Curtin University Exchange Precinct

Atelier Ten developed the Living Labs strategy for Curtin University’s Exchange Precinct, setting out how the mixed-use campus quarter can be used as a research environment where innovation is brought out of laboratories to be refined in real-world environments.

The strategy identified research practices the precinct can facilitate; developing processes including access to building data, sensors and adaptable spaces; and proposed governance structures that allow Curtin to manage research trials within the campus.

The precinct was planned to include student accommodation, commercial and hospitality uses, retail, student services, landscape and public realm. Curtin University wanted researchers, industry partners and building users to be able to test new ideas within these everyday environments.

Atelier Ten identified how the buildings and public spaces could support future research without extensive new infrastructure. The strategy defined the infrastructure, governance and operational processes needed to accommodate projects as they emerged.

The commission began with a review of international Living Lab precedents and university research environments. This informed a framework tailored to the precinct’s design, procurement model and long-term operating commitments. Atelier Ten then worked with Curtin University, the development team and research stakeholders to align potential research platforms with the University’s priorities.

The strategy explored opportunities in healthy building performance, indoor environmental quality, energy and water management, waste, urban heat mitigation and emerging technologies. Potential measures included making building performance data available to researchers through the building management system, additional submetering and designated locations for temporary sensors. These measures could support comparisons between buildings, floors or rooms, monitoring of user behaviour and trials of new systems in occupied environments.

Research in occupied buildings may require temporary equipment, changes to building services, access to operational data or temporary disruption. Atelier Ten therefore developed a governance proposal setting out how Curtin could assess applications, secure approvals, assign responsibilities and manage each trial from installation through to reinstatement.

The framework addressed user representation, data management, funding and operational impacts. It recommended a cross-university governance group supported by a senior champion and dedicated program management.

The strategy translated Curtin’s research ambition into a practical model for using the precinct itself as a research environment. Greater Curtin Stage One was conceived not only as new campus infrastructure, but as a place where research could be undertaken in real-world conditions and generate insights for future projects across the University.