Campuscapes Exhibition

“Belief in the significance of architecture is premised on the notion that we are, for better or for worse, different people in different places...” Alain de Botton, 2006

In an age of limited travel, lockdowns and online learning, what value does our physical campus provide? The items in this exhibition offer the opportunity to consider how the University of Adelaide’s North Terrace campus contributes to our well-being and experience of education and research. 

The built environment can impact our psychological wellbeing, connect us to each other and allow us to access creativity. There is no single element which makes a university campus excel; rather it is a combination of iconic architecture, harmonious landscaping, inspiring libraries and vibrant sporting and social spaces. For nearly 150 years the University of Adelaide’s campus has been viewed as an ornament to North Terrace. But the history of the site goes back many thousands of years and we are now beginning to better acknowledge and value the Kaurna people’s continuing connection to Country.

The campus has never been static, it continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of our students and staff. What will be our most pressing demands in the future? Will the opportunity for inclusive social connection on campus be even more valuable? What new technology might our researchers develop to improve the green credentials of our buildings? How will our appreciation of Kaurna Country spread out from the fire pit and lights of the Kaurna Learning Circle?

Our campus is a statement of who we are as a community - it is our sense of place.

Further explore:

• display items
• University places
• Series 0695 - University People, Buildings and Events Photographs, 1900 to 2004
• Timeline - University Buildings and Structures, 1882-1975.