The $853 million dollar ECU City Campus spans 11 levels and 65,000-square-metres.
The design of the Edith Cowan University (ECU) City Campus has won more praise, with the project among the National Winners for Educational Architecture at the Australian Institute of Architects 2026 National Architecture Awards.
The Lyons, Silver Thomas Hanley and Haworth Tompkins-designed campus was among thirty-four winners announced at the end of October, representing the best new homes, commercial buildings and community projects across the country.
Australian Institute of Architects 2026 National Architecture Awards Jury Chair, Adam Haddow, commented on the sense of optimism and common themes amongst the winners.
"There was an energy of hope in the projects we saw this year, a sense of communities coming together to challenge assumptions. Architects responded to briefs and looked for more, amplifying the possible, to deliver delight and joy – beyond what they were asked to do. The value of good architecture is projecting a sense of joy and delight. This year's winning buildings are optimistic, with bright outlooks onto the future," said Haddow.
"Good architecture is about trusting people. Not designing to exclude people but designing things to include. This is architecture that assumes that generally, people are good; people want to live in great places and be connected to their friends, family and the people around them. It is important that the communities can see themselves in the buildings that are delivered, that buildings are accessible and speak to community ambition," he added.
"It is incredibly heartening to see how engagement with First Nations cultures has grown in recent years. These awarded projects understand Indigenous histories and place. They are a true partnership between the architect, community and First Nations people, holding the pen together. These winners think about the way in which architectural projects can help to reconcile and truth-tell, and how that connection to Country can create a sense of pride in communities at large, not just for First Nations people."
Image courtesy of Peter Bennetts
The $853 million dollar ECU City Campus spans 11 levels and 65,000-square-metres, and was designed by Melbourne-based Lyons Architecture, Subiaco's Silver Thomas Hanley and London's Haworth Tomkins.
The design principles of ECU City have drawn inspiration from the foundational cultural narratives at the heart of the Cultural Narrative Framework, 'Life Layers', which was initially articulated by Dr Richard Walley in consultation with Whadjuk Noongar Elders, and reflects the enduring connection between land, water, and culture.
This has guided and shaped the architectural and cultural design of the campus, with 'Life Layers' reflected throughout - integrated into its façade, with artworks, signage and internal spaces reflecting their meaning.
Jointly funded by the Australian Government, Western Australian Government and ECU, ECU City opened in February 2026, bringing new energy to Perth's CBD and the Perth City Link precinct. As Perth's first comprehensive university campus in the CBD, it is home to a community of more than 10,000 students and staff, strengthening the city's position as a hub for education, innovation and cultural engagement.
The campus features more than 2,800 custom LED lattice fixtures integrated into its distinctive fin façade, which would stretch almost five kilometres if placed end to end. The bespoke technology enables video displays across two sides of the building's exterior, creating a dynamic public experience in the heart of the city. Inside, a spectacular 407-square-metre, four-storey LED screen wraps across multiple surfaces in the main foyer, forming one of Australia's largest indoor LED displays and an immersive canvas for public engagement, creative expression and storytelling.
Earlier this year, the City Campus was recognised with four awards of 14 categories at the 2026 West Australian Architecture Awards, including the most esteemed honour, the George Temple Poole Award. ECU City also took out the Best Community Infrastructure award at the 2026 WA Property Awards and the Australian Construction Achievement Awards.
