At QUT Gardens Point, a former lecture theatre was transformed into a vibrant student hub. Designed by RAL Architects with Castledex furniture, the space now supports collaboration, flexible learning, and is one of campus’s most-loved areas.

What QUT told us they wanted.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT), home to over 50,000 students and a renowned Creative Industries faculty, sought to revitalise an underutilised tiered lecture theatre at their Gardens Point campus. Their goal was to create a vibrant, flexible space that would foster collaboration, support a variety of learning styles, and become a popular daily destination for students.

 

How we acted on what we heard.

Working with RAL Architects and Schiavello Constructions, Castledex Queensland (formerly Fuse Furniture) helped transform the outdated space into a dynamic suite of multi-purpose areas. We provided furniture solutions that layered levels, boosted acoustics, and brought bold colours and adaptable forms into the space.

Key products included multi-height seating, mobile and fixed collaborative settings, and soft furnishings that supported both group work and quiet study. Each item was selected to encourage movement, conversation, and student comfort across extended study sessions.

Inspired results

Castledex successfully delivered:

  • Flexible, multi-level furniture to activate a once-static environment
  • Smart zoning to support collaboration, individual focus, and informal gatherings
  • A contemporary design language that students embraced

The refurbished D Block has become one of the most popular student areas on campus earning praise for its comfort, functionality, and inviting atmosphere.