Arts West, The University of Melbourne

The $66 million Arts West Redevelopment Project is the Faculty of Arts’ most significant infrastructure project in recent years and enables the creation of new and dynamic teaching and learning spaces for staff and students. The site is located in the heart of the University campus, surrounded by pedestrians and occupied buildings, several of which have heritage significance.

With thousands of footfalls expected on a daily basis, the infrastructure needs to be built with due consideration for facility access to people of all ages and abilities (including those with some form of physical impairment). In addition, the entrances and stairs need to ensure safe passage for people during wet days, while keeping the facility aesthetically as pleasing as it is from outside.

In alignment with the architect specifications and considering the expected foot traffic, Classic installed an access solution comprising stair nosings – black ribbed aluminium nosing (SNR019) with ramped back and short raked front for the hard substrate stairs and natural anodised stair nosings (DKR4823) with black grit inserts, Tactile indicators – stainless steel individual tactile indicators with black finish as well as natural finish across the facility and, entrance matting – Integra Vantt 5500 Series architectural black anodised aluminium entrance matting with high quality alternating Integra Zone matting Midnight and ribbed polymer inserts.

Application highlights: Internal application of stair nosing, tactiles and entrance matting. Curved nosings.

* Despite high level of foot/wheeled traffic, moisture and dirt removal at entrance, keeping the facility clean and safe for students, teaching staff and visitors

* Safe passage for students, teaching staff and visitors on stairs across the large facility

* Enhanced access experience for visually impaired through out the facility