Installation of Upper to Lower Level Lift 

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The University of Adelaide is committed to providing equity of access (or universal access) to all students, staff and visitors. The pronounced difference in elevation between North Terrace and the bank of the River Torrens presents some very real challenges to access of the campus, both to buildings and as a general thoroughfare. After much consultation, in 2002 the University’s Disability Action Plan determined that the installation of a lift, in the right location, could significantly alleviate these access issues. The preferred location was a prominent site along the major north–south and east–west pedestrian routes within the campus.

While a number of sites and options were considered the final site was chosen as it provides access to levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Plaza Building and level 5 of the Staff Club, as well as the upper and lower levels of the Flentje Lecture Theatre and the Polygon Lecture Theatre – all high-use common areas.

Following a tender process, in 2003 the University engaged Walter Brooke & Associates as the principal architectural consultants, with the University’s Design Panel under Prof Tony Radford providing significant input and advice.

Kennett Builders were then engaged as the principal contractor, beginning construction in September 2004 and finalising installation a year later for its first operation on 26 September 2005.

At the outset the University sought to make a bold architectural statement.

The resulting design accentuates the functional requirements of the structure, with a vibrant use of colour, extensive use of transparent panelling and other materials heightening the metropolitan and contemporary nature of the campus.

Security is paramount, with access and use being controlled by swipe card and proximity readers, further enhanced with CCTV cameras.

The lift is a significant milestone in respect of the University meeting the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (1993), being linked by a network of ingenious ramps to several of the different levels of the campus, as well as providing direct vertical access to specific floors within and between buildings.

The success of the design was recognised by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (SA Chapter), who bestowed both the 2006 Award of Merit in the Urban Design category and a Commendation in the New Buildings category.