RMIT Building 8

Building 8 at RMIT is a nine-story university structure on Swanston Street with a striking facade of colored brick, stone elements, and exposed piping. Inside are the Swanston Library, Student Union, workshops, and computer labs that support architecture and design courses.

The building was completed in 1993 by architecture firm Edmond and Corrigan and blends contemporary forms with influences from Melbourne's traditional design. Its design marked a shift in how learning spaces were imagined in the city.

The building shows postmodern design that stands apart from older campus structures around it. Its bright colored exterior and exposed mechanical systems signal a different approach to how a learning space looks and functions.

The building is easy to access and has three elevators to move between its nine floors. Keep in mind that the upper floors house mainly studios while lower levels see more visitor traffic.

The building uses an unusual polygonal floor plan rather than a standard rectangular layout. The tall-ceiling studios on the top floor offer views across both Swanston and Bowen Street, giving creative workers an unexpected benefit.

Location: City of Melbourne

Inception: 1993

Architects: Edmond and Corrigan, Maggie Edmond, Peter Corrigan

Architectural style: postmodern architecture

Floors above the ground: 9

Elevators: 3

GPS coordinates: -37.80870,144.96400

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:10