The Australian National University, Australian Centre on China in the World will be one of the world’s preeminent institutes studying China. The building embodies the basic tenets of Chinese architecture and planning, which are rooted in the inseparable relationship between landscape and built form, through a building that also reflects the Australian vernacular.

The landscape in introduced into the building through the use of gardens and courtyards, and placement of windows along planning axis, that deliberately frame views so that the structure and its surrounding environment are seamlessly integrated.

The design supports the creation of a public institution with spaces for interaction and the exchange of ideas, whilst providing an environment conducive to serious concentrated work. The building is inspired by traditional Chinese architectural means of spatial procession and sequencing, resulting in the exploration of the separation and interaction of private and public realms.

The centre reflects ideas of Chinese craftsmanship and decoration expressed in pinwheel and ‘cracked ice’ pattern to the windows, while the Gallery and Library, and Great Hall are provided with decorative screens as interpretation of Chinese lantern that will enable the building to act as marker for the campus during the day and night.