Curtin University Exchange Precinct
with John Wardle Architects
Atelier Ten developed the Living Labs strategy for Curtin University’s Exchange Precinct, setting out how the mixed-use campus quarter could function as a real-world research environment beyond traditional laboratory settings. The strategy identified potential research opportunities and what the precinct would need to support and manage future trials.
Our team began with a review of international Living Lab precedents to understand what had worked elsewhere and what could realistically be applied at Greater Curtin. We then worked with Curtin researchers and key stakeholders to identify which research opportunities the precinct could support.
The goal was to assess how different buildings and public spaces could support future research without requiring purpose-built research facilities. The resulting strategy defined what the precinct would need to accommodate research proposals as they arose, including the supporting governance arrangements.
Research opportunities could include pilot studies into healthy buildings, indoor environmental quality, energy performance, water use, waste, urban heat and emerging technologies. The strategy explored measures such as making building data available to researchers and increasing capacity for submetering and temporary sensing, allowing researchers to compare performance between buildings and spaces.
Recognising that research in operational environments could affect building systems and day-to-day operations, Atelier Ten developed a governance framework to guide how Curtin could assess applications and manage future trials. The framework covered funding and responsibilities, as well as impacts on users and operations. It recommended a cross-university governance group supported by a senior champion and dedicated program management.
The project shows how Atelier Ten can bring research into sustainability and environmental design at precinct scale. The strategy turned Curtin University’s research ambitions into practical requirements for the precinct, with the potential for future research to inform projects across the University.