Wintec’s R Block is a revision and rethinking of a former industrial trades training building. The redesign accentuates the positives (large open spaces; extensive roof lighting) while eliminating the negatives (leaking skylights; the solid construction of the building cut off connection to the street outside).

A key design move is a translucent canopy, which was placed over the existing roof to stop leaks while still allowing good natural lighting into the studios. Expansive glazing to the Collingwood St façade and new landscaping activates the once-mute relationship between building and street so that today the School of Media Arts benefits from a clear visual and physical connection with the surrounding urban spaces.