New office and lounge an 'oasis' for students

Work is underway on a new student office and lounge for the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) in the Beryl Rawson Building.

The concept for the revamped space was designed by visual arts student Chelsea Lemon. 

Chelsea’s winning design was chosen by a panel from a range of submissions. The competition was open to second-year students studying in the Furniture Workshop with Niklavs Rubenis at the ANU School of Art.

Ashley Eriksmoen, Head of the Furniture Workshop, says Chelsea’s design was unanimously chosen by the panel.

“She started with no preconceived idea other than it should be a welcoming space. The existing space was like a dentist’s waiting room – somewhere you don’t want to be – and it lacked personality.

“Chelsea’s whimsical design stands out for how much personality it has, how engaging, and how not sterile it is. We think students will realise it is a space designed just for them.”

CASS General Manager Linda Addison agrees, saying she hopes students will use the space to meet, work and relax.

“My hope is that our students come to own the space as theirs. It is a space designed by a CASS student for CASS students and it will enable the College to showcase work by our students and schools.”

The idea for a student-designed office and lounge was initially conceived by CASS IT Manager George Lovrincevic.

Chelsea polled students and observed their behaviour in similar spaces to develop her design, which features study and breakout areas as well as an enquiries office. She has also incorporated drought-resistant plants for a calming and rejuvenating effect. Her concept was originally named the CACTUSS Lounge but after consultation with key stakeholders, the name evolved into the Oasis Lounge.

“It’s amazing to see my design come to life in the Oasis Lounge,” she says. “It’s a very good opportunity and a great project to be a part of, especially for my portfolio. Plus I’m learning along the way about the process of working with a client.”

Ms Eriksmoen says involving School of Art students in “real life” projects like this provides them with invaluable experience.

“A lot of what we learn at art school is designing for the white room or the gallery cube, with nothing specific to the space at all. This is a very different situation to a blank canvas.

“Moving an idea from concept into production is a really amazing process for any student to go through.”

The new CASS Student Office and Oasis Lounge will open at the start of second semester.