Gateway Precinct Building Part 1 Project 2020 Mariana Reher University of Queensland | Australia The project responds to a simple brief for a University building in a subtropical climate, striving to create sustainable architecture that respects its setting and takes moral responsibility for the interaction of its users with their environment. Sustainability is a critical issue of our current era. Successful modern buildings must achieve beyond formal dreams and functional goals; they must work symbiotically with nature to reduce their ecological impacts. The placeless, temperature-controlled, constricted University building has run its course; it is my aim to create an innovative space intrinsically connected to its natural environment. This is developed through mindful integration of internal and external spaces, passive thermal control, and physical and visual interactions with natural elements. Through landscaping with native vegetation, the region is celebrated – and the permeability of the building encourages users to interact with this revitalized scape and rediscover their wonder for nature. Frequent interaction with nature has proven benefits to mental and physical health; conversely, chronic isolation from plants and fresh air leads to depressive disorders. Thus, providing a medium through which people may reconnect with their natural environment will benefit not only our planet, but also the wellbeing of our communities. It is our duty. Mariana Reher Tutor(s) Alejandro Cohn