Gray Puksand created a functional space with natural light and open work areas for the Leo Cussen Centre for Law in Melbourne, Australia.

After three decades in their previous premises in the heart of Little Bourke Street, Leo Cussen Centre for Law relocated to their new home at 15 William Street, Melbourne in December 2018. Situated on the edge of Melbourne’s legal precinct the new headquarters takes advantage of stunning river views and the surrounding CBD outlook.

Gray Puksand worked collaboratively with Leo Cussen Centre for Law’s executive team to develop a design approach that respected the values, tradition and culture of the organisation while strengthening their presence as the provider of choice within the Law Fraternity.

Jennifer Lyons, Associate at Gray Puksand, said design engagement commenced in January 2018 with an intense series of briefing workshops undertaken over a period of three months. The outcomes forming the design language that is welcoming, professional, sophisticated and inclusive. Leo Cussen Centre for Law also wanted to provide a sense of community, enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing amongst their staff, student cohort and the Law Fraternity.

Spanning 4,400 sqm across two levels, the large floor plates and inter-connecting stair facilitate the connection between the student learning spaces on level 15 and the professional workspaces and conference facilities on level 16.

This deeply considered merging of workplace and education facilities contributes to the potential for informal learning and offers students an appreciation for their future placement in a professional work setting. The planning is designed to minimise hierarchy and to elevate the student mindset with opportunities to mingle and network both with fellow students and practicing lawyers at varying stages of their career.

With 160 students onsite on a daily basis the planning for Level 15 has been carefully considered to provide a variety of spaces to facilitate opportunities for formal and informal training, collaboration and knowledge sharing, social interaction and areas for focus and contemplation.

Design: Gray Puksand
Photography: Tatjana Plitt