through the use of projection and sound, a ‘Parallel Wilderness’ has been created – a virtual eco-system which co-exists in the space. The Parallel Wilderness grows and changes with the rhythm and energy of The Academy. The content is programmed to be self generating.

Spaces are supported by leading edge technology such as the 18 metre panoramic simulation walls. However, the design also understands the ability to brainstorm and share your stories is equally important. The ten primary training spaces have a specially created ‘dial a mood’ soundscape allowing facilitators to use music to create different levels of energy.

“The outcome is nothing short of world class, with significant interest both local and globally on what the future of corporate universities is all about.” (Maria Tassone, General Manager, Strategy and Innovation, Human Capital Strategy, National Australia Bank).

The Academy – National@Docklands, VIC – Building Information

Client: National Australia Bank
Completed: 2009
Value: Confidential
Photographs: Anson Smart and Andrew Lloyd

Awards
2010 IDA Corporate Design High Commendation
2010 CEFPI Australasia Region Educational
Facilities Awards – ‘Education Initiative/
Design Solution for an Innovative Program’ Commendation
2010 WAF Shortlist – Interior & Fitout

The Academy Melbourne images / information from BVN Architecture

BVN Architecture

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia