Perth enters the world stage with ECU City media architecture

Edith Cowan University's (ECU) new city campus will bring unprecedented motion and light to the Perth skyline, with its media architecture revealed today.

When it opens in semester one, 2026, a cutting-edge LED façade and immersive digital foyer screen will bring the $853 million campus to life in a vibrant display of art and culture, both inside and out.

Jointly funded by the Albanese Labor Government, the Cook Labor Government, and ECU, the 65,000-square-metre university campus is set to deliver new energy to Perth's CBD and the Perth City Link precinct with a community of more than 10,000 students and staff.

Externally, ECU City boasts more than 2,800 custom LED lattice fixtures integrated into its distinctive fin façade. If placed end to end, the luminous fixtures would stretch nearly five kilometres. This bespoke system allows video integration across two sides of the campus' exterior, creating a dynamic public experience for visitors moving through Perth's city centre.

An impressive four-storey screen inside the building's main foyer is anticipated to be one of the largest indoor LED displays in Australia. At 407 square metres and wrapping across multiple surfaces, it forms an immersive canvas designed for public engagement, creative expression and storytelling.

It will showcase an evolving and curated content program, featuring the creative works of artists and students.

The campus' advanced digital infrastructure is built on the same technology used in global film and gaming production.

Similar technology has been used at iconic international destinations such as Outernet London, Sphere Las Vegas and the AT&T Discovery District in Dallas.

The campus will be the new home of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), the School of Business and Law, creative humanities programs from the School of Arts and Humanities, including the WA Screen and Media Academy, technology and cyber security programs from the School of Science, and Kurongkurl Katitjin – the University's Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research.

Comments attributable to WA Premier Roger Cook:

"Part of what makes the ECU City project truly extraordinary is the media architecture that powers it. We are talking about the same cutting-edge digital infrastructure that sits behind the LED volume stages used in blockbuster global productions. That means Western Australian students, researchers and creatives will have access to the same tools as the world's leading film, gaming and broadcast industries.

"ECU City puts Perth among world-leading destinations. It says to the world that Western Australia is not just participating in the conversation about how technology, culture and education come together, we are leading it.

"This is a project that gives Western Australia's young people the chance to learn and work at the cutting edge. It creates opportunities for industry to partner with education in new and exciting ways. And it cements Perth's reputation as a city of imagination, ambition and possibility."

Comments attributable to Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King:

"ECU City is a gamechanger for Perth. This dynamic media technology will stop people in their tracks as they move through the city centre.

"This campus will demonstrate how technology, creativity and education can come together to transform the fabric of our cities and create thriving, vibrant and connected communities.

"ECU City will re-energise Perth's city centre and attract worldwide attention, delivering on our vision for the Perth City Link precinct and benefiting all Western Australians."

Comments attributable to WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti:

"ECU City is pushing the boundaries of creative technology and is placing Western Australia at the forefront of higher education.

"The media architecture on display at ECU City is set to reinvent Perth's CBD, bringing families, professionals and visitors from around the State and beyond to the most public transport accessible university in WA.

"Perth's skyline will be transformed, with ECU City, Yagan Square, the WACA, Optus Stadium and Matagarup Bridge creating a network of illuminated landmarks that reach out across the city.

"ECU City will not only be a visible canvas, it will also train the highly skilled artists, designers, producers and creatives who will go on to work in these fields both here in WA and abroad.

"It's another important part of our commitment to investing in a strong creative industry here in WA, with the new Perth Film Studio and the Perth Cultural Centre revitalisation."

Comments attributable to WA Minister for Planning and Lands John Carey:

"This technology has been woven into the structure of the building itself, and will reshape and enhance the face of Perth.

"We are establishing a beacon that will draw people in, spark curiosity and ignite creativity.

"Our Government has invested significantly in this landmark project, which will transform our cityscape and increase vibrancy by delivering a new community of more than 10,000 staff and students in the CBD."

Comments attributable to Federal Member for Perth Patrick Gorman:

"ECU City will become a truly world-class destination not only for education, but for culture, art and creativity.

"Perth's first comprehensive inner city university campus will be an iconic landmark that will attract creators, artists and visitors from around the world to our shores.

"ECU City will showcase innovative urban design to benefit the community and boost local businesses."

"Perth values education, and so does the Albanese Government, that's why we are delivering national results in the heart of our city."

Comments attributable to ECU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clare Pollock:

"Our immersive media architecture is unlike anything seen before in Australia. It offers a powerful platform for collaboration between students, researchers, artists and industry.

ECU's industry and research partners will be able to contribute to the activation of these interfaces in surprising and memorable ways, reaching new audiences from our students and local communities to international visitors. Together we can create content and experiences that blend art, technology and storytelling in ways that deeply inspire and connect.

"This is more than a campus. It is a place for imagination, discovery and possibility. It will position ECU as Australia's leading hub for immersive engagement, where education, research, innovation and culture come together as one.

"The opportunities this opens up for our students and the community are limitless, and we can't wait for what the future holds."

A vibrant display of art and culture, both inside and out.