Monash University Southern Precinct Landscape
| Program | 2024 Landscape Performance Case Studies |
|---|---|
| Location | Clayton, Victoria — Boon Wurrung, Bunurong Country |
| Project type | University campus landscape |
| Former land use | On-grade carpark |
| Size | 26,115 m² |
| Budget | A$2.7 million |
| Completed | December 2018 |
| Designer | ASPECT Studios |
| Research team | RMIT University |
Summary
At Monash University's Clayton campus, a surface carpark for 435 vehicles was removed, an underground carpark for 828 built in its place, and a lightweight podium landscape laid over the top — creating outdoor spaces for study and social life where there had been asphalt.
The case study also covers Menzies Square, the central plaza where two major pedestrian routes meet, redesigned with Indigenous 'Welcome to Country' artwork. In both areas, climate-resilient planting with low irrigation needs and added shade improves thermal comfort, and the landscape is irrigated with stormwater harvested across the campus.
It is a useful precedent for anyone weighing whether landscape over structure can deliver real canopy, cooling and social value — and for how to measure it.
Key findings
- Tree canopy on the podium doubled, with 85 new trees planted over the underground carpark.
- Vegetated area up 18% — an additional 3,303 m² of garden beds and grassed areas.
- Cooler surfaces at midday — 1.8°C cooler than the former surface carpark, and 4.4°C cooler than the above-ground multi-level carpark that would otherwise have been built. Measured by thermal infrared on a 35°C day in March 2024, weighted by the area of each surface type.
- Grass under tree shade measured 14°C cooler than dark concrete paving on the same morning.
- A$24,630 a year saved in landscape management by irrigating with 8.3 ML of recycled water instead of potable water.
- 6,878 m² of public open space added — roughly the size of an international soccer pitch.
- 85% of student respondents use the spaces to socialise; 55% of students and 33% of staff use them for academic work.
- 47% of respondents reported feeling Welcomed to Country.
Lessons learned
The project was designed and delivered in 2016–2018. The researchers note that while it introduced a representation of Indigenous culture previously absent from Menzies Square, practice has since moved towards a 'connecting to Country' framework — and there are ways the cultural outcomes could be strengthened now.
Downloads
Cite as
Gilbert, Jock, Anna Durkin, and Jasjit Banga. “Monash University Southern Precinct Landscape.” Landscape Performance Case Studies Program. Landscape Foundation of Australia, 2024.