Peddle Thorp in conjunction with James Cubitt Architects were commissioned by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to undertake the Briefing, Design and Documentation of the new Lecture Theatre at the University of Papua New Guinea. Peddle Thorp completed a campus master plan that identified that the current Lecture Theatre facilities on site would not support the University’s immediate future growth calculations.

The New Lecture Theatre was designed as a 400-seat amphitheatre style standalone lecture theatre, connected via outdoor links to the new School of Business (also by Peddle Thorp.) The building was designed as a mixed mode space, it can either be airconditioned or naturally ventilated. The space is also and naturally lit, with large blades running the length of the building to control daylight. Designed to make use of the site’s natural slope, the tired seating is built onto the existing slope reducing extensive cut and fill. A large outdoor foyer allows for students to gather before and after timetabled classes in a well-protected environment, featuring seating areas for collaboration, device charging, and informal learning.