Renowned as one of the Australia’s leading photography education institution, McIldowie Partners looked to create a major feature for their new campus with one of the most exciting and best equipped spaces for professional photographers.

Reworking an early 20th century warehouse-style building into a college requires considerable time and deliberation. However, when McIIdowie Partners, in association with Emma Louise Interiors, were first handed the brief to create a new facility for the Photography Studies College (PSC) in Thistlethwaite Street on the edge of Melbourne’s Central Business District, time was against them.

An occasion to remember

A sense of arrival and welcome is established through an impressive foyer that links all parts of the building. Showcasing students’ Visual Arts on digital and physical media.

Specialised Facilities

The photography studio is a major feature of the new campus and has one of the most exciting and best equipped spaces in Melbourne for professional photographers.

One of the main strategic moves in this design is the central lantern-effect formed by the sawtooth roof, offering an even southern light into the core of the PSC. This not only creates a strong architectural gesture but, as importantly, allows for a soft light to permeate the photographic studios and the four tutorial rooms. Complete block out facilities also ensure all possible options for modern artificial lighting.

Sensitive use of space has enabled flexible learning environments to transition from private study to open collaboration in a matter of seconds