Murdoch University is embarking on the development of a globally significant environmental education centre. Named after Dr Harry Butler AO CBE, the Harry Butler Institute Environmental Education Centre will be home to the Harry Butler Institute and will support its goal to champion research into the co-existence of biodiversity, business and community. The centre will be a rigorous thinking and innovation hub, where industry and academia collaborate to provide scientific solutions to environmental management challenges. 

Located at the new entry and geographic centre of the university campus, the centre will form a gateway to the Beeliar Regional Park wetland comprising a technology enriched building and extensive external public open space. Murdoch University is seeking to deliver a world-class facility that will bring together design excellence, sustainability and innovative technological outcomes, while paying homage to the 50,000-year historical, social and cultural importance of the area. 

The competition will be in two stages, with an EOI followed by a single stage design competition, to select a winning competitor to design the Harry Butler Institute. It is expected that competitor teams will reflect the multidisciplinary nature of the competition brief. Following the EOI in stage one – which will include an indication of a high-level design approach – a shortlist of competitors will be invited to participate in the stage two design competition. An Independent jury of design professionals will select from the EOI up to three competitors to proceed to competition stage.  All stage two competitors will be paid an honorarium. 

The competition brief will be released early 2020 with announcement of winner by mid 2020.