The Challenge
Constitution Place is a major civic and commercial precinct in the heart of Canberra, bringing together ACT Government offices, commercial workspaces, hospitality, and public domain within a highly considered urban framework.
At the centre of the Government building, Bates Smart designed a multi-storey atrium defined by circular geometries, forming a connected internal “social heart” that links workspaces across levels.
The skylight solution needed to:
- Deliver natural daylight deep into this central atrium and surrounding workspaces.
- Align with the project’s circular design language, which is embedded throughout both the architecture and urban planning.
- Support a human-centred workplace environment, enhancing wellbeing and spatial quality.
- Integrate within a complex commercial roof structure without compromising performance or durability.
Given the scale and prominence of the development, the skylights formed part of a broader strategy to elevate workplace experience and public amenity.
The Solution
Skyspan supplied a series of circular skylights from the CSL range, selected to complement the building’s geometry and support the atrium design.
Key aspects of the solution included:
- Circular dome skylights, reinforcing the architectural language of the atrium and roof forms.
- A system designed to provide even, diffused daylight, suited to large internal volumes.
- Integration across the roof plan to align with the atrium layout and internal planning strategy.
- A durable, low-maintenance solution appropriate for a high-traffic commercial environment.
The skylights were incorporated as part of the building’s broader passive design approach, supporting natural lighting outcomes across the workplace.
The Outcome
The completed skylights contribute directly to the quality of the central atrium, introducing natural light that animates the internal spaces and strengthens visual connections between levels.
By reinforcing the project’s circular geometry and supporting its human-centred design principles, the skylights help define the character of the workplace environment while improving occupant comfort.
As part of a precinct recognised nationally for both workplace design and mixed-use development, Constitution Place demonstrates how skylights can play a meaningful role in large-scale commercial architecture—supporting both performance and experience.
