Integrated Architecture Learning Center

Opened last year with a celebration that included illuminating the building with Martin intelligent lighting, the center is a unique and modern workplace where all architectural functions take place under one roof from concept development to scale model creation – "a place to experience real life principles and methods of architecture in a working environment like no other." Outside Martin MAC 600s and 1200s were used to illuminate the Learning Center and its sculptured panels, casting the building in a magnificent wash of pinks and blues. Control came via a Martin 3032 controller and a Case Pro I controller.

The Learning Center is the brainchild of founders and architects Michael Corby and Paul Dickinson whose goal was to create a center to express their enthusiasm for architecture, its history, theory and practice "beyond the scope of any textbook or piece of drafting paper."

Outside are the "Falling Walls," a sculpture of 30-foot prefabricated concrete wall panels which appear to be peeling away from the rest of the building, suspended in their fall. Twelve MAC 600s and 6 MAC 1200s were used to illuminate the panels and Learning Center.

"Every aspect of the Learning Center is designed to be a learning tool within a working office" – a virtual tour of exploration in the world of architecture.

Start at the "Origins of Design," an entry wall exposing soil, rock and water – the origins of all basic architectural materials – and proceed into the Learning Center where these elements have been transformed into man-made steel reinforcement rods and exposed aggregates.

Continue to "Beneath the Surface" and get a glimpse beneath the floor complete with concrete, mesh and electrical system. The "Parti" is the buildings fundamental design concept and is located on a skewed axis compared to the rest of the building and represents the creative element necessary in successful architectural design. Here design teams can be seen working in an open environment.

The "Foci" is a five-story structure which symbolises the "converging of ideas." Design ideas begin in the lower level "war room" and, as development of the design advances, moves up the Foci to subsequent levels for further refinement.

Next, journey along a bridge or ascend the steps to the "Temple of Knowledge," a resource room of architectural information and resources. The "Oasis" provides a chance for rest and relaxation, a break room complete with stainless steel palm trees and surrounded by windows.