Through Time and Thresholds
The proposed Graduation Hall is narrated as a journey of thresholds and time, reflecting the transformation students undergo as they move from students, to graduands, to graduates. The design incorporates a double narrative—Time and Thresholds. The use of thresholds allows the building to embrace Forgan Smith as part of the journey, enabling both to thrive together for another 100 years. Inspired by the Forgan Smith Building, the design establishes a strong axial and symbolic link and extends its influence through a contextual response.
Evidence-based design approach
A key driver for the design emerged from a survey revealing that the existing UQ Centre leaves little emotional impact on students. In response, this project positions thresholds as both spatial transitions and psychological markers of identity change. Carefully layered along movement paths, these thresholds heighten anticipation and ceremonial significance through moments of compression and release.
New procession route and new frontage for Forgan Smith
The procession begins before entering the hall itself. Students gather on the lawn, walk up the slope, and pass through Forgan Smith’s arched hallway before entering the new hall through the side entry. Academic staff join midway along the corridor, amplifying collective memory through shared recognition and applause. A new, more welcoming frontage with ramps and landscape supports this ritual as part of the graduation journey.
Thresholds as everyday experience
The building also responds to the site’s existing role as a daily pedestrian link. Edges are activated with occupiable spaces inspired by student behaviours around the campus, such as dancing in front of UQ Centre’s glass facade or gathering near Modwest’s benches.
Edges as an extension of thresholds
The outdoor walkway and graduands’ tunnel introduces water, dimmed lighting, and spatial compression to shift the mood from excitement to solemnity. Visitors experience a parallel journey, moving through colonnades, lawn, and foyer in a repeated sequence that mirrors the transformation of identity.
The project demonstrates advanced temporal and contextual thinking by thoughtfully considering Forgan Smith as an integral part of the graduation journey. Through the use of creative materials such as a storybook that curates the processional sequence, and excellent graphic communication, the work showcases outstanding concepts, creativity, and communication skills.
