Building for the future – New Collections and Research Building
The new Collections and Research Building will accommodate the Museum's zoology research staff and laboratories as well as storing part of the Australian Museum's collection of approximately 14.5 million specimens.
The building's 5000 square metres of space will provide world-class collection storage facilities. The new site will contain temperature and humidity controlled environments to ensure the long-term preservation of the Museum's important collections. To minimise transport-related damage to specimens the building's new work spaces will be sited in proximity to the storage areas.
The laboratories will be fitted out with modern facilities and research equipment allowing teams to work together on important taxonomic and ecological research projects. The design of the new building will vastly improve working conditions for scientists, that currently work in heritage environments that are unsuitable for contemporary scientific study. Construction on the Collections and Research building begins in late 2006 and it will open in late 2008.
The architects Johnson Pilton Walker, led by design team Richard Johnson and Graeme Dix, aim to use environmentally sustainable principles throughout the new building. A double-skin façade will help insulate the building against the extremes of temperature and humidity and other systems are being explored to reduce energy use in the building. Wherever possible furniture, fittings and equipment will be re-used, and new items sourced from recycled, reusable or environmentally responsible materials.
"The new science building is a much needed addition for one of Australia's most significant scientific institutions and an investment in the future of Australian science," said Frank Howarth, Director of the Australian Museum.
