For nearly 2 decades from the mid 1990’s, RMIT University progressively rebuilt its main city campus as part of a sustained transformation of both its building stock and its open spaces. The transformation of the campus was overseen through the Urban Spaces Project which began as an idea in 1995. The plan was to progressively rebuild the campus open spaces in a staged process. What was a cacophony of cluttered streets, laneways, dead-ends and hidden courts, is now a pedestrian friendly campus of visual delight and interest.

A design strategy was developed around 11 campus sectors, each with their own urban characteristics.

The foundation projects commenced in the medieval-type laneways around B8, Campbell Walk and Rodda Lane. Then onto Ellis Court, the main forecourt on Latrobe Street, followed by the Bowen Street and terrace pedestrian spine. A new laneway, University Way, was created behind buildings 3, 5 7 & 9 connecting into a new network of stepped gardens and intimate courtyards