RMIT University has been progressively rebuilding its main city campus as part of a sustained transformation of both its building stock and its open spaces.

University Lawn is a major public space with great urban presence. It is located in the heart of campus and forms part of an important group of interlinked opens spaces from Ellis Court on La Trobe Street through to Alumni Court on Russell Street.

Spatially, University Lawn is defined by a diverse perimeter of buildings and urban elements. This includes the Francis Ormond Building, Buildings 3, 5 and 15 along with the grand stair to Alumni Court, the remnant Old Melbourne Gaol walls, the belvedere embankment, the Former City Watch House and the link through to Building 20. All of these projects have been undertaken by this Practice over a decade and form an unusual suite of urban spaces and built fabric.

As a place, University lawn is a quiet haven within the bustling city, a protected and defined space with a sunny northern exposure. It is a pivotal project as it dramatically opens up, repairs, and then adds a new urban venue which unites several pathways crossing the campus. A significant aspect of the remaking of University lawn was the rebuilding of new fronts onto the backs of all the adjoining buildings. A series of new facades, entry lobbies, lifts, terraces and stairways connect with the public space they face. This not only improves urban amenity and legibility, it brings new energy and activity to University Lawn.