marking snøhetta?s first completed project in australia, ?pridham hall? is a sporting facility designed for the university of south australia (UniSA) in collaboration with local practices, JPE design studio and jam factory. the work, which intends to become the new ?social heart? of the campus, combines a friendly atmosphere with state-of-the-art equipment. combining indoor and outdoor spaces, the building has been created as a civic landmark for both the university and the city.

all images © mark syke
 
 
the program of the new building includes a hall, swimming pool, sports facilities and function spaces, as well as integrated green spaces. from outside, the new architecture is distinguished by interaction between the landscape and the building. on the north-eastern and western sides, the roof planes extend down to the ground, creating terraced spaces which showcase plant species from southern australia while serving as large external public amphitheaters. these elements of the design function to achieve the team?s idea of creating not only a sports facility, but also a venue for graduations, events and student interaction.
 
 
on the ground floor, the main hall, measuring 1,600 m2, has been formed as the heart of the building. this multifunctional space houses both sport activities, events and ceremonies. the hall also includes a climbing wall and a student lounge mezzanine at the second level. in the basement level, a gymnasium, dance studio and a 25-meter swi...