Designed by HASSELL, The interactive, purpose-driven design of The Science Place at James Cook University immerses students, staff, and visitors in a world of scientific discovery and innovation. The open facility celebrates, supports and reveals science in cutting-edge facilities. The Science Place has been designed to transform scientific research, undergraduate education, and postgraduate training at James Cook University?s Townsville campus in tropical northern Australia.
Photography: Andrew Rankin
The building is the instantly recognizable ?home of science? on the campus.  It links current and future scientists ? previously dispersed around the campus in inefficient facilities ? in one concentrated, central hub that?s bursting with activity and primed for growth. The Science Place brings together the university?s chemistry, biochemistry and biology research cohorts for the first time, fuelling more innovative, multi-disciplinary scientific research. The building combines research-led learning on the lower two levels with dedicated scientific research on the upper two floors ? all linked by stacked atrium spaces and a central open stair accessible to all. Photography: Andrew Rankin
The building forms a key node on the central academic green activated with a cluster of cafés and a lecture theatre, connected to the building?s extensive informal learning hub on the lower levels. This hub ? which gives science students a place to call their own ? connects problem-based le...